Working out after having a preemie

Were you looking forward to working out after you recovered from having your preemie?

Whether your answer is “HECK YES!” or “HECK NO!,” exercise can be just as beneficial for your mind as it is the body. In fact, I recently polled Preemie Mom Camp followers on Instagram and asked them about working out after baby and the majority of the respondents  worked out for mental health more than physical fitness.

I get it! You’re thinking “when do I have time to work out?!”

Between visiting baby at the NICU, pumping, eating, sleeping, pumping, juggling other children, housework, pumping and maybe even going back to work—-there doesn’t seem to be a way to work it in.

Look, exercise can be whatever makes sense FOR YOU! Start off slow with short walks. Pop on a short exercise video (I love these by Tone it Up) after the kids go to bed.  And when you feel up to it, grab a friend and GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. Truly, momma–some “me time” out of the house listening to fun music and laughing with a pal will do wonders for your well-being.

I enjoyed Pure Barre workouts prior to and during my pregnancy so I picked it back up about three months postpartum. This popular full-body studio workout is available seemingly everywhere–there are nearly 500 Pure Barre studios across the U.S. and Canada to choose from. Don’t live near one? In recent years, they also added an online streaming option for classes—-YES! Barre classes in your living room!

Click here to check out a FREE 55-min online  introductory Pure Barre class. 

I interviewed preemie mom and Pure Barre studio co-owner, Megan Harlan, to tell you about a workout this workout.

You might remember Megan from her Preemie Mom Story last year.  She took and taught classes up to 34 weeks when she unexpectedly went into labor with her son. Here’s why she thinks Pure Barre is a great option for new moms. 

 

In your opinion, what are some of the benefits, besides physical fitness, for exercising after pregnancy? 

Exercising allows you to have time for yourself, it boosts your mood, gives you energy and can help with self-esteem after pregnancy.

Is Pure Barre a safe workout for new preemie moms?

Because Pure Barre is low impact and has modifications for every move, it is safe for expecting and new moms. If you are a new mom and are looking for a supportive, fun community of women and a great workout then you should try out a Pure Barre near you.

When is it safe to start or come back to Pure Barre after having a baby?

It is typically safe for new moms to come back four to six weeks after having a baby, but always check with your doctor.

What types of Pure Barre moves can or should be modified by a new mom?

Modifications are very dependent on the person, their physical fitness before delivery and their delivery. Many common modifications are coming to one or both knees during planks or push-ups. Another modification is to sit up higher during abdominal work or use a ball for support.

What is the Baby Bounce Back package?

For the Tulsa studios, our Baby Bounce Back Package is a three month unlimited class package for only $360. This package is for anyone that has had a baby within the last year. Be sure and check with your local studio as not all studios offer this package.

When did you decide to get back to Pure Barre classes after having your preemie?

I started taking classes four weeks after pregnancy. Of course, I modified many of the moves and took it slow.

Did you find yourself modifying moves when you came back?

Yes, my core was obviously not as strong as it had been and it took me some time before I was able to do full body planks and push-ups.

What moves were harder than before you had your baby?

Any kind of abdominal work, especially plank.

What type of results did you start to see first when you began exercising again?

The first thing I noticed was my energy and mood. Exercising gave me a chance to get an hour for myself during the day and interact with other women.

What should breastfeeding and pumping moms do if they want to incorporate exercise into their routine?

Exercising is perfectly fine to do if you are breastfeeding or pumping. I would make sure that you are picking times to exercise when you are not needing to feed so that you are comfortable.

How did you motivate yourself on days when you did not want to work out?

On the days I didn’t want to workout I reminded myself of how much better I felt when I did. It also didn’t hurt that I was wanting to lose the baby weight.

Give yourself grace when working out after pregnancy. Remember that your body has just been through a lot and not to be hard on yourself. It’s ok to take the modifications when needed and its ok to rest. Don’t compare your post baby body to others. You just created a human!

 

Still not sold? Here are a few other articles  you might want to check out:

Tucking for Two: A Pregnant Woman’s Guide to the Barre

8 Steps to Easing Back into a Fitness Routine After Birth – Fit Pregnancy

Here’s How To Ease Back Into Working Out After Having A Baby | SELF