Workin’ on My Mommy Fitness!

Long before I found out we were pregnant one of my biggest fears about pregnancy was how it would affect not only my body but my fit lifestyle. You see it wasn’t for vanity’s sake; it was for sanity’s sake. (Okay so I was a bit worried about the size of my booty or turning into a house!) Weight training, running and group fitness classes were my outlet…and my daily social interaction! How was I possibly going to manage 9 months of restricted training and the uphill battle that would follow after delivery?
Five years and 12 fitness competitions later, fitness was not just a hobby or daily commitment but truly my way of life.

Once I was given the green light by my doctor to return to exercising I quickly realized that I didn’t birth a 30lb baby and would need to get to work if I wanted to not only get back to the size I was, but also the healthy and active woman I had once been. So I started off the same way I do with all things I set out to achieve, by setting goals. Whether you are 6 weeks, 6 months or 6 years postpartum, it is never too
late to put yourself and your heath as a priority and set a good example for your impressionable little bundles of cuteness!

Photo courtesy Leia Reeves Photography 

Here are some quick tips that have helped me keep my sanity with little Madden by my side!

1. Break out that stroller! One of my favorite things about Austin is that there is so much to do outdoors! From Town Lake, to Brushy Creek to your neighborhood we have some of the best hills and scenery you could ask for! Our bodies are conditioned to adjust and accommodate to workouts so try and have a variety of options available so you and your body will never get bored. Different routes or locations to walk/run will prevent burnout and keep that body guessing! My son Madden also loves to check out the view as we go and the best part about tese workouts is I don’t have to leave him in a gym daycare or at home!

2. Get a mommy friend! One of the greatest motivators and ways to keep you accountable is to have a workout date set with a mommy friend! My dear girlfriend Shawna has a 8 month old son, not only does time fly with someone by your side but we share priceless stories, gossip, baby milestones and I am able to lean on her for new mommy advice!

3. We need tummy time too! Before I had Madden I went to a local sporting goods store and made a small investment in a yoga matt, resistance band and a set of light weights. While Madden has his tummy time or while he is lying in his little ‘gym’ I can enjoy his company while doing some squats, lunges, bicep curls, shoulder presses and sit ups! There are SO many quick ways to get a great total body toning workout right in your living room alongside your baby (and help you get your tummy back to the way it was!)
 4. Write workouts into your schedule! Fail to plan, plan to fail! Just like all goals in life, getting fit takes some planning. If you’re like me, you will think of any excuse as to why you can’t get out of the house for a walk: Feeding, burping, pumping, changing, bathing, and laundry…need I go on? Just like you schedule your newborns feeding, try and schedule a workout in your calendar and plan ahead of how many you will try to accomplish per week. I must confess that I have missed a workout or two but that’s okay! However, having a set goal keeps it on top of mind!

Never feel guilty for taking a little time to put your health as a priority. From day one your little one is learning from you and before you know it they will want to jog alongside you and show off their tiny adorable little biceps!

Stay fit and love life!!

Get Started! Get Motivated! Stay Fit and Love Life!