KBtotheBB

Ok, I *need* to start exercising. Not even to lose weight, just for me. Exercise is always my go-to stress relief, and, well, I've got a little stress in my life right now!

What did you ladies start with? Last Fri., we had dinner with friends and we all decided to walk to the water and back. (They live by the golf course and river in a house previously owned by Lucille Ball! How glamorous! ) The walk was probably a little less than half a mile. I was ok on the way down, but the way back was just painful! I felt every single step, and my incision was sore the next day. Would it be better to try a non-weight bearing exercise like cycling? I have my 6wk checkup this Fri., but until then, they said no water submersion for me. (I got the dermabond, superglue stitch stuff.) I'm hoping they'll ok swimming for me ... even though I can't really swim ...

sarasuzy

I didn't have a c-sect, but I started out with really low intensity walks. Just around the block a few times so you can quit when you want to. It's also a good way to get BB out of the house.

KBtotheBB

That's what also sucks about where I live. No sidewalks. The roads are barely wide enough to be 2 lanes, and they have no shoulders. I have to drive somewhere to walk ... sad. Oh well, if I have to walk around Target for exercise .. well, I gotta do what I gotta do, right?

Sparqi

I have to second the walking, at least till you get cleared to swim. How about postnatal yoga?

Can you do laps around your local mall? Lots of folks do that around here when it's too hot or cold for them to be outside (I know, we're in CA...but it does occasionally rain here, and yeah, a lot of the walkers are seniors!)

BigNutbrownHare

Check with your hospital and also the doula you hired - I am sure they either have or know of postnatal exercise classes. I am thinking about the kind where you bring the baby and do exercises while they are on the mat with you.

There are also groups called Stroller Strides that you can join. I think it is mostly walking but also some stretching exercises using the stroller to hold onto. They usually meet somewhere where it is safe to walk. The Alexandria, VA group met in my old neighborhood. I never joined because of work, but always wanted to!

StrollerStrides, Stroller fitness, Stroller workou

KATin NJ

I started with walking right away with minimal pain. Honestly, you will feel alot better after about 6 weeks, so just do what you can.

Drive to a local park and push the stroller. Or the mall...I know it seems nuts, but I see people all the time at the mall 1 hour before the stores open! (MY mom has a friend who does it every am).

widdlelou

You know... I have no clue on c-sec but I do know recovery period. I did not heal right at 6 weeks wtih Reagan. I had whowho stiches not stomach stiches but I wonder if it can be the same thing. I would wait till Friday and see what he says then START SLOW. Ya hear me KB!!! SLOW. Otherwise it will be a lot longer before you can exercise b/c you will hurt yourself. All of those muscles are just goosh right now and need some time to firm up. So listen to your body. If you walked and it said...uhhh nope, then don't walk. Try a bike if it still says nope hten try swimming (once you get the okay). Maybe talk to your doctor about what specific exercises you can do or which ones are better.

whistlergirl

I started walking right away and longer distances than they suggested but I felt good. I had my 6 week appointment yesterday and I asked the Dr if I could start running again and she agreed but said no marathons, yet. Yeah right!

AmandaL

Take it slow, but after my c-section I started walking around the neighborhood. SLOWLY. No power walking just a nice relaxing walk.