Getting Back on the Slopes

It’s exciting to think about hitting the slopes again after having a baby! However, your body has been through significant changes, and it’s important to remember that you are “postnatal forever.”

This is NOT a bad thing, it just means the effects of pregnancy and birth on your physiology, especially your core and pelvic floor are long-lasting, so it’s crucial to approach your return to skiing or snowboarding a few things  in mind:

Don’t rush it!

It can take up to a year for your body to fully recover after childbirth (sometimes even longer if you are breastfeeding due to hormonal changes). Even if you get the go-ahead at your post birth 6-week Dr’s checkup, take it slow and pay attention to any pain or discomfort. Recovery is temporary but damage can be long term.

Prioritize Core and Pelvic Floor

Your core is way more than abs and your pelvic floor does not need you to do 1000 Kegels to make it “stronger”  #outdated. These muscles are vital for stability, balance and control in skiing and snowboarding. Focus instead on whole body resistance based exercises combined with optimal breathing (as the diaphragm is also part of the core). This will help to restore your ab separation, prevent injury and improve performance. Grab my complimentary CORE AND PELVIC Floor guide to learn exactly how from as little as 5 minutes a day with 5 simple steps and you don’t even need activewear. www.bfabmethod.com/corepf

Ease Back into Exercise

Before your snow trip, prepare your body with some pre-holiday training. Build stamina with squats, which are one of the best exercises not only for your legs but as recent research has shown –  also your core and pelvic floor. Also remember if you are breastfeeding you will still have the hormone relaxin in your body, this means your joints (especially ankles and knees) will be more “lax” so optimal strength training is essential.

Belly Fat is NORMAL

Your body may have changed since your last trip. Your feet might have grown, so ensure your boots still fit comfortably. Your weight distribution might also be different, and if breastfeeding you will naturally be storing fat around your midline as this is essential for your baby’s nourishment.

Your goal when returning to any exercise including snow sports as you journey into motherhood should be to rehab BEFORE you re-train so you have a strong foundation on which to build.
Grab my complimentary POSTPARTUM RECOVERY TIMELINE  www.bodyfabulous.com.au/postpartumtimeline  or get in touch with any questions https://bodyfabulous.com.au/join-us/