Journey Forward to Your Post-Baby Body

After having my son, I reached my pre-baby weight within about 9 to 10  months. As expected, my body never went back to what it looked like before I became pregnant. I had stretch marks on my stomach, extra fat around my thighs and my hips never returned to their previous width. Knowing I planned to go through the pregnancy and birthing process again, I didn't worry too much about my activity level or physical appearance. I was comfortable and at a healthy weight, but I didn't want to put in the physical work necessary to achieve my desired fitness level. Now that I'm done having kids, I have 10 times the motivation to get back to where I want to be.

While setting goals for myself, I had to stop and remind myself of something the expert in me kept saying: I didn't need to focus on getting back to where I WAS. I needed to focus on getting to where I want to be NOW. That is not so easily done. When I struggle running a mile, I have to remind myself that's where I started 9 years ago - when my calves were so sore I could barely walk after running a mile. When I'm lifting 5 pound weights instead of 15 or 20, I remind myself that I have to start here if I ever want to get there.

I started my journey by walking 4 miles once a week with a friend. Pushing a double stroller with two kids made it a little more challenging than I expected! We went early in the morning before it got too hot and our kids enjoyed spending time together...or looking at each other awkwardly and asking to do everything the other kid is doing (shoes off, snacks, you get the picture). A couple of weeks later, I added another day of walking. We walked around the neighborhood most evenings and it was a great way to keep the kids happy between dinner and bedtime. Last but not least, I added one day of week of running...just 1 mile.

After a couple of months, I was ready for my first real workout (any weight-lifting lovers out there?).  As I drove to our local Y, I couldn't contain my excitement (sorry...fitness nerd alert). My workout plan was ready and I was going to rock it. That is...until I dropped the kids off and headed to the fitness floor. Doubt and uncertainty began to creep in. I started to think  I should  just walk the track or spend 20 minutes on the elliptical. Thankfully, common sense kicked in. I could start lifting weights next time, but I'm sure the same thoughts would be swarming around in my head.

I fought inner turmoil the entire time. I set up my workout area and who is next to me? Someone who looked like she was training for a fitness competition. Again, I had to push aside negative thoughts and keep going. I completed my workout and headed to a mat to do, you know, two ab exercises with my non-existent abs. Who follows me to said mat? Yep, same girl! A part of me wanted to turn and say: "Okay...just so you know...I just had a baby...in case you wanted to know...and it was a c-section so I don't have any abs...because I think you need to know."  As if she really cares what I'm doing and why I can only hold a plank for 5 seconds. And if she does? Oh well. I'm not there to worry about who's judging me or who's not. I have to put self doubt behind me and be there for ME.

The popular phrase "you'll never regret a workout" never felt so true.  I felt like I broke through an invisible, but very real, barrier. I was finally able to stop looking back, wanting to be where I was, and look forward to who I will be. 

This journey is just getting started. Are you ready to start yours?