Good morning from sunny Florida! Finn and I are having the best time hanging out with my family. We’ve been to the aquarium and the zoo, and today we are heading out to the beach. There’s also been lots of rolling around on the floor with him. He’s moving around like CRAZY! He’s been doing full 360 rolls since we arrived and has learned how to scoot by putting his face down and coming up to his knees with his butt in the air and pushing forward. I feel like he’s going to be crawling before I know it…ahhhh!
Now that I’ve caught you up on Finn’s recent exercise routine (seriously, all the movement he does looks exhausting for a little guy!), let’s talk about mine.
(All photos in this post are courtesy of Scott Broome Photography)
POST-BABY FITNESS UPDATE: 5 MONTHS
Postpartum fitness hasn’t been at all what I expected it to be, mainly in regards to these two things.
- I expected to be back to a pretty normal (for me) level of activity by this point.
- My mindset about fitness and workouts has shifted a ton.
Let’s dig deeper into those two things…
My level of activity and a “normal” workout routine.
I admit that I was a little delusional about workouts and babies going into all of this. I just assumed I would figure it out and kind of get back to normal when my body felt ready for it. Nope, didn’t happen. There is no normal happening around here.
I knew from years of training female clients, teaching yoga and blogging that one of the biggest things that mom struggle with in regards to working out after having kids is finding the time to do it. This has been absolutely true for me and without having a partner to “tag in,” it’s been nearly impossible.
If you’ve been following along you know that walking has been the best form of postpartum exercise for me because it’s gentle on the body and I can take Finn with me. I can’t recommend walking enough to other expecting and new mamas. I also truly believe it’s helped me keep my fitness up, especially adding some hills to our walking route.
Other than that, I have been to a total of three yoga classes in over five months and trips to the gym to lift have been few and far between. Running seems to be the easiest thing to fit in because I can do it so quickly if I get a sitter or if Finn is spending time with his dad and I don’t have to devote two hours to driving to the gym or yoga, doing workout or class and driving home.
The Ys here in Charlotte are amazing in that I can add Finn to my membership for just $8 a month and that includes 2 hours of child care per day. Their child care is also great because their caregiver to child ratios are low and they separate all of the children based on age. Now that he’s a little older and seems a bit more sturdy for lack of a better word, I do plan on taking advantage of that and trying to get into some sort of a schedule to lift or take some kind of class a couple of times each week.
To be honest, part of me feels guilty/selfish for taking him to child care at the Y but part of me also knows that I have to take care of myself and that getting back into some sort of a regular workout routine will be good for both of us in the grand scheme of things.
ALSO!!! Finn’s pediatrician just okayed him to go for runs with me in the BOB jogging stroller. He said his head and neck control is fine for it. This will be a game changer in regards to being able to run regularly again…and just in time for fall running, which is my favorite!
As far as yoga…ugh. I really needed a break from it for a few months to re-evaluate my relationship with the practice after devoting the better part of seven years to one studio and then walking away from that. Starting my teacher training in Tennessee has solidified that I still very much want to work in the yoga space but I also very much want to get back to a regular and meaningful personal practice. It’s been nearly impossible to do with a baby. Home practices seem like the best option for me but guys…fitting them in feels like a joke. If Finn is awake, there is NO WAY it’s happening and if he’s napping, there are about a million other things I need to do from work to keeping the house some semblance of clean.
I have had this deep internal pull to get back to a regular asana and meditation practice so I have got to figure this out. I know that I need it and that it will help me so so so much with everything from anxiety and stress to how I feel in my body day-to-day (especially now that I find myself constantly carrying Finn on one side).
A shifting mindset.
Perhaps the biggest post-baby fitness surprise has been how much my mindset around exercise has shifted. Prior to becoming pregnant and through a lot of my pregnancy, I exercised pretty much every day. It was no big deal for me to go for a 3-5 mile run and then to teach a 45-minute strength class. I usually did some sort of running, strength or hot yoga every single day. I was so used to this level of activity that I would feel “off” if I didn’t workout.
