Research has revealed that over half of new mums are putting unrealistic pressures on themselves to return to their pre-baby weight, and do not feel they are given adequate advice on how to achieve this.
 
The recent survey of 2,000 new mums also showed that one in ten new mums admittedly turn to extreme diets to shift the weight.
 
The danger is that these women, influenced by celebrity mums like Denise Van Outen photographed today in a bikini shortly after giving birth, will end up doing more damage than good if they choose a fad diet route rather than one of balanced healthy eating and light exercise.
 
Rob Beale, Group Health & Fitness Manager at David Lloyd Leisure says: “Giving birth puts incredible stress on the body. Generally speaking it is safe to start exercising six weeks after giving birth, or 12 weeks if the child is delivered by Caesarean section. But everyone is different. My advice is to always seek professional advice before beginning any post natal exercise programme. This advice should come from the GP or a qualified fitness professional.”
 
The research also highlighted that 50 per cent of women would rather exercise in a class with other new mums. Beale adds: “Specific post natal classes provide an excellent opportunity for new mums to work out in an environment where they feel comfortable. All exercises also target specific areas that need strengthening after giving birth, for example the abdominals, muscles of the pelvic floor and the lower back. Classes also create a nice opportunity to meet and socialise with other new mums.”
 
The survey also revealed that 72% of new mums feel their tummy is their biggest area of concern when looking to shed their baby weight.
 
Beale adds: “To achieve a flat stomach after giving birth women should look at doing a mixture of resistance training, cardiovascular training and specifically core training for the abdominals. Any core stability or abs and back classes will strengthen and tone those muscles new mums are most concerned about. Body Balance, Yoga and Pilates are all low-impact classes that are great for improving posture and core stability. Swimming and post-natal aqua are also low impact and highly recommended as is cycling which helps with endurance.
 
For more information on fitness visit: www.davidlloyd.co.uk/home