Exercise

teresahowe31
teresahowe31 Posts: 13 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm 6 weeks post partum and eating around 1200 calories a day. I'm currently 164 pounds at 5'2". How much should I be working out?

Replies

  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    Don't need to.
  • teresahowe31
    teresahowe31 Posts: 13 Member
    Because I am eating 1200 calories?
  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    teresahowe31 wrote: »
    Because I am eating 1200 calories?

    Yes. You are 6 weeks post partum. I doubt your sleep rocks, or that you feel 100%. Don't crash and burn yourself. Are you breastfeeding/pumping? That alone can consume up to 500 cals each day.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    teresahowe31 wrote: »
    I'm 6 weeks post partum and eating around 1200 calories a day. I'm currently 164 pounds at 5'2". How much should I be working out?

    that's a question for your doctor, no?
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    teresahowe31 wrote: »
    Because I am eating 1200 calories?

    sort of but you don't need to exercise to lose weight...

    calorie deficit is enough.

    However that is the min recommended by USDA/FDA for women...as a new mom I would increase that.

    If you are breastfeeding you need to talk to your lactation consultant as that is way to low and your baby isn't getting the nutrition it needs.
  • MelaniaTrump
    MelaniaTrump Posts: 2,694 Member
    edited April 2016
    never mind. repeat.
  • teresahowe31
    teresahowe31 Posts: 13 Member
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    teresahowe31 wrote: »
    I'm 6 weeks post partum and eating around 1200 calories a day. I'm currently 164 pounds at 5'2". How much should I be working out?

    that's a question for your doctor, no?

  • kelseymallen
    kelseymallen Posts: 85 Member
    It depends. If your doctor has released you to do exercise, you should probably start small. It takes the body a wholile to fully heal from housing and birthing a baby. So maybe start with some elliptical and lighter weight lifting.

    Also, keep in mind that working out will mean you need to eat a few more calories and if you're breastfeeding, you might also need to add a few more calories for that.
  • teresahowe31
    teresahowe31 Posts: 13 Member
    My post partum appointment is this Thursday. I plan on asking him also.
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    Be kind to yourself, you've just had a baby, congrats. :smile:

    The main thing is to be aiming to eat properly, good foods with plenty of nutrients. The fitness you can work on building up again in the coming weeks and months. Why not just walk for now?

    Track your calories but don't overly restrict yourself, especially if you are breastfeeding, you'll need good nutrition for that.
  • teresahowe31
    teresahowe31 Posts: 13 Member
    I am not breastfeeding
  • Sherriediva1
    Sherriediva1 Posts: 345 Member
    Please don't put yourself in a position to become exhausted! Even with a easy pregnancy and birth there is still trauma to your body and it needs time to recover. Proper REST & NUTRITION with a slow build up in activity will get you where you want to be at. An injury while you're not at 100% will only set you back. P.S. CONGRATULATIONS MOMMY!! :)
  • teresahowe31
    teresahowe31 Posts: 13 Member
    Thanks everyone. I had a vaginal no medicated delivery with no tears/no stitches. I feel awesome besides a little sleep deprived. If I want to exercise then I should probably increase my calorie intake?
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    The fact is that our bodies bounce back after giving birth, for some it takes a few weeks for others nearly a year (yep, that was me!). Eat good foods and be active as is reasonable with an infant, pushing a buggy/stroller burns more calories than normal walking :smile:
    Also you might want to try some cardio type workouts at home - youtube has loads, I favour Jessica Smith - she does a host of workouts from zumba inspired walking workouts to HIIT to strength training to yoga :smile:
    Any workout that's very high intensity should only be done after having your 6 week check and be okayed by your doctor.
  • Seffell
    Seffell Posts: 2,245 Member
    You don't need to exercise to lose weight.
  • qpmomma1
    qpmomma1 Posts: 220 Member
    Congrats on the new baby!!! :smiley:

    I would ask your doctor about exercise. Go easy on yourself since you are recovering from something REALLY big. I know women who started walking with the baby after 6-8 weeks to ease back into working out. Be safe and don't over do it.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    OP I have to say I find this all so funny.

    You are currently caring for your child...carrying them, washing their clothing and I suspect doing other house work...walking around the house etc.

    going for a walk is not going to hurt at all. PUt that little one in the stroller and away you go.

  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    SezxyStef wrote: »
    OP I have to say I find this all so funny.

    You are currently caring for your child...carrying them, washing their clothing and I suspect doing other house work...walking around the house etc.

    going for a walk is not going to hurt at all. PUt that little one in the stroller and away you go.

    She's not going to hurt herself. I don't know when your last kid was, but 6 week olds are exhausting day and night. If she's already cutting back on her food, she's better off relaxing until she is ready. If she is now, great, but it's not necessary for her to do anything extra and lose weight.
  • teresahowe31
    teresahowe31 Posts: 13 Member
    Do I need to increase my calorie intake if I start working out and by how much? 300? Btw I already go for walks. I'm talking strength training and higher intensity cario.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    teresahowe31 wrote: »
    Do I need to increase my calorie intake if I start working out and by how much? 300? Btw I already go for walks. I'm talking strength training and higher intensity cario.

    If you're using MFP, set your calorie goal to lose 1lb per week, at light active, and then eat back your exercise cals on days you work out.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    LazSommer wrote: »
    SezxyStef wrote: »
    OP I have to say I find this all so funny.

    You are currently caring for your child...carrying them, washing their clothing and I suspect doing other house work...walking around the house etc.

    going for a walk is not going to hurt at all. PUt that little one in the stroller and away you go.

    She's not going to hurt herself. I don't know when your last kid was, but 6 week olds are exhausting day and night. If she's already cutting back on her food, she's better off relaxing until she is ready. If she is now, great, but it's not necessary for her to do anything extra and lose weight.

    my son is 22 actually but I have a 6 week old nephew and I know what his mother does on a daily basis.

    I agree tho nothing extra is needed...it's more important to get rested and take care of the little mister/misses and worry about the weight later.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    teresahowe31 wrote: »
    Do I need to increase my calorie intake if I start working out and by how much? 300? Btw I already go for walks. I'm talking strength training and higher intensity cario.

    You should increase your calories regardless to be honest.

    1200 is the bare minimum for a woman...

    if you want to lift heck yah up those calories.
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