104 | Stop Jumping Back Into Workouts Postpartum — Do This First

Your doctor cleared you at 6 weeks. So why does your body still feel so off? Here's the truth nobody tells you: being cleared for exercise and being READY to exercise are two completely different things. And jumping back in before your foundation is in place is one of the most common reasons postpartum moms end up dealing with leaking, back pain, and a core that feels completely disconnected — months or even years later. In this episode Val breaks down the real postpartum fitness progression — three phases, no fluff, no generic advice — and gives you a roadmap that works no matter where you're starting from. In this episode: Why your 6-week clearance is not the green light you think it is The three phases of postpartum fitness — and how to know which one you're in Phase 1: diaphragmatic breathing, TVA activation, stability breathing and walking Phase 2: progressive movement, neuromuscular connection, getting back to the gym Phase 3: higher intensity, plyometrics, return to sport Red flags that tell you you're progressing too fast (leaking, coning, breath holding and more) Why it's never too late to go back to the foundation — even years postpartum A sneak peek at something coming in July 👀 Links mentioned in this episode: 🎁 Free Protein-Packed Snack Guide: https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide 🔬 Functional Lab Review — https://wellnessbyval.com/labs 💪🏼 Core Comeback waitlist - https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013   Connect with Val: 📱 Instagram: @wellnessbyval_ 🌐 wellnessbyval.com ➡️ Loved this episode? Share it + leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🤎 💬 Got a question for the show?! Leave me a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter