Most healthcare practitioners recommend waiting six weeks postpartum to engage in strenuous exercise. If you have had vaginal delivery, some simple exercises you can start right away include isometric contractions of the abdominals and pelvic floor muscles. This is similar to mild Kegel exercises of simply tightening specific muscle groups, holding for 10 seconds then releasing, repeating 3-4 times. If you had complications during delivery, it may take longer for the tearing or incisions to heal so it is important to not contract these muscles until they have fully healed. Start slow and very gradually increase your intensity level – pain may be your body’s way of saying you’re not completely healed so listen to this message. Have a conversation with your doctor or midwife about when is appropriate for you to get back to your regular exercise routine.

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