Abdominal Muscles

The postpartum period is associated with decreases in physical activity levels, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and pelvic floor muscle function, but little scientific evidence exists on how best to initiate and progress exercise in the postpartum period. This proposal aims to improve habitual physical activity levels, neuromuscular health (i.e., strength, fatigability, symptom burden) and overall wellbeing (i.e., decreased fear of movement, improved sleep quality, improved perception of quality of life) through participation in a weekly exercise program. This study will help to inform postpartum exercise recommendations and is novel as it allows participants to incorporate their children into the exercise routine, thus removing a primary barrier to physical activity/exercise.