That has changed so much. Some weeks I’ve been able to fit in a strength workout and a few runs. Some weeks are crazy and I am lucky if I can fit in daily walks, forget adding anything else in. I think it’s been a huge gift to be able to sloooooowwww down when it comes to fitness and to be more gentle and mindful with my body. I can now go days at a time without doing more than walking and I don’t even think twice about it. Gone is that pent-up, anxious energy that made me feel like I had to figure out how to fit a workout into the day.
I think one thing that helped was educating myself on how much the female body goes through during pregnancy and childbirth and how important it is to allow the body to recover after the baby is born. While I felt somewhat knowledgable on that, I was in no way prepared for the huge hormonal shifts that would take place after having a baby or that so much of my energy would go to simply caring for Finn and breastfeeding. Most of the time (and ESPECIALLY in those early days) it feels like a huge achievement to get through the day with Finn and to keep him fed and relatively happy.
I do want to take a minute to talk about how workouts actually feel in my body. Surprisingly, really good. I feel pretty normal when I run and lift. Slightly less fit when it comes to running and most definitely weaker when it comes to lifting (I have completely lost my pull ups!) but there are no weird sensations and most things feel like they did before pregnancy. Yoga is difficult just because I’m out of regular practice and so tight.
I’ve received quite a few questions on if I have noticed a dip in my supply in relation to running or HIIT workouts, I have not.
In conclusion, postpartum fitness hasn’t looked or felt like what I thought it might but it’s been exactly what it should be. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my body and how to listen to its needs and cues. I also think that I just grew to love my body so, so much more through pregnancy for the absolute miracle it did by growing Finn. Overall, it’s been a really good experience for me.
Wow, that was a lot and all over the place. I am only five months in so I will be sure to update you guys again in a few months. If you have any specific questions for me, please leave them in the comments and I will answer. Also, if you have any insight on getting back into a routine with fitness/exercise, I’d love to hear that too.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
I appreciate hearing about your experience slowing down in terms of exercise. I avidly exercise and on days when I can’t get a workout in often feel the way you described above. I hope to start a family someday and I always wondered how it might feel to slow that aspect of my life down. It is nice to hear that it has been a positive thing for you!
I know I’ve messaged you about this, but just a note to say it took me about 9 months to get back to a place where I could find the time enough days in the week to feel bs k in a routine with working out. As a full time working Mom with only precious few hours with the kid each day, it feels wrong to take some of those to workout. I have found the time before she wakes up or after she’s in bed – but it’s taken months to get back to a place where I have the energy to not just fall into bed at those times. You’re doing it right. Allow your mind and body the rest for some time and do what feels natural!
a few comments on this great post: 1) the YMCA is a WONDERFUL organization when it comes to families and supporting that. Take full advantage of their amazing childcare and other classes offered. 2) the mind/body connection that yoga brings is especially helpful in this phase of life (duh!) 3) you’ll be amazed at how you can get really good workouts done in a fraction of the time, especially with your knowledge base.
Thank you for continue blogging and I think you are doing an excellent job weaving the this ‘new mom’ phase of life into your existing blog.
Hey Randi! Thank you so much for the encouragement around using the Y. Also, I KNOW I have to figure out a way back to some sort of regular practice again. And yes, short and sweet…I know I can get an effective and efficient workout done. I need to grab some dumbbells and a kettlebell to have at home for this!
And thanks for the comment about weaving motherhood in. I feel like it’s kind of taken over my blog but I had no idea how much becoming a mom would change my life. I mean, I knew it would change my life but OH MY GOD! It’s amazing.
I am about 3 months ahead of you as our son is about to turn 8 months next week. It helps to read about your experience with post-baby workouts. I have felt a lot of shame (brought on by myself) about not finding time to workout. I work a corporate job and am gone 10 hours of day and between that, pumping, and soaking up the 1 hour our son is awake when we get home from work, I just can’t find the time to workout. I try to squeeze things in over the weekend but that’s hard because there’s laundry to do, grocery shopping, meal prep, cleaning, etc. I try to go for walks with our son over the weekends but that’s the extent of my exercise for now. I think when I am done pumping I will be able to fit workouts in more easily. Even though I’m almost 8 mpp, I really can’t do any cardio type of workouts unless I’ve recently pumped – otherwise I feel pretty uncomfortable. :/ So I CAN’T WAIT to get my pre-pregnancy chest back (or get close to my pre-pregnancy chest size – I know my body won’t ever be the same…).
Lisa – it makes me so sad to read that you have felt shame but I’m so glad that you shared that so openly. I know it will help others. You are doing SO MUCH in being a mom, working and pumping. If there were EVER a time of life to put fitness on the back burner, this is it. I have no doubt that you will get back into a routine when the time is right. <3
For me, yoga practice has to look a lot different with kids. Let go of the idea of a full practice or even how much you can slow your mind down. It may be ten minutes of a couple sun salutations and breathing and that’s fine. It is a big mindset difference but sometimes the perfect (ideal 90 minute practice) can be the enemy of the good (move and stretch and slow down even if only a little bit).
THANK YOU for this reminder Bridget. <3
So I think it is totally different for everyone but I look back on my early motherhood years so happy that I listened to my body and my feelings towards exercise after having my son. I was in a different place and knew it would be short lived. I was so active regardless and eventually went back to my routine when my son was older. Walking was the best though! We went everywhere with that stroller!
I truly believe I’ll have no regrets about putting fitness in the passenger seat during this short and fleeting stage of life!
Thank you so much for sharing and good for you!! It has definitely been a journey for me in terms of how I view exercise pre and post kiddos. I’ve I’m completely honest I may not have had as much of a wake up call as I did had I not struggled with autoimmune thyroid issues and been lucky if I could get out for a walk around the block. Was just chatting with a friend about how 6 years ago I ran a half marathon and then a week later a full marathon. Now 3 relaxed miles and fun strength training at the y is my doors. Our y is equally awesome and I can’t recommend taking advantage of yours highly enough. During the winter months we go once or twice a week and my girls love it! I appreciate the uninterrupted hot shower after most and I see so many parents doing emails and work after their workouts also. Just remember it’s a great socializing opportunity for Finn too! ?❤️
You are very welcome. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your journey. I’m sorry to hear about your thyroid issues. 🙁 And gosh, isn’t it so weird how much fitness can shift related to your story about half and full marathons versus 3 milers? Thank you for the encouragement around the y! 🙂
Watching you become a mom to Finn has been a joy. So happy for you! I love reading these pieces.
Thanks Rachel. He is a pretty incredible little guy and I’m grateful for the ways that he has changed my life already.
I’ve never managed to be super consistent with workouts until my kids were sleeping through the night (which was around 15 months for both of them, regardless of sleep training attempts lol.) But I agree, my post-baby attitude about it was much more chill than I anticipated.
This is really refreshing to hear. Thank you!
First, thank you for sharing this!
I was a studio junkie before and during pregnancy. Yoga, Orange Theory, spin…and I fit in a traditional gym session once or twice a week. Having a baby threw me for a spin, too! And, while I’m very lucky to have a partner to “tag in,” he wants to fit in his own workouts (and loves OTF), so I really had to adjust my expectations and learn to love working out…at home. I’ve actually done a ton of your strength training workouts that only involve body weight and/or dumbells!
I just want to say that you’re doing awesome, and the BOB will definitely change your life. Also, your walking has inspired more walking for me and my 1-year-old. We’re in Florida, so it’s HOT, but we’ve been committed to early morning weekend talks and evening weekday walks, and they definitely help me feel better on those weeks where a yoga class or good strength session is impossible to fit in.
