Former AOA member Yuna, who gave birth last December, recently shared photos of her return to ballet, showcasing a remarkable physical recovery.
Yuna posted several updates on social media gracefully practicing in a studio. She drew widespread admiration for her lean, toned physique—looking so fit that many found it hard to believe she gave birth only five months ago.
Ballet strengthens the core and improves posture
Ballet, Yuna’s workout of choice, is highly effective for postpartum recovery. It helps firm up core muscles that often weaken during pregnancy and supports the realignment of the pelvis and spine. Because ballet requires maintaining a stable center of gravity throughout every movement, it can also assist in repairing stretched abdominal muscles and correcting posture.
However, the body requires adequate time to recover after childbirth. The appropriate start date for exercise depends on the type of delivery: generally, light exercise can begin around six weeks postpartum after a vaginal delivery, and around eight weeks after a C-section.
Addressing diastasis recti and alternative workouts
Before beginning high-intensity movements, it is crucial to check for diastasis recti—a condition where the rectus abdominis muscles remain separated after the abdomen expands during pregnancy.
To check for this, lie on your back and breathe comfortably. Place your index and middle fingers above the navel; in a typical recovery, the fingers will not sink in or will only sink about one to two finger-widths. If the gap is 2.7 cm or wider, proactive management and professional guidance are recommended before proceeding with intense abdominal work.
In addition to ballet, yoga and Pilates are excellent options for managing postpartum body shape. When exercising at home, always use a non-slip mat for safety. For those who are breastfeeding, maintaining high fluid intake is essential to prevent dehydration during physical activity.
