where to start at gym?

[academama]

I'm recovering from a c/section and quite out of shape. What would you start with at the gym to get a challenging but reasonable first few workouts? Treadmill? What would you aim for?

[mommajb]

Congrats on the new baby! and to MDC

I would start by walking comfortably, maybe at no incline for up to 20 minutes. After you see how that feels you could make adjustments. I wouldn't worry about challenging. I would take care of baby, breastfeeding, good nutrition and let my body heal. Also, you don't say how far out you are, don't start too early as it could just set you back.

Be gentle, be healthy.

[sunnysandiegan]

Congrats on your new baby!!!

I would start with yoga, preferably in a class WITH your baby. Is your baby old enough to go to the gym's childcare?

Outside of the gym, I would start with gentle walks with baby in a carrier or stroller.

If you are firmly set on the gym and machines, I agree with mommajb above, especially "Be gentle, be healthy."

Best wishes!!!

[CathToria]

When I first started back at the gym, I really enjoyed using the elliptical machines. My gym has many different brands, but I found the LifeFitness brand to be the easiest to use. The elliptical was low impact, I felt like I was working out, adn it was something different from the walking that I could do at home. I also liked the recumbent bike.

I also took some group fitness classes, where I learned some core exercised on teh stability ball, squats and lunges that I cna do outside of the class too.

You also can get a trainer to walk youthrough a simple workout and tell you show everything works

[Queen of Cups]

I was going to suggest elliptical machines, too! I find them to be a bit more fun than treadmills.

[roomformore]

Look into some of the "mommy and me" classes like yoga or a water class. Definitely take it easy for a bit and ease your way back into things.

[academama]

Thanks for the ideas! I wish there were a yoga class I could take, but there's only one and it conflicts with my teaching schedule.

I am 3 months pp so I am pretty well recovered from the surgery (although of course it is exhausting having a newborn in the house). I really want to get back to the gym now that my son is old enough to go to the childcare center, because it gives me little time for myself and because my daughter (who is 2) otherwise doesn't see other kids her age. She loves to go to the gym. I'm setting up some possible playdates for her, but right now that's it!

So we went yesterday for the first time and it went really well. My baby was fine (he really doesn't care who's holding him, as long as someone is) and Mary had a lot of fun playing with the other kids. And I had 25 minutes to walk on the treadmill and take care of myself for a bit.

[academama]

p.s. Elliptical is next!

[sunnysandiegan]

Way to go Mama!!! Keep up the good work!!!

[AKA_PI]

Originally Posted by academama

Thanks for the ideas! I wish there were a yoga class I could take, but there's only one and it conflicts with my teaching schedule.

I am 3 months pp so I am pretty well recovered from the surgery (although of course it is exhausting having a newborn in the house). I really want to get back to the gym now that my son is old enough to go to the childcare center, because it gives me little time for myself and because my daughter (who is 2) otherwise doesn't see other kids her age. She loves to go to the gym. I'm setting up some possible playdates for her, but right now that's it!

So we went yesterday for the first time and it went really well. My baby was fine (he really doesn't care who's holding him, as long as someone is) and Mary had a lot of fun playing with the other kids. And I had 25 minutes to walk on the treadmill and take care of myself for a bit.

I'm 9 weeks pp and haven't been inside the gym yet. I used to take the baby walking everyday but lately I haven't had the time since I just returned to work. 25 minutes of walking is great!

[academama]

I tested out the elliptical--it is sort of fun! Hard, though. I'm doing a few minutes of that at the end of my workout.