I got the "all clear" to start working out!! Where should I start?

[wamommy]

Baby #4 is 6 weeks old and the Doctor cleared me for workouts yesterday.

With my last baby I dove right into hard-core workouts and ended up with such sore knees and hips that I had to stop and it ended up taking me LONGER to get back into shape. What would you recommend for getting back into workout postpartum?

I was really fit before and during pregnancy, but my body tends to shift for a bit after giving birth and I feel quite like an old lady. I walk every day, but am really looking for a way to tone back up, especially in the mid-section. I had some pretty awesome abdominal separation this pregnancy, so I know I have to wait a bit to go crazy with the abs. What worked for you?

 

[BlueWater]

I can't relate from experience (having never had children), but thought I'd suggest the NHS Couch to 5k programme https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx It starts at week 1 with combination of walking and bit of jogging, all the way to week 9. But then you can take it at your own pace.
On the NHS website their is also a stretch and flex programme.

Have you thought of doing pilates and/or yoga?

ETA: I've just realised your not based in the UK. The NHS is the UK's national health service, and their website has advice about health.

 

[seoj]

I did a lot of pushing the stroller and walking at first... then moved back to the gym (I was a gym going before/during pregnancy- but put on restriction during pregnancy due to placenta previa). So I just started off doing cardio, then when I felt up to it I did light weights... I just listened to my body and adjusted as needed and went from there. I think stomache took the longest to really get back to- but it happened in time

For sure better to ease back in that go full tilt bozo! It took a least a good 2-3mos before I was back where I was pre-pregnancy (strength/endurance wise), then I started pushing myself more and taking classes and really working at it

I had physical issues prior to preganancy, so being prego didn't do those issues any favors. LOL. And it took a year PP for me to really feel more "normal" and not like 80yrs old! I know that sounds bad- but you also know how fast that first year goes by.