Physical Activity

When youre feeling tired, being more active or taking more exercise may seem like the last thing you need. But activity can relax you, help your body recover after childbirth, keep you fit or improve your fitness, and makes you feel better.
 
Keep up the postnatal exercises you were taught. Stick at them. Theyll strengthen vital muscles and improve your shape.

Join a postnatal exercise class If youve recently had a baby. Company may help. Find out if your local maternity unit has a class run by an obstetric physiotherapist, or ask your health visitor about other local classes.

If it isnt a special postnatal class be sure to tell the person running the class if youve had a baby in the last few months. Youll need to take special care of your back and avoid exercises that could damage it.

Push the pram or buggy briskly, remembering to keep your back straight. Get out for walks as much as you can.

Play energetic games with older children. Make yourself run about as well as them. Find outdoor space if theres no space at home.

Run upstairs. You probably find yourself going up and down a hundred times a day in any case. Try to look on it as good exercise!

Squat down to pick things up from the floor, holding heavy weights close to your body. This is also something youre likely to be doing a lot. If you squat rather than stoop, bending your knees and keeping your back straight, youll improve your thigh muscles. Youll also avoid damaging your back.

Join an exercise class. There may be one locally that welcomes children or has a crche. Ask your health visitor.

Swimming is good, relaxing exercise. If you take your child with you, try to have someone else there too, so that you get a chance to swim.

Borrow or buy an exercise video. Do a workout at home, perhaps with a friend. Get the children to join in.