Have you heard of the 4th Trimester? It's the time between giving birth and being medically cleared for movement by your doctor. The 4th Trimester can last six weeks up to three months. It's not based on how in shape you were before birth but rather on your ability to heal, rest, and recover after having baby.

Life after baby looks very different than life before baby. The six weeks after birth are the most intense for moms. Focus on keeping yourself and your baby healthy instead of worrying about returning to your fitness routine. You need to start slowly and listen to your body. Approach movement in your 4th Trimester with awareness -- awareness of how you feel physically, emotionally and mentally. Let go of self judgement or comparison and be kind to yourself and your body. REMEMBER, This experience is yours and yours alone! Every pregnancy and birth is different, and everyone’s body will heal and recover differently.

The goal of exercise during the 4th Trimester should be overall well-being, not your waistline. Movement should make you feel better, give you a chance to take a break from caring for baby, and a time to connect with yourself and others. Fitness classes like our Stroller Barre and Stroller Strides classes allow you to ease back into movement once you've been given the ok by your doctor. Both classes include low-to-no impact exercises as well as total body strength, balance and stretching movements. Learn about our Start, Stop, and Continue approach for fitness in the 4th Trimester.