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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthBeginnerFree routine

Postpartum at home · comfortable mobility

Ten low-impact movement options for a stage agreed with your professional. Split the session and do only tolerated tasks; completing everything is not compulsory. Strength and floor-based exercises require readiness for that stage, not an automatic date after birth.

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A woman returning to gentle movement at home. AI-generated image.
A woman returning to gentle movement at home. AI-generated image.
INDIVIDUAL ADAPTATION

Postnatal · recover at your own pace

No-impact options for a stage agreed with your midwife, obstetrician or pelvic floor physiotherapist. Having more movements available does not mean you must complete them all.

Before you begin. After an uncomplicated vaginal birth, gentle movement can resume as tolerated. A caesarean, tear, complications, pain or pelvic symptoms need specific guidance. A postnatal review helps decide progressions; it is not automatic clearance to jump or run.

Effort. Start with a few repetitions, comfortable breathing and rests as needed. Split the routine into small blocks. Avoid breath-holding and effort that causes pain, vaginal pressure, leakage, scar tension or abdominal doming.

Adaptations and sources
  • Breathing and pelvic floor: releasing completely matters. If it hurts or you cannot relax, do not keep contracting; request an assessment. Do not practise by stopping your urine flow.
  • Strength, bridge and hands-and-knees sessions are for a stage you already tolerate, with the wound protected and load restrictions respected. They are not automatically suitable immediately after birth.
  • Diastasis, prolapse, pelvic pain or incontinence require individual adjustments. No routine promises to correct them.
  • Returning to impact depends on symptoms, strength and individual assessment. The postnatal library does not include jumping or running.

When to stop. Stop and seek advice if bleeding increases or you experience pain, vaginal heaviness, leakage or changes to your scar. Heavy bleeding, chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, fever with feeling unwell, or pain and swelling in one calf require urgent attention; in an emergency, call 112.

Approximate duration
20 min
Level
Beginner
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Stable chair, Wall; Light band or bottles only where specified; Mat if tolerated
Before you choose
Discuss your stage with your midwife, obstetrician or pelvic-floor physiotherapist. After a caesarean, tear, complication or pain, follow specific advice before strength or floor-based tasks.
Intensity
Gentle and adjustable: one short set per movement. No breath-holding, jumps, pain, vaginal pressure, leakage or scar tension. This is not treatment for diastasis or prolapse.
Warm-up
Preparation is already included at the start: Comfortable rib breathing · postpartum; Supported ankle mobility · postpartum; Seated shoulder mobility · postpartum. Follow those blocks as prescribed and do not repeat them as extra work. Start with today's comfortable range and any breaks you need; you may stop here if this is enough.

Duration is approximate. Prepare your equipment and take the indicated rests; needing more rest can make the workout longer.

PREPARE TO MOVE

Your warm-up

These movements are already part of the workout. Do them in their scheduled place rather than repeating them as extra work.

  1. Comfortable rib breathing · postpartum

    5 calm breaths

    Sit with back supported or lie comfortably on your side. Breathe in gently, feeling the ribs open sideways. Exhale without tightening your tummy and complete five calm cycles.

    What you train: Practises comfortable rib breathing without straining the abdomen.

    Watch video See its place in the workout
  2. Supported ankle mobility · postpartum

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    Sit with your back supported and both feet grounded. Gently lift your toes while heels stay down. Lower and repeat through a small, comfortable range.

    What you train: Mobilises the ankles while seated without bodyweight loading.

    Watch video See its place in the workout
  3. Seated shoulder mobility · postpartum

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    Sit with feet grounded and arms relaxed. Make small backward shoulder circles. Release your shoulders between circles and breathe comfortably.

    What you train: Gently mobilises the shoulders and upper back without load.

    Watch video See its place in the workout
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. Comfortable rib breathing · postpartum

    Recovery

    5 calm breaths

    How to do it
    1. Sit with back supported or lie comfortably on your side.
    2. Breathe in gently, feeling the ribs open sideways.
    3. Exhale without tightening your tummy and complete five calm cycles.

    What it trainsPractises comfortable rib breathing without straining the abdomen.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with support or lie on your side. Breathe in gently towards your ribs. Breathe out without forcing your abdomen. Take five calm breaths.

