In the first weeks after baby is born, you might be surprised that even a casual stroll with your new bundle of joy takes the wind out of your sails. While you’re waiting to feel like your old self again, you can begin with kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles take a beating during pregnancy and labor. When strong, they prevent incontinence, heighten sexual sensation, and will ease future childbirth (for when that whole labor thing is a little fuzzier in your mind and you think you might be ready to get pregnant again!). Try the elevator exercise. Sit or stand comfortably. Contract the pelvic floor muscles and pull them upward in several stages, like floors in an elevator. Pause at the top, then release in several stages downward. Build up to 6-7 floors each direction. Not sure what your pelvic floor muscles are? Find them the next time you go pee – halt the urine mid-stream by squeezing. Those are your pelvic floor muscles!
~ Dara Duff-Bergeron is a veteran fitness trainer and a specialist in women’s health and fitness. With a decade under her belt, Dara now shares her exceptional experience and down-to-earth philosophy through Fit Family (fitfamily.ca) personal training and Belly Bootcamp (www.bellybootcamp.ca/) pre- and post-natal fitness. Dara is mommy of one with another on the way, and lives in Toronto with her own little fit family.
