Connect with us

Fitness

Pregnancy to postpartum fitness: Here’s how to return to exercise after childbirth

Published

on

Pregnancy to postpartum fitness: Here’s how to return to exercise after childbirth

Giving birth to a new life is considered to be one of the most cherished event for a woman but how can we forget that pregnancy and childbirth brings so many changes in a woman’s body from these three aspects – anatomical, physiological and emotional. These three parameters are the pillars for every individual’s wellbeing.

Pregnancy to postpartum fitness: Here’s how to return to exercise after childbirth (File Photo)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Priya Singh, Women’s Health Physiotherapist and Lactation Consultant at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Vashi and Navi Mumbai, highlighted that the documented changes that occur during the course of pregnancy are:

  • Changes in the hormonal secretions
  • Overall increase in body fluid
  • Laxity of joints and ligaments due to relaxin hormone
  • Changes in the curvature of the lumbar spine
  • Stretching of the abdominal muscles to accommodate the growing fetus.
  • Changes in the skin
  • The most important: weight gain

According to Priya Singh, there are many other changes that a woman’s body may go through but the above changes mentioned are the most common ones and visible ones.

Why are we discussing changes during pregnancy while we discuss ‘return to exercise after childbirth’?

Priya Singh explained, “That is for you to understand that the changes that have occurred during child birth would certainly require some time to return back to normal, as how it was! You can make your bounce back process a little easier by staying active during pregnancy as exercising would help you maintain your fitness level, the muscle strength, stamina and flexibility which in return helps you to combat the expected pregnancy discomforts and that allows you to start your post-partum fitness journey soon after you give birth.”

She elaborated, “The most common concerns that every women has after child birth are “why this belly still looks bigger after the baby is born, what can be done to have this belly go in, how much time will it take, what all activities can I do”, will wearing a belt help?. The uterus is made up of smooth muscles and it grows in size with progressing weeks of pregnancy and so the abdominal muscles also stretch to accommodate the growing fetus. After childbirth the uterus is still big in size. Which shrinks and reduces naturally on its own with time. This process is referred as Involution.”

Advertisement

Now let us discuss something that also causes the abdominal muscles to bulge is Diastasis recti; the separation of the rectus abdominal muscle that is more than more than 2 cm would require your attention. There are 4 types of Diastasis recti and that are:

  1. Open Diastasis
  2. Open below Naval
  3. Open Above Naval
  4. Completely Open

As per Priya Singh, 2-3 weeks after childbirth it is recommended to get checked from a physiotherapist so that they can prescribe exercises as per the assessment and type of Diastasis recti present.

What the role of abdominal belt to play here? Let’s discuss.

The criteria for wearing a belt are–

  1. Always consult your healthcare provider before using one for yourself.
  2. If you have a loose, saggy abdominal muscle and basic daily activities are affected without support.
  3. Less strength in core muscles
  4. Twin pregnancy
  5. If you are a Multiparous women.

Priya Singh suggested, “One may require to use a belt initially for about 6-12 weeks which is enough. An abdominal belt offers you a good posture and support but avoid prolonged usage as it will lead to muscle wasting, work on the muscle consistently with core exercises as per one’s existing muscle strength. A physiotherapist can help you with wearing the belt correctly and guide you with the right core exercises to begin with.”

The fitness expert advised, “The exercises that can be started soon after giving birth are abdominal muscles contraction or activation, Deep breathing exercises along with the core activation & other muscle activation exercises can be considered.”

She added a few suggestions that mothers may follow to avoid any injury, discomfort while they are returning to exercise after giving birth –

  • Take it slow, allow your body to heal for about 4-6 weeks.
  • One can start basic mobility and muscle activation exercises soon after childbirth as it allows the joints and muscles to retain its basic function.
  • Intensity of the exercises can be increased and mild to moderate intensity exercises for upper body, back and abdomen can be started after 6 weeks.
  • Moderate strength training can be started to strengthen upper and lower body with weights of up to 3-3.5 kg for beginners along with core activation exercises. Avoid lifting heavy weights during daily chores or as a part of exercise, weight training is an important part of the exercise routine but the weights must be increased in gradual manner to avoid any injury.
  • Mild to moderate Cardio exercises like walking and brisk walking can be started after 6 weeks. Avoid HITT (high intensity interval training).

Priya Singh concluded, “I would recommend mothers to take professional advice on which exercise to begin with. Evaluation of muscles strength plays a vital role in forming an exercise program of an individual. The result of not having a good core strength is having multiple discomforts out of which the most common is backache. A Physiotherapist can help you with having a safe exercise routine post childbirth by keeping all the exercise guidelines in mind. The aim of your exercise program shall focus on building a strong system instead of weight loss. Weight loss is the byproduct of life style that we have, eating habits, consistency and patience.”

Advertisement

Fitness

Fitness Coach Shares 10-Minute Workout Plan for Busy Days

Published

on

Fitness Coach Shares 10-Minute Workout Plan for Busy Days

Working out daily can bring countless benefits to your health. But let’s face it, there are some busy days in between which often don’t leave you with the time to hit the gym. To solve this problem, fitness coach Luke Coutinho has shared his easy and simple fitness routine for people who struggle to find the time to go to the gym. The regimen yields results and can be performed at home without using any additional equipment. In a post shared on Instagram, Luke mentioned doing three sets each of squats, pushups, planks, lunges and pull-ups. He also added mountain climbers to be performed between each set. “Simplicity is the new luxury and something is better than nothing,” Luke concluded.

He even suggested an alternative to pull-ups, mentioning that if you can’t do pull-ups, then you can start with dead hangs, where you simply hang from a pull-up bar. Other than this, Luke Coutinho also said that if you don’t have time for a full workout, you can still stay active by walking and completing your daily steps target. 