    Technique cueRelax your shoulders and avoid forced breaths.

    Watch the demonstration for Comfortable rib breathing · postpartumNHS Fife · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public source and video reference located; YouTube oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata (title: Lateral Breathing; channel: NHS Fife; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    Breathe comfortably without straining your abdomen or holding your breath. The video supports movement technique, not clearance for a recovery stage or prescription. Postpartum, the card's gentle effort, exhalation, comfortable range and symptom criteria take priority.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Breathing quickly or forcing your abdomen.
    View exercise guide
  2. Supported ankle mobility · postpartum

    Recovery

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    How to do it
    1. Sit with your back supported and both feet grounded.
    2. Gently lift your toes while heels stay down.
    3. Lower and repeat through a small, comfortable range.

    What it trainsMobilises the ankles while seated without bodyweight loading.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    With your back supported, raise and lower your toes within a comfortable range and gently move your ankles.

    Technique cueMove slowly without tensing your legs.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported ankle mobility · postpartumBromley Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    General demonstration of the same movement. Postpartum, this card's gentle effort, comfortable range, exhalation and symptom criteria take priority; the video does not authorise a recovery stage or individual prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing a painful ankle.
    View exercise guide
  3. Seated shoulder mobility · postpartum

    Recovery

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded and arms relaxed.
    2. Make small backward shoulder circles.
    3. Release your shoulders between circles and breathe comfortably.

    What it trainsGently mobilises the shoulders and upper back without load.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with your feet supported and make small backwards shoulder circles, leaving your arms relaxed.

    Technique cueKeep your neck long and head still.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated shoulder mobility · postpartumBromley Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    General demonstration of the same movement. Postpartum, this card's gentle effort, comfortable range, exhalation and symptom criteria take priority; the video does not authorise a recovery stage or individual prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Raising your shoulders with tension.
    View exercise guide
  4. Gentle seated thoracic rotation · postpartum

    Recovery

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded and pelvis still.
    2. Turn your chest a few degrees to one side without pulling with your arms.
    3. Return to centre and alternate without seeking maximum range.

    What it trainsTrains gentle upper-back rotation from a chair.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with your feet supported and gently rotate your chest a few degrees to each side without aiming for maximum range. Return to the centre between turns.

    Technique cueUse a small turn from the upper back.

    Watch the demonstration for Gentle seated thoracic rotation · postpartumBromley Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    General demonstration of the same movement. Postpartum, this card's gentle effort, comfortable range, exhalation and symptom criteria take priority; the video does not authorise a recovery stage or individual prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing the twist or pulling with your arms.
    View exercise guide
  5. Gentle seated pelvic tilt · postpartum

    Recovery

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded and your back comfortable.
    2. Tilt your pelvis slightly forward without a large back arch.
    3. Gently roll back and return to centre without perineal pressure.

    What it trainsPractises pelvic movement and finding a comfortable seated position.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    With both feet supported, move your pelvis slightly forwards and backwards within a comfortable range, without excessively flattening or arching your back.

    Technique cueUse a small movement rather than a large lumbar arch.

    Watch the demonstration for Gentle seated pelvic tilt · postpartumPeak Physio · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public source and video reference located; YouTube oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata (title: Anterior & posterior pelvic tilt; channel: Peak Physio; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    Use a fixed chair and a small range; the ball variation is unnecessary. The video supports movement technique, not clearance for a recovery stage or prescription. Postpartum, the card's gentle effort, exhalation, comfortable range and symptom criteria take priority.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Trying to create a large arch in your lower back.
    View exercise guide
  6. Hand and wrist mobility · postpartum

    Recovery

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    How to do it
    1. Relax your shoulders with hands comfortable and unloaded.
    2. Slowly open and close your fingers without squeezing hard.
    3. Gently move wrists up and down within a comfortable range.

    What it trainsMobilises fingers and wrists without hand loading.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Open and close your hands slowly and move your wrists within a comfortable range, with relaxed shoulders.

    Technique cueShorten the range if tense; do not force a painful end position.

    Watch the demonstration for Hand and wrist mobility · postpartumPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, movement instructions and VideoPlayer offering a video checked. Full playback and audio not checked.

