- Play energetic games with older children. You can exercise by running/walking or crawling about with them. Play with your children in the park instead of just watching them.
- Build activity into your day. Use the stairs instead of the lift or, for short journeys, walk instead of taking the car.
- Bend down to pick things up, rather than bend over. Picking things up off the floor is something you're likely to be doing a lot. If you bend down (bent knees and straight back) instead of bending over (straight knees and a bent spine), you'll strengthen your thigh muscles and avoid damaging your back. Hold heavy objects close to your body.
- Borrow or buy an exercise DVD. This is a good way to work out at home. You could get a friend or your children to join in.
- Do some postnatal exercises. They'll strengthen vital muscles and help get you in shape (see links below).
- Join a postnatal exercise class - ask your mid-wife or health visitor if they know of any in your area. If you're going to a class that isn't a special postnatal class, make sure you tell the instructor that you've recently had a baby.
To find out more click on the links below:
- Your post-pregnancy body (NHS) for ideas, or ask your midwife or health visitor.
- Postnatal Yoga video (NHS)
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