I think I started fitting in more at-home works around 7-8 months, when our evening routine became more consistent and I could fit in a workout right after his bedtime, before my own dinnertime. Any studio classes have to be planned at least a week ahead of time, but it gives me something to look forward to. It sounds like Finn is working toward a pretty consistent routine, so my best advice is to choose a time of day where you are consistently “free” and force yourself to ignore the work and household stuff – I know how it goes, though – I had to learn to ignore dishes and dirty floors while I sweat it out for 30 minutes. I wish I had a nearby Y with dependable childcare, that sounds like it will be super helpful! Enjoy that guilt-free!
Hey Tanya – thanks for your comment and I’m happy to hear that I have inspired you to do a little more walking! It’s the best!
Now that Finn is starting (just starting…haha) to settle into some semblance of a schedule, I can see how it would be doable to figure out a time that you can squeeze in a workout on a daily basis. I totally agree that studio classes are out the window and definitely something that has to be planned. They’ve turned into quite the event!
The hardest thing is definitely to ignore the household stuff. Thanks for the encouragement to do so! 🙂
Definitely take advantage of the Y! It is nothing less than glorious for me to attend a group fitness class then take an uninterrupted shower knowing my little guy is safe. I believe it helps the child with socialization and milestones. Our Y even has a coffee shop so in those early months I would tell myself to just get there and drink coffee for two hours. I always ended up working out instead. It will help you be a better mom so do NOT feel guilty. My husband is military and away right now so I understand the lack of tag team. Let the Y help you!
Thank you so much for the encouragement, truly. This is so so helpful.
I don’t have kids but can I say that it’s just really refreshing to hear a fitness blogger talk honestly about being too busy to work out every day?
I have a really demanding job and have, at various points, put a lot of pressure on myself to make working out a daily thing. And it just doesn’t always happen! I’m learning to be okay with that. It helps to have role models who talk about squeezing in workouts, but it also helps to have someone acknowledge that it’s not always possible.
I obviously can’t speak to this from experience, but I hope you don’t feel too much mom guilt over leaving Finn with day care workers for a bit. As long as they’re qualified (and it sounds like they are), it will probably actually be a super healthy experience for him. We put so much pressure on parents to be with their babies alllll the time, but it will probably be hardest on you. If working out while he’s with a childcare worker is what makes activity possible, it seems like it’s a healthy choice for both of you.
You are very welcome. And sometimes you’re not even too busy but you’re just TOO DAMN TIRED. And that’s okay too! I think we hold ourselves to impossible standards of doing allllllll the things and it’s not healthy. I’ve really been able to see how much I did this before having a baby now that my routine has shifted so drastically along with my focus and priorities.
I think it’s so important that you take time for yourself. I have three kids and it’s easy to lose yourself if you are not intentional about setting time aside. It’s okay to use childcare so that you can workout! I did this with all of my kids and it was a lifesaver! I made my workouts short and effective so that they were not in there long. You are doing such a great job juggling everything! You look amazing too! Being a new mom looks great on you :). Enjoy your time with your family!
This is such a wonderful and powerful reminder. It’s a lot to juggle and thank you for sharing how helpful it’s been for you to use childcare so that you can workout. And I appreciate your compliments on new motherhood. I am just doing the best I can and putting one foot in front of the other. Finn is so incredible and I have really enjoyed the motherhood part of all of it, even though I’d rather leave the rest of it.
Thanks for your honesty! I know feeling some guilt might be inevitable, but I have always seen daycare/ childcare as a good thing for my boys. I didn’t join the Y until my youngest was 1 year, but wish I had sooner! Both boys do great there, and the break is good for all of us, especially when I’m home full time over the summer (teacher). During the school year, I still fit in 2 classes per week using the childcare after work. I know, some people might not feel right about working a full day, then sending their kids to another daycare for another 1.5 hours, but the boys always have fun and it keeps me healthy and happy. Oh, and before the Y my favorite exercise was hiking! With both I would do 5 mile hikes using the front carrier or backpack when older. It was great! Now my 2 year old is wanting to hike himself and so I am having to scale way back (my 5 year old can already do 4- 5 miles of Colorado trail, he is so used to it!). I had a running stroller, but actually hated stroller running. I normally love running, especially trail running, but just never took to running with a stroller. I know some people love it though (like my sister!).