Luke stated that on days you can’t do a workout, it’s important to eat mindfully to maintain a balance in your lifestyle.

Advertisement

In his previous Instagram post, the fitness coach advised practising a simple yet effective breathing technique to “instantly calm your mind, reduce stress and lift your mood.” Whether you are feeling low or anxious or just need a mood lifter,  Luke Coutinho added that the 4-7-8 breathing technique can help. It is “one of the most powerful and effective exercises to instantly calm your mind.” 

This technique will help you get your stress and anxiety levels under control.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Advertisement


Continue Reading

Fitness

95 year old fitness instructor leads twice weekly exercise classes

Published

on

95 year old fitness instructor leads twice weekly exercise classes

From arm stretches to gentle pilates, a group of pensioners in Croatia are keeping active well into their later years. At the heart of it all is fitness trainer 95-year-old Djurdja Vukovic — still leading the way, and showing no signs of slowing down.

Continue Reading

Fitness

'Number 1' gym exercise that burns the most calories may surprise you

Published

on

'Number 1' gym exercise that burns the most calories may surprise you

Exercise is essential for many reasons, but particularly when it comes to burning calories.

Burning more calories than you consume leads to weight loss(Image: Getty)

The top calorie-burning exercise has been revealed. Engaging in physical activities that burn calories is essential for weight management, heart health, and overall wellness. They promote weight loss by creating a calorie deficit, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance physical and mental health.

The United States has an estimated 64.19 million gym memberships, the most of any country. California has the most health and fitness gyms in the U.S. with 5,123, while Wyoming has the least health and fitness gyms in the U.S. with 81, according to Gymdesk.

Whether you’re a gym newbie or a seasoned pro, figuring out the most effective workouts can be challenging. To help, weight loss experts at ZAVA have unveiled the exercises that burn the most calories, reports Surrey Live.

Exercises that burn the most calories

Rank

Exercise

Advertisement

Calories (Kcal) burned per 10 min (Male)

Calories (Kcal) burned per 10 min (Female)

1

Running curved treadmill, 7.0 to 7.9 mph

184

Advertisement

155

=2

Skipping

168

142

Advertisement

=2

Rowing – stationary

168

142

=2

Advertisement

Shuttle running

168

142

=2

High-intensity interval exercises (HIIT)

Advertisement

168

142

3

Bicycling – stationary

165

Advertisement

139

=4

Ski ergometer

161

135

Advertisement

=4

Slide board exercise

161

135

5

Advertisement

Kettlebell swings

150

126

6

Therapeutic exercise ball, Fitball exercise

Advertisement

145

122

=7

Stair climber

142

Advertisement

120

=7

Boxing, simulated boxing round, exercise

142

120

Advertisement

=8

Elliptical trainer

138

116

=8

Advertisement

Jumping rope – Digi-Jump Machine

138

116

=8

Impulse Training System

Advertisement

138

116

9

Pound

130

Advertisement

109

10

Aerobic dance

122

103

Advertisement

The fitness gurus at ZAVA have crunched the numbers and found that running on a curved treadmill at 7-7.9mph is the top calorie-burning exercise, torching 184 calories for men and 155 for women in just 10 minutes. This speed hits the ‘sweet spot’, as slowing down to 4-4.9mph can decrease the calorie burn by an average of 77.

It might come as a surprise, but curved treadmills outperform flat treadmills in terms of benefits. The key lies in their self-powered design, which simulates a more natural running experience, boosts calorie burn, and more effectively engages muscles like glutes, hamstrings, and calves while being gentler on the joints.

Sharing the second spot with a burn rate of 168 calories for men and 142 for women in 10 minutes are skipping, shuttle running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and rowing on a machine. Jump rope workouts are a fantastic way to incinerate calories with minimal gear, and you can easily do them at home with just a rope – 168 calories gone in 10 minutes for men and 142 for women.

A dynamic scene of a man running on a treadmill inside a modern gym
Running on a curved treadmill burns more calories than running on a flat treadmill

With this adaptable exercise, you can get your heart racing, build muscle and strength, boost endurance, and even improve balance and coordination. Jumping rope is a fantastic workout for all ages and has been proven to enhance bone density. A 2015 study involving women aged 25-50 found that those who jumped rope twice daily saw significant improvements in hip bone density after just eight weeks.

Rowing is another calorie-burning powerhouse, torching 168 calories in 10 minutes for men and 142 for women. This full-body workout enhances heart health, endurance, muscle strength, and can even correct posture.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) burns an equivalent amount of calories. This regimen involves short bursts of intense exercise and can be performed solo or in classes, featuring moves like burpees, mountain climbers, and squat jumps.

Advertisement
Woman skipping with rope
Skipping came in second place

Research shows that HIIT workouts elevate your metabolic rate post-exercise. They also increase your VO2 max – the maximum volume of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise, which is a reliable measure of aerobic capacity.

Shuttle runs are equally effective, burning 168 calories in 10 minutes for men and 142 for women. Popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, shuttle runs enhance acceleration, deceleration, speed, and aerobic health. The 20m shuttle run, also known as the beep test, is often used to assess physical fitness for demanding jobs, serving as an indicator of VO2 max.

While yoga and Pilates are fan favorites, they’re not the top calorie burners. In 10 minutes, men burn 35 and 43 calories, respectively, and women shed 30 and 36. Despite their lower calorie-burning stats, these workouts are cherished for their ability to enhance core strength, flexibility, and mental well-being.

Remember, what works for one may not work for another. If you have any fitness-related queries, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.

Continue Reading

Trending