When to start exercising?

Hey, I’m a pre post natal trainer but just here to make friends 🙂. You can start with your pelvic floor exercises right away - they will help your body recover. Walking is also a great one to do right away. In terms of the gym or other exercise, don’t do anything until after your 6 week sign off from the GP. At this point, if you’re able to, I really recommend getting a mummy mot (google it if you’re not sure 🙂) before starting anything. I hope this helps. When you do start back, if you’d like any advice on how feel free to dm me. C xx

i went back to the gym once i was cleared to at my six week check

My GP advised when it feels right to do so. I'm glad cause I like the gym and exercising and felt a lot of pressure from myself to 'get back to it after 6 weeks'. The reality is I was only really at 10 weeks and I'm glad I just listened to my body and didn't force it. I also had 2nd degree tear and vaginal birth. A few of my mates did mummy MOT and advised it wasn't worth the money in that the pelvic floor/abs advice is all things you can find online. The only person who did find it helpful was a mate who had a 4th degree and needed a lot of physio support and she was really glad to have had the additional support and tailored programme.

As others have said 6 weeks to exercise and i would definitely recommend a mummy MOT first. For running it is advised 12 weeks. There is also some really good evidence to return to running to do the couch to 5 to allow your pelvic floor to recover.

There are a few factors that can impact your return to exercise, but pelvic floor exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing can be done straight away. The key is that slower is faster, so more gentle exercises to help rehab and rebuild. I do online yoga classes for post partum mums if you'd be interested, and am always happy to chat through and questions or concerns you may have :)