Hey Laura – this is such a great point and totally valid. And regarding using child care after work, I TOTALLY agree that when you are happy and feeling grounded and good, it’s good for your whole family. We have to take care of ourselves so we can care for the littles. I am hoping to take Finn for some hikes here in the next couple of months now that the weather has cooled down. I also love it! I’m SO impressed that your 5 year old can hang like that. So awesome.
Running with the stroller is definitely different but I’m just figuring out how to make it work. My biggest concern is not injuring myself since I feel like it changes my gate.
I cannot recommend yogaglo highly enough: it allows you to do a class when you can squeeze it in, make a class selection based on that day’s level of new-Mama exhaustion, choose anything from vinyasa to yin, work on the body part that hurts the most (because they all ache!)… I started using it when my eldest was born. I still use it. She turned 9 last week.
Yes, I have been meaning to check it out because I want to take some of Kathryn Budig’s classes!
I have 3 kids (my youngest is 1 and I’m home with her all day!) and a good walking/jogging stroller has been a lifesaver. I walk almost every single day, and my other workout happens during naptime!! There are so many online streaming services (and I do your yoga videos occasionally!!) and that way I don’t feel guilty for working out instead of spending time with them. However, as I’m typing this I’m trying to get my baby to nap and doesn’t look like it’s going to happen ???. Once I’m done nursing I’m hoping to move to early workouts before everyone is awake, just so I don’t have it hanging over my head all day!
Hey Allison – yes, I am SO GRATEFUL for my jogging stroller and have already gotten so much use out of it just for walking. I know we’ll log many running miles too! I know online streaming workouts are so great for moms who are home with kids. I hear that feedback so much!
While I’m not a mom myself, your post was still meaningful to me as it reminded me to live my life in the place that I’m at and to not compare what I was able to do in the past to what I’m able to do right now. As long as we’re doing the best that we can at any given moment, that’s all we can ask of ourselves.
I have a co-worker who had a baby almost 2 years ago. His wife is a stay at home mom, and they joined a gym when the baby was 6 months old. At first he cried when left in childcare as he was so attached to mom. That gradually got better and now he is fine. They worked through it as they knew it would be an important skill for him to learn to be separated from them and with other kids for pre-school and beyond. So while you’re working on your fitness at the Y, the child care is also helping Finn to prepare for the next stages of his life.
I’m also not a mom but I work a full-time job as a social worker, am back in grad school part time, and – as I like to say – ALL of my relationships are long-distance (including my boyfriend in Charlotte, NC, heyyyy 🙂 🙂 ), which means phone calls, facetime and traveling are necessary.
I have yet to access the school gym, but have consistently, almost every day of this school year, gotten up early to do an at-home TIU workout before studying and going to work. I’m a girl that loves to lift heavy and goes through ebbs and flows with running and used to feel that immense pressure every day to workout. There is something so empowering about releasing yourself from the ‘have to’ mindset – I’m doing workouts that are sometimes only 16-minutes long, might even be a slow wake-up yoga flow (NOT my wheelhouse at all) but I’m feeling so positive about moving my body consistently.
One of the reasons I left the fitness industry was the ‘never miss a Monday,’ ‘no excuses!’ communication – it completely overlooks that we all go through different seasons in our lives and many of them (dare I say, MOST of them?!), don’t include hours of gym time/day.
Studies show that time outside + movement is the best thing we can do for ourselves – and I have to agree. I’m going to bet that your daily walks also have a lot to do with your mindset shift – you’re moving, spending time in nature (meditation) which can be absolutely enough for our sanity.
I too SO appreciate your honesty in these posts – it makes you so relatable (seriously, I never comment on blog posts!). Keep it up – everything, all of it. <3
Hey Marie – thanks so much for the comment and I’ve been happy to read the comments that this post was also helpful for those who are not moms! It is so important to remember that we all go through different phases and seasons of life and things won’t always be the same.
