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Plenty of us get all ambitious about kick-starting our fitness routine as new moms. But that is so, so much easier said than done. After all, working out is hard enough for non-postpartum folks, let alone those of us who have recently ejected an entire human from our body. But what’s one surefire way to ignite that wanna-work-out spark? New gear, naturally.
For most new parents who have given birth, it’s recommended you don’t do any strenuous postpartum exercise — walking is OK — during the first six weeks postpartum (eight weeks for a C-section). Then, once you’re cleared to work out, in order to actually do it, everything still has to line up just right — right? You can’t have any other more pressing business to attend to in your precious personal time (let’s face it — if it’s been three days since you showered, you’re probably gonna choose that over a run). You’ll need to find an exercise program that works for your newly postpartum body (PSA: jumping jacks are not your friend). And if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need your breasts to feel comfortable enough to move around freely (which usually means feeding Baby or pumping first). And that’s all before you have to start sweating!
But if you can make it happen, working out is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a new parent. It gives you time to yourself, clears your mind, keeps you healthy and strong for your kids, and boosts your energy and mood (#ThanksEndorphins). Even if you’ve never been a regular exerciser, it’s always worth it to start making time for fitness. The best way to get started? Invest in some gear—from supportive bras to stylish leggings— that will make you excited about doing it.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. ZenWTR is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
A version of this story was originally published in January 2019.
ZenWTR Alkaline Water
Breast-feeding mothers have to drink more water than usual to replenish their bodies. Experts say you usually need to drink about half your body weight in ounces of water. So, if you weigh 170 pounds, you should drink about 85 ounces of water daily. But, if you’re breastfeeding, you need to drink even more. Since breastmilk is 90 percent water, you can aim to add on however many ounces of milk your baby is drinking to your water intake. If they’re drinking 28 ounces of breastmilk, you’ll want to add that into your daily goal.
A good way to do this is to get clearly marked water bottles that will help you keep track. ZenWTR alkaline water is ultra-pure (the brand vapor distills its water, which is the gold standard in purity) and comes in four serving sizes: 16.9 ounces, 23.7 ounces, 1 liter and a 50.7 ounce version that’s only available in retail. Alkaline water is extra hydrating, can help soothe acid reflux and help reduce high blood pressure, according to Healthline. What’s more, ZenWTR makes its bottles from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic — each one is made from up to 5 plastic bottles that were rescued and prevented from polluting the ocean — so drinking it is good not only for your body but the earth, too.
A Sports Bra You Can Nurse In
If you’re breastfeeding and like lower-impact activities, throw on a nursing sports bra in the morning and you’ll be ready to go as soon as Baby is fed. (Note: For high-impact activities like running, even nursing sports bras that say “high-impact” may not have enough support — your mileage may vary!)
Apple AirPods Pro
A good pair of wireless headphones can transform your workout from drab to fab. You won’t have to worry about cords getting tangled up while you run, jump or switch between yoga positions. The AirPods Pro are great because they have adjustable ear tips so you can find your perfect size, and they have a 4.5-hour run time.
Absorbent Underwear to Start…
While your body recovers from giving birth, you may experience some… extra discharge in your underwear, especially when working out. Knix underwear to the rescue! They have an extra-thick, extra-absorbent center that can handle sweat or, uh, anything else your body might have in store.
… & Just Plain Super-Soft Underwear to Last
Knickey’s organic cotton options are super-soft for those recovering bits — but they’re also chic and durable enough to last you well beyond the fourth trimester. The brand describes these hipster-fit undies as a cozy, slouchy beanie for your butt…and honestly, we couldn’t agree more.
The Best Socks
People don’t usually gush about socks, but these are awesome. They’re soft, springy, moisture-wicking and designed for running, but they’re great for any activity, including snuggling a baby all day.
Leggings With a Secret Superpower
If hitting the woods for a hike or trail run is what’s keeping you sane while postpartum, we’re right there with you. You’ll need supportive pants (the high waist is key here) that are stretchy, comfy, and hard-working. But did you know you can get all that plus bug-proofing in these pants? Yep, Pang Wangle’s Insect Shield pants have a built-in (odorless and safe for you, kids and pets) bug repellant that wards off mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges. Your summer-saving nature days just got that much sweeter.
Versatile Shoes
Let’s start at square one. The building block to working out safely is a good, supportive pair of sneaks. (And it doesn’t hurt if they’re cute too.) These shoes do it all; they’re supportive enough to wear on short runs and sturdy enough for gym workouts. And they’re super-lightweight and durable, so they won’t weigh your diaper bag down or get destroyed in there.
Some Basic Equipment
You’ll be amazed at how much you can do with just a set of dumbbells. Whether you get workout content on DVDs, an app or streaming through YouTube, nearly every program will call for a pair, so they’re great to have handy. The storage stand is included with this set of three dumbbells which are neoprene-coated for a non-slip grip.
The Best-Ever Running Shoes
We love running because it maximizes every free second; as soon as you’re out the door, your workout starts, and it’s not over until you get home. If you’re serious about running it’s best to have dedicated sneakers. And dedicated runners love these, especially for longer races.
A Yoga Ball
If you have one of these yoga balls from giving birth, good news! It’s also a great fitness tool that will aid you during those low-impact core strengthening workouts. Not sure how to use it? This version comes with an easy-inflate air pump and an instructional DVD. Available in green, purple and blue.
A Sports Bra That Can Handle Anything
We’ve tried a lot of options when it comes to combining high-impact activities and nursing, and the best option we’ve found is this zip-front bra, which has insane support and gives you immediate, easy access to your boobs. Not the most orthodox solution, but hey, it works! (And it works best when paired with a muscle tee.)
The Softest Bottoms
These leggings are preposterously soft — great for everyday wear postpartum when your whole body can be sensitive. But they’re also supportive and a great choice for yoga, barre, Pilates and other low-impact workouts.
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