Hiking and Exercise Lessons Learned 1 Year Postpartum
Following my daughter’s first birthday, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the lessons I learned regarding hiking and exercise during my first year postpartum.
Nederland – Aspen Alley (Baby Yuzu’s Third Hike)
Aspen Alley is an easy, accessible, and beautiful trail in Nederland that is a great option for viewing aspen fall foliage. Going out and back to Aspen Alley is only 1.3 miles and a doable hike with baby. Although we had some challenges, I’m glad we went with Yuzu.
Boulder – Bald Mountain Scenic Area (Baby Yuzu’s Second Hike)
Bald Mountain Scenic Area provides an easy 1.1-mile long trail with excellent views that is a great option for a casual hike or a hike with young children. It is definitely worth the trip out there to see the beautiful views. Although it was a bit far for us to drive and hike it with Yuzu, it all depends on your baby’s constitution and how they handle trips and hiking.
Baby Yuzu’s First Hike – Little Thompson Overlook Trail at Rabbit Mountain
Ever since Yuzu was born, we’ve been wanting to take her on a hike. We finally took her for her first hike at Rabbit Mountain Open Space outside of Longmont. Overall it went smoothly, with a few hiccups along the way. We definitely need to practice hiking together with baby and see what works best for all of us.
Roosevelt National Forest – Ceran Saint Vrain Trail
The Ceran Saint Vrain Trail is a lovely 3.8 mile out-and-back hike in Roosevelt National Forest that is a great option for an easy hike. It is also a convenient spot for backpacking / dispersed camping.
How to Get the Most out of a Hike Postpartum
After giving birth, I only have time to go hiking once a week, so it’s important to me that I get the most out of those hikes. It took a bit of experimentation and experience to learn how to enjoy the short exercising time that I have to its fullest, but I’ve come up with several general principles that I follow to do so. Perhaps they can help others who are navigating their postpartum periods as well.
My Third and Fourth Trimesters of Pregnancy as a Hiker
This is a round up my exercise and hiking activity for my third trimester of pregnancy, as well as the fourth trimester (the first 3 months postpartum) together. From my pregnancy and postpartum period I have learned to be kind to myself, slow things down, and exercise only to the point that my body feels comfortable.
Boulder – Royal Arch
The Royal Arch Trail is an iconic Boulder hike in the historic Chautauqua Park to a beautiful geological feature. At 3.2 miles with 1,400 ft elevation gain, it is a strenuous hike. It is a great option for anyone who wants to see some highlights of Boulder and Chautauqua Park, while also getting a great workout.
Boulder – Double Hogback
At 3.9 miles long with approximately 1,500 ft elevation gain, this hike around Hogback Ridge Loop twice really packs a punch. It is a great option if you want to get in a quick workout with a substantial amount of elevation gain.
Where Can You Find Maternity Hiking Clothes?
The purpose of this post is to help expecting moms sort through the options for maternity hiking clothes and other maternity activewear that is out there in order to decide what works best for their circumstances. I also share what options worked for me.