And yes, I agree with you on the socialization aspect of child care!
Thanks for a great post and insight into your workout routines now and how it has changed! Just wondering how your journey has been in relation to your weight loss after having your baby? Hope you are doing well with it and once again appreciate our openness during this time!
I bought a spin bike – it’s quiet and doesn’t wake the baby. I’ll blast my headphones and the baby will be right next to the bike sleeping. Having a good nap and sleep routine helped. Baby naps for 2 hours and is in bed at 5pm. Exercising at night is most enjoyable because I know baby is sleeping and I won’t be interrupted. The guilt never goes away of leaving your baby with someone, but that just means we are good moms.
Jogging with a stroller is very different. I don’t find it enjoyable but if I’m desperate I’ll do it and it is a workout.
What a great idea! I can see such a great visual of this in my head! 🙂 We are just starting to get on a more predictable nap and sleep schedule and I can totally see how that is helpful in fitting in life and workouts! The stroller jogging is hard and very different, no doubt!
Take advantage of that free childcare at the y. I started to bring my a little one when she was a few months and she loves going everyday (she will be 3 in January ) and I get to take a class!
Thanks for the encouragement Jillian! I will!
I can relate to this post so much! My daughter was born just a little more than a week after yours (memorial day baby!) my fitness has changed so much! Before pregnancy and actually up until the beginning I was training for a marathon. I was actually 10 weeks pregnant when I crossed the finish line. I ran until I was 31 weeks and kept it up with spin classes, yoga and strength training until she was born. I also would walk 2 miles with my dog every morning and never considered that as my workout.
Flash forward to now, I’ve had some pelvic floor/hip flexor issues so I can’t run yet, but I do lots of walking and take the occasional spin class. When I was on leave I didn’t feel bad about taking an hour to take a class since i had spent all day with her and now she got some daddy time. However I just started working in an office and lunch time workouts can’t happen anymore. I pump during lunch (that just happens to be when I need to pump schedule wise) and she doesn’t do great with bottles, so I have to feed her right when she gets home so she can make up for her lack of eating at daycare. Then it’s almost time to get her ready for bed and I do the same shortly after cleaning all the bottles and my pump stuff. She’s hit that sleep regression, so getting enough sleep at night is very hit or miss and my husband takes her to daycare at 6:30, so a morning workout beforehand isn’t happening. I do get to take my dog for an almost hour long walk before I have to to start getting ready for work and pump again before leaving the house. I’ll be excited when I can run again and so will my dog! As much as I love feeding my baby, I’ll be happy to remove figuring out when to pump from the equation! So yes I totally understand how finding time to workout is hard, especially when not having a partner to “tag in”. While I miss and wish I could be strong again and have that same endurance, I’m more forgiving of my body and myself when I decide to sleep in instead of going to a class over the weekend or playing with my daughter instead of getting in a workout. But when I do get in a workout, I realize how much my body has been missing it. Anyways, that was way longer than I had planned to type out! Kudos to anyone who finished reading this!
Hey Kathy – wow! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. So crazy that you ran a marathon at 10 weeks pregnant. And CONGRATS on your daughter! I’m sorry to hear about your pelvic/hip issues and I hope you get those resolved so that you can get back to running in the future. Gosh, it sounds like you have so much to juggle with being back at work and pumping. Huge kudos to you and YES, you deserve so much grace around making sure you are getting rest and focusing on taking care of yourself and baby over prioritizing workouts. It’s a tough balance to find but it sounds like you’re doing a good job of it in this crazy phase of life. I also remind myself how fleeting and temporary these days will be with the babes so so small.
No guilt!!! The Y is great – my stay at home mom took me and my sister to the childcare nearly every day to give herself the time to take an aerobics class, shower, and just have a break! Plus, they’ll always come get you if they need you 🙂 Looking forward to hearing you speak about how you work fitness in a time crunch.
