Postpartum Fitness Testing
Professional fitness testing for postpartum women. Support your return to exercise with safe, effective guidance for rebuilding fitness after pregnancy.
Pregnancy and childbirth significantly impact cardiovascular fitness:
- VO₂ max declines during pregnancy inactivity
- Establish postpartum baseline fitness
- Safe exercise intensity guidance
- Support gradual return to pre-pregnancy fitness
- Track fitness restoration progress
Medical clearance required before testing
- Uncomplicated Vaginal Birth: Typically cleared at 6 weeks
- C-Section: Typically cleared at 8-12 weeks
- Complicated Birth: Individual clearance from OB/GYN
- Always verify clearance for moderate-vigorous exercise
Wahoo KICKR Bike: Seated, no pelvic floor impact-often best early choice
Treadmill: Walking initially, progress to jogging when cleared by PT
Note: Running requires pelvic floor PT clearance after childbirth
Postpartum pelvic floor recovery is crucial:
- All postpartum women benefit from pelvic floor PT evaluation
- VO₂ max testing on bike is low-impact option
- Treadmill testing when cleared for running by pelvic floor PT
- We coordinate with your PT team
Many postpartum women have abdominal separation:
- VO₂ max testing is safe with diastasis recti
- Seated bike is most supportive option
- Core rehabilitation should occur alongside cardio
- Medical clearance still required
Combined VO₂ max and RMR testing supports healthy postpartum weight loss:
- RMR: Know your caloric needs (adjusted for breastfeeding if applicable)
- VO₂ max: Know safe exercise intensity
- Together: Create sustainable fat loss plan
- Maintain milk supply if breastfeeding
For postpartum athletes returning to sport:
- Establish current fitness baseline
- Realistic timeline expectations
- Gradual return to training intensity
- Balance training with recovery and infant care
VO₂ Max Test: $250
Complete postpartum fitness assessment with return-to-exercise guidance.
Medical clearance required from OB/GYN or midwife.
Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Behind Hindquarter restaurant (second entrance off Dakota St.)
Contact:
Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com
Professional postpartum fitness testing for safe return to exercise after pregnancy.
Postpartum Return to Fitness
Book your postpartum fitness assessment with medical clearance.
Schedule Your Test🏥 Medical Clearance Required
All postpartum women must have medical clearance from their OB/GYN or midwife before VO₂ max testing. We recommend pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation before return to high-impact exercise.
If breastfeeding, please nurse or pump before testing and bring water to stay hydrated.