119. Returning to Running After Baby (Without Wrecking Your Pelvic Floor)

Krystle is back with a practical guide for mamas who are ready to return to running after baby, but aren’t quite sure if their bodies are ready to hit the pavement again. As a women’s health physical therapist and mom of 3, she breaks down what it really takes to safely get back to running after pregnancy. She shares how being postpartum means remaking mind-body connections that are important for running, but also any high impact sport, and how allowing your body time to make those connections again is so important! Krystle shares her own running past and present, lacing back up her running shoes, the mistakes and the wins along the way. A strong postpartum return to running starts with rebuilding the foundation first. Krystle explains the importance of reconnecting the upper and lower body through the core, incorporating impact training before jumping straight into running, and restoring balance and strength throughout the pelvis and hips. She also shares practical running form tips, including arm and trunk rotation, as well as considerations for mamas using a running stroller. The goal isn't simply to get back to running as quickly as possible, but to help your postpartum body move efficiently, comfortably, and feel strong and empowered! If you’re looking for more detail or guidance on returning to running, be sure to check out the Expecting and Empowered App’s 12 Week Return to Running program and the Running Assessment!If you enjoyed listening to this episode, we would love it if you could share it to your Instagram stories and tag us @expectingandempowered. As we like to say, knowledge is power, and we just really want to give more people the information that they may need on their childbirth journey!Links & ResourcesExpecting and Empowered 12 Week Return to Running Program and Running AssessmentThe Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease by Elissa Epel PhDExpecting and Empowered App - Enter code 'PODCAST25' at checkoutExpecting and Empowered WebsiteExpecting and Empowered InstagramThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.