Cathe's "Official Beginner Rotation" for postpartum?

[Golfingirl]

Hi everyone! I don't post here often but I know there's a lot of wisdom here and I'm looking for some guidance on what to expect postpartum. I'm 31 weeks pregnant with my first child and being a rotation queen, have been amusing myself pondering what routine I'll follow after my baby boy arrives. I'm just not sure what I can expect from myself fitness-wise after giving birth... pre-pregnancy, I did a variety of Cathe and other workouts (FIRM, Amy Bento, etc.) usually 5-6 times a week. I'd say I was high intermediate, would probably have been advanced if it weren't for bunion issues (which have miraculously disappeared during pregnancy!). Anyway, I've had an easy, healthy pregnancy and have continued to work out, but have increasingly stuck to my easier workouts (Cathe's Total Body Sculpting has been a favorite, for example) and am of course modifying as needed. I know I'll have a few to several weeks with minimal exercise postpartum, depending on what kind of delivery I have. When I return to exercise, what is my fitness level likely to be? Would the official beginner's rotation be suitable? I don't want to do too much too soon, but I do want to challenge myself. Thanks in advance for the opinions!

 

[shopaholic]

RE: Cathe's

Hi and good luck! I found that my fitness level returned quickly. I began back with easy videos weeks 2-6 postpartum then after my 6 week check up was able to resume where I was prepregnancy. I , like you exercised throughout pregnancy and felt in shape throughout pregnancy.(despite my huge belly). My best advice to you is focus right now on pregnancy workouts then after your baby is born, go with your gut about what your body can handle. Be prepared though in those early months to start and stop workouts due to the demands of a newborn. I did often need to stop my workouts to attend to my baby but was able to do even cathe's toughest workouts postpartum.

Alexis rose-9/12/03
Ashley Elizabeth-5/19/03.

 

[Golfingirl]

RE: Cathe's

Thanks! It sounds like I may be underestimating my likely postpartum fitness level. But as you say, I will go with my gut and see how I feel!

 

[Jennifit]

RE: Cathe's

You will get back your fitness fast if you are consistent with it! The only thing I have noticed is that my abs are still weak when running...I get cramps, which I have NEVER had in my life when I run. I contribute it to stretched out abs which hurt my posture when running. But, keep working out while you are pregnant if you can, of course. That really helped me get back fast!!

Good luck!!!!

jenni
twins born on 10/22/06