Could Relaxin Be Affecting Your Postpartum Fitness Routine?

Let’s talk about Relaxin and Postpartum fitness because this comes up so frequently when I’m training my postnatal clients!

Relaxin is the hormone that we hear lots about during pregnancy because it helps your body adapt as your baby grows and you prepare for labour. What a lot of people don’t hear about, though, is how Relaxin can still linger in the body after pregnancy, sometimes for several months even after you're done nursing!

I think this is so important to be aware of, because while it can give you some helpful context as to why you might be struggling with feeling unstable or disconnected from your body, it’s also a great reminder that your body is doing so much in the postpartum phase (like healing and taking care of a baby!) so fitness might look a little different right now.

Here are some things that could help if you’re training while you’re still experiencing the effects of relaxin:

Look for exercises that help you feel grounded and like you can connect with your body. Supine, side lying and quadruped exercises can be great for this, though this will be different for everyone based on their needs.

Try to find moments in the day to stack your posture. There’s no perfect posture, but making some adjustments to stack your ribs over your hips can help you feel more centered and stable. You could work on this when you’re brushing your teeth, taking a shower, going for a walk or waiting in line for something. We’re not looking for constant, perfect posture, we’re just looking for quick moments to get connected with your core and hips!

Not sure where to start with your postnatal fitness? It’s totally normal to feel lost, unsure or nervous. With so much conflicting information, it can feel really scary. That's where I can help with my 15-minute Core Program to help heal your abs and Diastasis Recti! It's a step by step mini program to help ease you back into exercise, so you can build strength and confidence on your journey back to fitness.

PS. Relaxin is just one factor to consider if you’re having any struggles with postpartum exercise. Every pregnancy and postpartum journey is unique just like every body is unique. I always recommend working with a pelvic health or postpartum professional for the best support. 

Coach Dee

@coachdee_fitness

info@coachdeefitness.com

coachdeefitness.com

*This is a fitness and personal training blog for information purposes only and shouldn’t be seen as health, nutritional, or medical advice. This site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any information you use from this site is at your own risk. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you read on this site.