While there are some fantastic post-pregnancy workout options out there, many new moms find raising your heart rate with a walk is often hard to beat. Regular walks with a stroller burn calories and build cardio fitness. What’s more, walking gets you out of the house – and it can be a great way to get your bubba to sleep!
Technically, pushing a stroller as you walk is not particularly challenging, but there are two things that can make walking with a stroller slightly riskier than you realize.
- You may have reduced pelvic stability in the early weeks.
- When you hold a pram you lose your arm swing, and the connection between the upper and lower body, which supports the lower back and pelvis as you walk.
So how can you safely push a stroller?
- Firstly, take it slow. Start out with slow, flat strolls and listen to your body. Chances are you’ll be powering up hills in no time.
- Keep your chest up and shoulders back, avoid rolling your shoulders forward as you push.
- As you walk take smaller steps and increase them gradually – it may take some time until you feel you can stride out.
- Lightly engage your pelvic floor and deep abdominals while you walk. Check out the video below to learn more about how to train your pelvic floor and keep it subtlety engaged as you exercise.
For more guidance on how to bring your body back post birth check out these simple and safe post-pregnancy circuits.
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