Getting back into shape after giving birth is not an easy process. Not only do many mothers struggle with fluctuating hormones, but it can be difficult to find enough hours in the day to exercise with a newborn baby. Here are five tips you can use to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight in as little as a few months.

Start Slow

Just because you can’t jump right back into a rigorous exercise routine doesn’t mean you need to be sedentary. Most mothers who have had a normal vaginal delivery with no complications can begin exercising just a few days after giving birth. Slowly walking around the house or through the neighborhood is a great way to get back into the right fitness mindset. This is definitely a great way to get you prepared to start exercising just like you used to.

Stop Eating for Two

Changing one’s eating habits after being pregnant for so long is another common obstacle. Moms are often used to eating thousands of extra calories per day, but that can wreak havoc on their health once they have given birth. Healthy women who are breastfeeding should plan on consuming between 1800 and 2200 calories per day.

Work With a Certified Personal Trainer

New mothers have very specific fitness needs, and most trainers do not have the proper background to address those needs. Personal trainers from fitness centers such as Halevy Life have the necessary industry credentials and schooling to help mothers meet their goals without putting their health at risk.

Find a Fitness Partner

A number of recent studies have found that fitness partners are very beneficial to new mothers. Women who have workout partners are more likely to stick to a workout routine and tend to have a much better self-image. A partner will also prevent boredom during long walks and other cardio workouts. This is also a really great way to make exercising way more fun.

Stick to Short Workouts

Heading to the gym to carry out a 90-minute weightlifting circuit is completely impractical for most mothers. Instead, you should try to focus on shorter workouts that can be carried out anywhere. If your baby tends to nap for just 10 or 20 minutes, then you might want to find an exercise video or routine for that amount of time.

After giving birth, moms need to thinking about their long-term health and well-being. Exercising a few days a week and changing your diet will give you peace of mind knowing that your newborn will have a healthy and energized mother for years to come.