There are so many benefits to postnatal exercise for physical and mental welling.
Lots of mums I talk to say "I really want to exercise but I just don't have the time" and this I get, I really do, and it can be a bit of a chicken and egg situation because making the time will make you feel so much better in so many ways to deal with all the parent stuff you have to do that takes up all your time!
Image by Nik Cooper @nikcooper_photography
The first benefit you'll get is reward, self reward of actually booking in that class, PT session, enrolling onto a programme because that is actually the hardest bit, making the first step and well done mama you just did that, give yourself a pat on the back.
Now during these sessions you may be working towards goals and achieving goals is huge boost for your mental wellbeing especially for mums, as a lot of the time it can feel like you achieve nothing (when actually you achieve a huge amount everyday).
During these classes, PT session or programmes you may meet other people or mums and the socialising aspect of exercise is a powerful thing as not only can it feel lonely being a mum and making those friendships, talking to other mums, sharing experiences can feel a load lighter but also in terms of exercise adherence you are much likely to go back to that class if you if you had a good experience and know you are likely yo see the same people. This puts you in a better position for receiving that self reward for continuing to exercise and also continue to receive all the physical health benefits from exercising.
Before we get into the physical benefits ones that crosses both mental and physical is endorphins/dopamine which is a hormone that is released after as little as 10mins of moderate exercise. This automatically makes you feel good. Motherhood can be extremely hard and lots of women often experience a low mood at some point and endorphins are going to be really well received in this instance.
Now physically women's bodies go through a huge amount change during pregnancy and birth some of which can have lasting affects and postnatal exercise will help to regain strength in areas that have been stretched and week, build strength not only for functional fitness but can be a never ending progressive journey to work towards empowering mums.
And all of these things will help to build confidence, something mums commonly suffer from a lack after having children for different reasons.
You will benefit from all these things through regular exercise and put you in a good position to continue caring for your children and your grandchildren and you will be a brilliant role model to young children to see exercise as part of your lifestyle and enjoyable.
If you are struggling to find time to exercise or unsure of what to do then please get in touch and I can help you find something that works for you.
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