Thanks so much Diane! 🙂
Thanks for this post. I am currently pregnant (due date is today!) and can definitely relate to your life pre-baby from a fitness standpoint. I know full well that it will have to change post baby and although I’m a little nervous about it, hearing your perspective on the experience does make me feel a lot better… Basically, that it’s very different, but it’s exactly as it should be. I am already training myself to lower expectations on fitness post-baby and to give myself as much grace as possible with that. You look as fit as ever, by the way – if you didn’t write this post I would’ve assumed you were right back to your regular fitness level already! But I’m glad you did, because it helps me see the reality… especially since it’s something that I’m getting ready to go through myself.
Kristy – biggest congrats to you on your sweet baby! Be gentle and kind with yourself as you return to fitness. Let it be whatever it needs to be. So much of your focus is going to be on that sweet baby!
I’m impressed you’re managing to fit ANY exercise in! Having pups that need exercise too is helpful….. walking is a great way to get outside in nature and for you, Finn and the dogs to get in some exercise and fresh air. I walked miles when mine were little. I liked taking them on Main Street (Ridgefield CT where I lived then) so I could bump into people to chat to. That always lifted my spirits, still does.
Your boy is adorable and you’re doing an amazing job Mama!
Vicki – I have never been so social in my life as I have been since I’ve been walking with baby! I chat with anyone who wants to stop and see Finn. I know my neighbors so much better now!
At 7 months postpartum, and following a hard labour, c section, and postpartum hemorrhage – I could not agree more with you on the power and importance of walking. I try to get out with my baby every single day for a walk and it has been the best best best form of exercise for me, both physically and mentally. And never underestimate the importance of fresh air for the baby too – I’m convinced mine sleeps better after a day with a long walk! Living in Calgary, Canada, we are coming into winter but I’m hoping still to get out most days – my new favourite quote is ‘there is not such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing’. ?
Yes, yes and yes Jill. I am so happy to read this. Sending lots of warm vibes your way that you can keep up your walking and that you and baby can bundle and stay warm!
Thank you for being so realistic about what it is like to get back to fitness post-partum! I don’t think I could stomach another blog who said “no excuses” when it comes to any type of exercise, especially post-partum! You are exactly what I needed on this rainy Thursday!
You are so welcome Mary. Having a baby has TRULY changed my life and my perspective in so so so many healthy and amazing ways.
Hey momma! I am currently in a yoga lull too!!! I think it’s ok too!! It’s crazy because I know it will make me feel so much better to do asana practice P/M/E, I just can’t get myself on my mat. I have been exercising in other ways, so I think that has been keeping me sane, for now! ? I think it is like every other thing in motherhood, you have to follow your heart and your body. In time, I will be back on my mat, i am sure of that! Lots of love ❤️
Thanks Christine. I know I will find my way back to a regular practice in a way that is best for me when it’s time. <3
I’m also not a mom but I work a full-time job as a social worker, am back in grad school part time, and – as I like to say – ALL of my relationships are long-distance (including my boyfriend in Charlotte, NC, heyyyy 🙂 🙂 ).
I have yet to access the school gym, but have consistently, almost every day of this school year, gotten up early to do an at-home TIU workout before studying and going to work. I’m a girl that loves to lift heavy and love/hates running and used to feel that pressure every day to workout. There is something so empowering about releasing yourself from the ‘have to’ mindset – I’m doing workouts that are sometimes only 16-minutes long (even simply a wake-up yoga flow, which is SO not my wheelhouse) but feeling so positive about moving my body consistently. One of the reasons I left the fitness industry was the ‘never miss a Monday,’ ‘no excuses!’ communication – it completely overlooks that we all go through different seasons in our lives and many of them (dare I say, MOST of them?!), don’t include hours of gym time/day. I think about my body SO much less than I did when I was younger or when I was working in and around gyms. For me, that’s been a powerful shift.
Studies show that time outside + movement is the best thing we can do for ourselves – and I have to agree. I’m going to bet that your daily walks also have a lot to do with your mindset shift – you’re moving, spending time in nature (meditation) which can be absolutely enough for our sanity.
