Gisele Bündchen Embraces Mindful Postpartum Recovery After Third Child
Supermodel Gisele Bündchen is championing a slower, more intentional approach to postpartum healing following the birth of her son with husband Joaquim Valente last year. The 45-year-old recently opened up about how her recovery journey has felt distinctly different this time, both physically and emotionally, compared to her previous pregnancies.
A Shift from Rushed Workouts to Controlled Movements
Rather than rushing back into intense exercise routines, Bündchen adopted a method focused on slow, controlled movements designed to rebuild strength from the inside out. This deliberate pace has resonated with mothers and health advocates who prioritize long-term recovery over quick, often unsustainable results.
"I really feel these exercises have been amazing," Bündchen shared in a February 23 Instagram video. "They really have helped me gain my core strength back after my third pregnancy. I wish I knew them before, because I didn't do them in my other pregnancies."
Learning from Past Experiences
Drawing from her experiences with former NFL star Tom Brady, with whom she shares children Benjamin and Vivian, Bündchen emphasized the importance of deep core rehabilitation and patience. Her current approach represents a broader shift in postpartum wellness culture, where body awareness and sustainable health take precedence over the rapid fitness transformations frequently celebrated in celebrity circles.
In her Instagram caption, Bündchen clarified her intentions: "This is simply me sharing my personal postpartum experience and what worked for my body. After my last baby, I started these five slow, intentional movements around eight weeks postpartum. No traditional crunches, just gentle, conscious work that helped me reconnect with my core."
The Pilates-Based Routine That Changed Everything
Demonstrating Pilates-inspired exercises in her video, Bündchen revealed she began with just five slow repetitions before gradually building up to twenty. She described this routine as a "game changer" in her recovery process, highlighting how it allowed her to rebuild her deeper core muscles while protecting her back.
"I took almost a full year to return to my regular workouts, and I truly believe slowing down made all the difference for me," Bündchen explained. "It helped me rebuild my deeper core and protect my back."
Wellness Beyond Physical Fitness
Bündchen's philosophy extends beyond mere physical fitness to encompass holistic wellness grounded in gratitude and emotional balance. "Being healthy is more than just eating well and working out," she has previously written, advocating for a comprehensive approach to wellbeing that honors the body's natural rhythms.
Despite balancing motherhood, marriage, and self-care, Bündchen continues to share glimpses of family life and quiet moments of reflection. Her postpartum journey serves as a powerful reminder that healing is not a race but a process requiring time, self-awareness, and respect for the body's inherent wisdom.
Through her transparent sharing, Bündchen offers a refreshing perspective in a culture often obsessed with rapid postpartum "bounce backs." Her experience underscores that true recovery involves listening to one's body and embracing patience as a virtue rather than a setback.