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Testing the Workout Waters — and Tips for a Great Home Workout

I’ve been hesitant to work out because I’ve got some residual baby-carrying-and-delivering aches and pains, but now at eight weeks postpartum, my pain level has decreased significantly since my last update. My shooting thigh pain is gone! My pubic bone pain is feeling much, much better, too. Now I just feel a little creaky when I get up in the morning and have only slight pain if I do too much or move the wrong way. Before, any movement was “the wrong way,” so this is definitely a step in the right direction. Besides doing Kegels and breathing and alignment exercises that were recommended by these DVDs, I’ve avoided doing any of the things that causes me pain previously, like standing on one leg to shave or even put on pants. I feel slightly silly sometimes consciously sitting down to put on pants or shoes, but it really has helped me heal and I think I’ll be ready to get a move on really soon.

For now, I’ve been testing the workout waters just a bit — a teeny, tiny bit. I was at the park and saw a mom lying under a jungle gym watching her kids while she did pelvic tilts, and while it was kind of funny, it reminded me that I could use park play time to get a little exercise in. I ran around with the kiddos and then did some step-ups onto a balance beam-type structure. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t feel pain — just felt mostly rusty. Unfortunately, while I’m almost ready for legit workouts, my gym membership is on pause until December. December is the magic month because the baby has to be three months for the gym childcare center, plus I wanted to give myself ample time to feel 100 percent physically before pushing my workouts. So what will I do for this next month? I’ll be easing back into it as I see fit with some home workouts. And since you asked (in your head, right?), here are some tips for a great at-home workout!

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1. Do what you can. You don’t need to dedicate an hour to a workout for it to be effective. Workouts like Tabata are super short, but sweaty and effective and can be done in less than 10 minutes. Download a Tabata timer app and get moving!

2. Use TV time as workout time. If you complain that you don’t have time to work out, but manage to watch the Real Housewives, The Walking Dead, or The People’s Couch (have you seen it? You MUST!), you should be multitasking. Do exercises during commercials or simply use the show as a way to make a 20- or 30-minute workout fly by.

3. Try workout DVDs. Exercise DVDs are one of our favorite ways to work out in the comfort of our own homes. You’ll likely get a quality workout without having to brave weather or traffic. Find DVD reviews before you buy, or go by recommendations from friends. You could even check out DVDs from the library or do a DVD swap with friends so your selection doesn’t get stale.

For more of our favorite tips for an awesome home workout, click here! Then check out our collection of 10 items that are great to have in your home gym!

What makes your workout more fun: The People’s Couch or a fun workout DVD? —Erin

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