Over the past 12 weeks, I’ve watched my post-natal body gradually return to a (slightly squidgier) version of ‘normal’. There’s a way to go, but we’re getting there.
By far the largest component of my calorie burn has been walking.
Naps with the pram, walking to appointments, going upstairs, and lifting, holding, and rocking the baby which all generally take place whilst standing up and moving around. There isn’t a huge amount of time spent sitting but the step count is through the roof.
As a new mum workout time is limited. Even as a PT my current schedule takes no longer than three hours a week max. If I’m lucky, that'll burn 1,000-1,500 calories total which, in the grand scheme of a week is minimal (and very easily counteracted in less than 20 minutes by a pizza and a bar of Lindt).
So your workouts don't actually burn that many calories. What does burn the calories is all the movement you do not associate with official exercise (aka NEAT Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and with most of your time being spent on this, it can really help you reach your post-natal body goals.
So take the stairs, take the long way round and embrace that movement.
NEAT.
Bx
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