Of course, it wasn’t just going back to my previous workouts. More than during pregnancy, I clearly needed structured guidance from a professional to ensure my safety.my body Felt Probably 95% fine, but I knew I was still recovering underneath. I was overwhelmed with all the options, so I decided to try as many as I could.
And I quickly learned that there is a very wide range of what a “postpartum workout” consists of. There is also high-intensity aerobic exercise aimed at โgetting your body back.โ Sometimes you don’t even know which extreme you’re going to be until you’re in the middle of the class.
But I also found some quality platforms that helped me reconnect with my body.After trying 18 different postpartum workout programs, these are the ones I recommend most to other new moms. There are eight.
1. Bromley method
Strong Points: It is safe to start as early as 2 weeks after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery.
Cons: Classes can feel very slow.You won’t get exactly the endorphins you crave from exercise.
price: One-time payment of $147 for on-demand classes or $97 per month for additional access to live group classes. Sign up at thebromleymethod.com.
Led by postnatal Pilates specialist Emma Bromley, this 12-week series focuses on building your core using Pilates-inspired moves. We offer 2-3 10-20 minute workouts each day (easily included when you can throughout the day) and always include a pelvic floor focused workout. Bromley shares lots of detailed tips on form that slow her workout down, but her explanations help her “find” her own pelvic floor in a meaningful way for the first time. I found it helpful.
2.P.volve
Strong Points: These workouts are specifically targeted to the postpartum period and were created with input from your PT, so you can trust them to be safe and functional.
Cons: Most classes require a fair amount of gear specific to P.volve.
price: $95.58/year or $19.99/month. Sign up at pvolve.com.
This 3-week series offers 12 classes packed with unique moves you won’t find in any other fitness class. Designed in collaboration with a physiotherapist, these exercises are ideal for exhausted new moms who spend hours holding and feeding their baby, adding to the mobility, balance and strength lost during pregnancy. Focus on what makes you feel good. My postural muscles were activated, and I felt taller and in better posture even hours after I finished exercising.
3. Body Love Pilates
Strong Points: The platform has a huge library of Pilates, yoga, stretching, and bar-based classes.
Cons: It’s not always the most sophisticated production quality, and there’s no music in the workout.
price: $181.25 per year Or $19.48 per month. Sign up at bodylove-pilates.com.
This program was the only program that actually worked my tight and aching back the way I was craving it after hours of breastfeeding. He never felt like he had to do the same class twice (which was as helpful as possible). I could always find a video that matched my energy level. Instructor Ali Handley also offers a “Birth to Bodylove” program that can be started the day she comes home from the hospital. There are also some core and stretch classes that are designed to be done with babies, but I haven’t had the courage to try them myself.
4. Ove
Strong Points: Algorithms recommend classes based on your interests and preferences.
Cons: There is no structured postpartum “program” to follow. Just a few classes for you to choose your own adventure.
price: $169.99 annually or $24.99 monthly. Sign up at obfitness.com.
High-energy Ove instructors offer dozens of workouts, including strength training, barre, boxing, stretching, and more, designed specifically for postpartum safety. I especially appreciate the trainers demonstrating the movements and giving advice on postpartum workouts. As any new mom knows, multitasking is essential to life with young children.
5. Bloom method
Strong Points: In addition to workouts, you’ll have access to instructional videos that demonstrate doming, diaphragmatic breathing, pelvic floor anatomy, and more.
Cons: Some trainers feel like motivational speakers.
price: $240 annually, $74 quarterly, or $29 monthly. Sign up at thebloommethod.com.
The program includes dozens of postpartum-specific workouts, including workouts for pelvic pain and pelvic organ prolapse. Boxing, cycling, traditional strength training, barre, yoga and even audio his workouts on the go. Sweat dripped most of the time. My favorite class was the 34-minute Grounded Flow, which seemed to know exactly what my body needed: side body and upper back stretches, hip strengthening, and balance challenges. (something that has been sorely neglected since my center of gravity is gone) shift forward, then back again).
6. Gro
Strong Points: The site regularly releases new classes specific to postpartum, including classes designed for breastfeeding, midnight meditation, and feeling overwhelmed.
Cons: Glo offers other workouts like Pilates fusion and strength training, but the best of it is actually yoga content.
price: $245/year or $24/month. Sign up at glo.com.
After months of skipping chataranga on my pregnant belly, I forgot how difficult chataranga is. A quantity challenge is provided. The yoga instructors are top notch and offer vinyasa, hatha and restorative flow.
7. Fluid Form Pilates
Strong Points: Start with a personalized 21-day program designed by one of Fluidform’s instructors.
Cons: The classes are all Pilates based, so if you’re looking for variety, this class isn’t for you.
price: It’s $13/month for an annual subscription and $22.74/month for a quarterly membership. Sign up at fluidformpilates.com.
Pilates trainer Kirsten King’s 5-25 minute classes focus on smaller, more focused movements done with proper form. The exercises are slow but specific, with a high number of repetitions and focus primarily on toning the core and realigning the body. It really hit me hard the next day. The membership comes with an equipment pack of resistance bands, small balls and discs. The only thing missing is ballet he barre.
8. Sculpture Society
Strong Points: Set to pop music, these workouts really get your body moving, getting your heart pumping and your endorphins released.
Cons: With her perky personality and Hollywood body, celebrity trainer Megan Roop looks like an idealized “Workout Barbie.”
price: $179.99/year or $19.99/month. Sign up at thesculptsociety.com.
Following a 6-week pelvic floor and core rehabilitation program, the 6-week postpartum program offers 5-30 minute sculpting workouts, stretching sessions and meditation on a weekly basis. I loved that these classes often include dance-like movements that release all the stiffness from your body that comes from sitting, breastfeeding, and being stressed.
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