    Date checked:

    Make small, comfortable circles. The video supports movement technique, not clearance for a recovery stage or prescription. Postpartum, the card's gentle effort, exhalation, comfortable range and symptom criteria take priority.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing a painful end range.
    View exercise guide
  7. Wall arm slide · postpartum

    Recovery

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    How to do it
    1. Stand or sit beside a wall with arms supported comfortably.
    2. Slowly slide upward without arching your back or shrugging.
    3. Lower with control, ribs aligned above your pelvis.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder and shoulder-blade movement with a wall reference.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Stand or sit near a wall and slowly slide your arms to a comfortable height without arching your back. Return with your shoulders relaxed.

    Technique cueRaise only while shoulder and scar remain comfortable.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall arm slide · postpartumBESS - British Elbow & Shoulder Society · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    General demonstration of the same movement. Postpartum, this card's gentle effort, comfortable range, exhalation and symptom criteria take priority; the video does not authorise a recovery stage or individual prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing the shoulder or creating tension in the scar.
    View exercise guide
  8. Pelvic-floor relaxation · postpartum

    Recovery

    5 calm breaths

    How to do it
    1. Sit with back supported or lie on your side without abdominal tension.
    2. As you inhale, let the abdomen and pelvic floor relax without bearing down.
    3. Exhale and allow natural resting tone without a strong contraction.

    What it trainsPractises noticing and releasing pelvic-floor tension to your individual plan.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    With your back supported, breathe comfortably. As you breathe in, let your perineum and abdomen relax without bearing down; as you breathe out, return to your natural muscle tone.

    Technique cueRelaxation means releasing a squeeze rather than pushing down.

    Watch the demonstration for Pelvic-floor relaxation · postpartumWest Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public source and video reference located; YouTube oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata (title: Pelvic floor relaxation with breathing; channel: West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    Relax without bearing down or adding a strong contraction. The video supports movement technique, not clearance for a recovery stage or prescription. Postpartum, the card's gentle effort, exhalation, comfortable range and symptom criteria take priority.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bearing down or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  9. Gentle seated march · postpartum

    Recovery

    3–5 comfortable repetitions; up to 5 breaths in breathing exercises

    How to do it
    1. Sit on a firm chair, feet grounded and trunk stable.
    2. Lift one foot just off the floor and lower it slowly.
    3. Alternate without swaying or holding your breath.

    What it trainsTrains leg coordination with small seated movements.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with your feet supported, lift one foot just slightly and put it down again. Alternate slowly, keeping your body stable.

    Technique cueSlide the foot without lifting if more comfortable.

    Watch the demonstration for Gentle seated march · postpartumRiverside Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    General demonstration of the same movement. Postpartum, this card's gentle effort, comfortable range, exhalation and symptom criteria take priority; the video does not authorise a recovery stage or individual prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your knees too high or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  10. Comfortable recovery walk · postpartum

    Recovery

    2–5 comfortable minutes or less, according to tolerance

    How to do it
    1. Choose comfortable shoes and a level return route manageable without exhaustion.
    2. Walk a few minutes at a comfortable conversational pace.
    3. Shorten or stop for pain, pelvic pressure or increased bleeding.

    What it trainsPractises returning to continuous walking within your tolerance.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Walk at a pace that lets you talk, starting with a few minutes. Stop or shorten the walk if you develop pain, pelvic pressure or increased bleeding.

    Technique cueDuration depends on tolerance rather than a compulsory target.

    Watch the demonstration for Comfortable recovery walk · postpartumPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, instructions and VideoPlayer with a non-null video resource checked. Full playback and audio not observed. Only the original page is linked.

    Date checked:

    Observe foot contact. Walk at your card's comfortable pace and duration; stop if symptoms occur.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Only after confirming tolerance with your professional, increase by a few repetitions or a little range. Do not automatically progress to jumping.
    Avoid this mistake
    Walking beyond what you tolerate to meet a number.
    View exercise guide

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FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Recover comfortable breathing and check how you feel during and after the session. Increased symptoms require reducing the amount and seeking advice.

Open workout in the app →

General routines for adults. If you have a health condition, an injury, are pregnant or have medical instructions, consult your professional before starting and ask for adaptations. Stop if you experience pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness.