Exercise after Pregnancy: How to Look and Feel Your Best

by Helene Byrne

Excercise after pregnancy. How to look and feel your best

Genres: Nonfiction

134 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really want to give the impression that I want my pre- pregnancy body back (though that would be nice eventually). What I really want is the pain from my diastasis recti to stop. And most books and programs either ignore that problem completely, or they charge way too much. After all, if I can't afford(or, to be honest, don't want to pay) a PT, what makes you think I can afford $40/ month?

Anyway, I loved this book because it started where I needed and addressed the problem. Style- wise, it's dated. But it had stretches that felt good and didn't irritate my poor over- stretched abs.

[Marina Mamshina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book after Ari was born, followed some of the practice it offers, and I loved it. After giving birth, I related to Helene’s story about the changes in her perinatal body and the frustration it brought to this dance and fitness professional. In her book she talks about different aspects of the postpartum body and mind. Helen covers physical issues such as the difficulty of the muscle tissue recovery and different injuries, as well as psychological topics like body image and goals setting after pregnancy. The book also offers both exercise program and technics for everyday activities.
The method of Helene’s practice includes three steps of exercises, each one prepare the body for the next step. Every step is necessary for safe practice and works on more and more challenging aspects of balance, core strength, and realigning the spine. This practice structure allows every woman to work on her own pace and to move on when she feels ready. It also allows going back to the previous stage of practice if needed.
This book allows to explore and understand more about women’s practice. Traditional Yoga doesn’t have proper adaptations for the unique women’s body, and I’m always looking to learn from experts that make this adaptations. I find a lot of elements in this book relevant for all women in different stages and life situations.

[Kami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was frustrated with my stomach muscle separation after the birth of my twins. After a year I expected things to get better. I knew stomach exercises could make it worse, so I'd waited, but there wasn't much improvement. I did some research and got some books. This one was my favorite by far. Helene Byrne is a dancer and dance teacher. She gives detailed explanations about how your core muscles work. Then there are the exercises. She explains kegel exercises in 8 steps. I was astounded at the level of detail for each move. She isolates the muscles and teaches you to use them independently and together. I am amazed at the difference. There are 3 sections of exercises, beginning a few weeks after to delivery and then beyond to further strengthen your core muscles. I am still in the second section. They are challenging, but it is the results that I love the most. If only she had books for other parts of your body :)

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vitally informative book on women's postpartum health, this book was worthy enough to enter into the "books I own" category (yes, I actually bought it). I wish I would have read this book before I ever gave birth. Perhaps then I could have avoided the postpartum muscle spasms and months of achy hips from poor posture and weak core muscles.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed this from the library - looks so helpful I'm going to full-on purchase. It includes photos and descriptions of everything you can do postpartum to get your shit back together from start - advanced.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These exercises seem to work for me as long as I find the time to do them. I got the video too which I like a lot.

[Carla Ehrenreich · Rating 4 out of 5]

very detailed.