How soon can I start to work out?

I just gave birth last week and although my doctor gave me the okay to workout within 2 weeks, I still feel it might be too early or if I do start, I should start with a light workout.

How soon did you start working out and what was your routine?

Re: How soon can I start to work out?

When I had DS, I waited until after my 6 week check up to start WW and start working out. When I started working out, I did things like Stroller Strides (while on maternity leave) and Zumba classes at a dance studio. I also bought an elliptical after having DS, and I used it about 3 times a week while losing my pregnancy weight. I lost all of my pregnancy weight (around 40 lbs) in about 5-6 months doing it that way.

If you are planning on starting something in the next week or so, I'd probably start with just walking.

But I am not a big exercise lover and have never been a hard core work out or gym person, so others might have a different take.

How soon can I start to work out?

I had a c-section and was given the okay after 6 weeks. I didn't feel ready until 7 weeks. I would imagine its easier to go back to working out after a natural birth than a csection. I was still having some pain and didn't want to push it at all. I would go based on what your body tells you.

Congrats!

Re: How soon can I start to work out?

I started running...well jogging...2 weeks after my third c/s. I was just careful. (5 weeks after #2)

Re: How soon can I start to work out?

I wish I got the ok to workout at 2 weeks, I wasn't even supposed to be using stairs for 2 weeks - not a C-section - ugh.

If you feel ready, you probably are. Just keep in mind that the 6-week standard waiting time is also because of different hormones coarsing through your body. You still have relaxin being released- which makes your joints loosen (to widen hips for childbirth), so be very careful and aware of how your knees, hips and shoulders feel during exercise. I would def. suggest starting light if you're only 2 weeks post.

Re: How soon can I start to work out?

I wish I had the time, energy, desire, or ability to go sooner. I started walking as soon as I got home...BUT it wasn't until the BFing was more "routine" that I was able to sneak away for actual workouts.

Re: How soon can I start to work out?

How soon can I start to work out?

I started working out at home as soon as I felt ready, which was about 2 wks postpartum. I didn't even ask my dr because I felt like I knew my body well enough to know it was ok to work out (that being said, I had a natural, med free birth with minimal tearing). I started slowly, just walking on the treadmill at a slight incline and was able to start jogging again by 3wks. I'm still a significantly slower runner than I was pre pregnancy, but I'm essentially back to my normal routine of running 3-4 days a week and strength training 2-3 days a week and my DD is only 7 wks. Just monitor how you feel and go from there.

How soon can I start to work out?

i started pilates at 4 weeks but was not able to run until 6 weeks:) I would go by the way your body feels.

Re: How soon can I start to work out?

Re: How soon can I start to work out?

With DD I started running at 7 weeks, but with DS I started at 2 weeks, 2 days (my dr. said 2-3 weeks was ok. Had a much easier delivery/recovery with DC #2). I started running right away and IMO it was too much too soon...take it easy in the beginning. And with BFing, I still can't go far from home. DS is a super crappy sleeper. I sometimes have to get off the treadmill to feed him and then finish running.

Message edited 1/24/2013 9:23:56 PM.

How soon can I start to work out?

I was told 6 weeks and I waited 6 weeks!!! I started running at that time.


Take it easy when you first get back into it and gradually increase intensity.