The sooner you begin exercising after giving birth the better, preferably within 24 hours. This may seem a bit optimistic, but the body is much more receptive to gentle exercise and recovery in the very early stages. You will see major changes (especially around your stomach within the 1st week). If you have been exercising during pregnancy, then you have prepared your body for an even speedier recovery. Healthy active muscles regain their shape a lot quicker than inactive ones.

It is very difficult to find the time or the energy to exercise after birth, but the starting exercises that are needed take 5 minutes per session, and can be easily incorporated into daily chores, or baby's feeding time. The longer you neglect exercise in the postnatal stages, the more your muscles will waste, so start exercising as soon as possible and give yourself a positive start.

Points to Remember:-

• With every repetition of every exercise always breath out on the exertion.
• All exercises must be performed gently. Treat your body with the respect and care it deserves. If you feel any pain, sickness or dizziness then rest, your body is most likely telling you that you need rest and relaxation more than anything.
• 'Correct Posture' will help tone your stomach and protect your joints from injury.
• Make sure that you concentrate equally on your pelvic floor and stomach exercises. Strong stomach muscles will put stress and pressure on a weak pelvic floor.