I too SO appreciate your honesty in these posts – it makes you so relatable (seriously, I never comment on blog posts!). Keep it up – all of it, everything. <3
Oops! Doubled my comment somehow… (shrugging-face-emoji)
I think it’s so interesting that this post has been helpful/relatable for non-moms too! Thank you for sharing how this shows up for you! I can’t agree with you more on releasing the “have to do it” mindset and being okay with NOT doing it every day or shortening workouts like you talk about. I also agree that the messaging in the fitness industry can be a little damaging. I always try to tell people that SOMETHING is better than nothing…whether that’s one day a week or 5 days a week. Whatever you can get in that works with YOUR current season of life. There is no one way to be fit.
And thanks for pointing that out about my walks…gave me something to think about! Thank you, thank you for taking the time to comment and share.
This is a great post and informative even for the non-moms. A question I have, has your relationship with cooking/baking changed? I was talking with my sister who has two young children and she was talking about how she hates cooking bc she has no time and it’s a chore. Now that you have had Finn, is there less joy in cooking a meal since you have so much else to be taking care of? Do you meal prep like crazy or have any tips?
Thank you Julia. I do still love cooking and baking, it’s just challenging to find the time! We are figuring it out. Food has definitely become a bit more simple since I’m juggling taking care of Finn with cooking along with only cooking for one. I don’t really meal prep but I do cook something and eat the leftovers once or twice more. That is helpful! I actually have enjoyed baking projects because I can do them with Finn hanging out in the kitchen. It’s been nice to get back to it. I look forward to when he can join me and help out!
Hi, when I had my first baby I needed to squeeze in one long run a week (while I trained for a marathon). I also knew a lovely lady that needed help with her English. So, we did an exchange : She watched the baby while I ran for up to two hours and I helped tutor her. Maybe you could work out a few hours a week while a friend that needs/wants private yoga sessions or personal training watches Finn. A swap!
How sweet! I love that.
Thanks so much for this post. I have been following for a few months and had my son, Porter a month after you had Finn so it has been helpful to see what’s to come on the baby front. I have been having very similar feelings in regards to re-prioritizing myself, Porter and my workouts. This was very refreshing to hear that I am not alone. Walking has been my savior! It’s getting cold here in PA though so we have started bundling up. Hope we can keep it up or we will be taking a lot of trips to the mall for walks. You are a great mom and make it look easy 🙂
You are so welcome Stephanie. Thanks for following and congrats on your son Porter. I love the name. Isn’t it crazy how much these little guys change your priorities?
Don’t feel guilty about using the Y child watch! It’s been a lifesaver for me. I’m a stay at home mom and there are days when I just need some time for myself. The childcare staff is so wonderful and my girls love going to play. We dealt with separation anxiety at first but now at 2.5 they run right in. We are now using the Y for preschool and the transition has been so easy for them since they’re used to being dropped off to child watch. Now I’ve started bringing them to the Y on Fridays so they can play and so I can sit in the lobby, drink coffee, and meal plan for the following week. The short respite helps me get through the tough days and helps me to be a better mom to my girls. The first few drop offs can be tough but I think you’ll find that it’s so positive for both of you 🙂
Hey Carlene – much thanks for sharing your experience and for the encouragement! I think the Y is such an amazing organization and it’s so wonderful that they offer these services to families.
Hi Jen!
Do you have any plans to teach strength training classes at the Y again in the future?
-Mallory
Hey Mallory – nothing regular for right now … just subbing … but will let you guys know if that changes!
Gosh now that my daughter only naps once a day I feel like those newborn / baby days were golden with all the naps and time for things, haha. All a matter of perspective I’m sure. I did not work out much the first 6 months besides walking and some gentle yoga. Nowadays I do more of the HIIT workouts and weight lifting. I try to be quick and watch my diet more. I also used to work out for 2 hours a day like no big deal, it’s definitely not something that will fit into my lifestyle now or in the near future so time to improvise!