Post-Pregnancy Exercise

When you began exercising during your pregnancy, slow and steady was the rule. That's even more important now after your pregnancy. You should only really start exercising when you feel capable of physical exertion again. Most mothers wait until they have had their six week postpartum checkup, but if you feel ready, then you can start sooner.

Pelvic Floor Strengthener
This exercise is perfect for improving circulation in the pelvic region, as well as keeping the vaginal canal in shape.

lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor

tighten the muscles of the vagina as if trying to interrupt the flow of urine when going to the bathroom

hold for a count of four, then release

Head and Shoulder Raises

lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands behind your head

take a breath and, as you exhale, tighten your abdominal muscles, flatten the small of your back against the floor and raise your head and shoulders off the ground and slowly lower

repeat the entire sequence eight to 10 times

Pelvic Tilt

lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floot

inhale and allow your abdomen to expand

exhale and lift your tailbone toward your navel, keeping you hips on the floor

at the top of the tilt, tighten your buttocks, then release

repeat eight to 10 times

Always remember that you must get back into your exercise routine slowly. It is also a good idea to do these exercises in conjunction with cardiovascular work, such as walking, swimming and light weight training.

Recommended Link
Have a great exercise tip that helped get your body back in shape? Want to offer encouragement to other women shedding those pregnancy pounds? Then visit Pregnancy Stories to post your inspirational or funny postpartum tale of weight loss.

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