The #1 Best Exercise for New Mums

The good news is you don’t need to put yourself through exhausting boot camp style work outs to get results! 

Our expert Postnatal Physiotherapist, Andrea Baker, says "walking as the safest exercise for new mums as it does not compromise muscles that are weakened by pregnancy". Nobody wants a prolapse, so we must take it easy with a simple and safe exercise. Walking is perfect.

Walking Burns Fat & Releases "Happy Hormones"

Along with burning calories and increasing your metabolism, walking releases endorphins which are the feel-good hormones our body makes during exercise.

These hormones give us feelings of well-being and also relieve stress to help avoid any postpartum blues.

Up to 13% of new mothers are reported as being affected by postnatal depression. Research has shown that postnatal exercise reduces this risk by as much as 50%. When you add mood boosting to the other weight loss and health benefits, walking quickly becomes a no-brainer!

Most babies enjoy a walk too, in the carrier or pram, which is great news for those of us with clingy babies.

How much Walking a Day?

It helps to have a goal.

A 30 - 45 minute walk is ideal but if you are just starting out or have taken a break from exercise you can always begin with something simple like a 10 or 20-minute walk.

If finding 30 minutes at a time is challenging, see how you can break it up into smaller chunks of time. 5 or 10 minutes, here and 5 or 10 minutes there – it adds up!

The key is to start with something, then COMMIT to it. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. And if you slip up and miss a day, forgive yourself and get straight back on it the next day.

Weight Loss is typically 80% what you eat and drink and 20% exercise, so on the days you don't exercise try to concentrate on eating healthy.

Need some extra support to get in shape?