Intro to Mamahood Fitness
We were sent home from the hospital after 3 days of a blur of giving birth, being checked on every 3 hours, learning to breastfeed, and then…” Okay, here are your rules of things to watch out for. Good luck!” We brought our little bundle of joy home and while sleeping in my own bed and using my own shower was AMAZING, I could not help but feel overwhelmed. How was I supposed to do everything I had done before, figure out mamahood fitness, and be in charge of raising a brand new person who relied on me for everything?
Six weeks into finding my groove (or attempting to), the doctor tells me “You are good to resume all normal activities”. The flood of doubt came flooding back in. How was I going to find time in my day with a baby whose naps were erratic to fit fitness in? Was this even a priority anymore? How do moms find any time in their day to be themselves?
Even though I am a fitness coach, I am not your health expert. Read full Disclaimer here.
What is Mamahood Fitness?
As a society, we are all busy. Trying to fit in a fitness routine can be challenging for anyone. Add a baby or any child to the mix and it can feel like you have no time at all. While I share these sentiments, I would challenge any mom to take a step back and really assess where you can find a small pocket of the day. Mamahood fitness does not have to mean spending 2 hours of your day driving to the gym, workout with your Pinterest Workout in hand for 1 hour, shower, and trek home. Mamahood fitness can be as simple as streaming an on-demand workout to your TV or phone while your baby naps or does tummy time in front of you for 20-30 minutes. I promise, you too can do it!
How to Get Started with Mamahood Fitness
- Find a Pocket of Time. Be flexible. As the baby grows, the optimal time of day will change. Read Establishing a Routine.
- Find a Simple Program with Minimal Equipment. With a few home gym essentials, you can begin working out from home in no time. Read Home Gym Essentials.
- Set a realistic goal. An example might be 3 workouts per week. Anything more than this is extra credit.
- Switch your mindset from “I can’t” to “I don’t”. An example is switching “I can’t find time” to “I don’t know how to do this yet, but I am going to learn.”
Tips for Success in Mamahood Fitness
- Take your before pictures and measurements.
- Set a goal for the number of workouts per week? What is realistic? What would be extra credit?
- Celebrate small wins- You lost an inch around your waist! Way to go- go get those new yoga pants you have been eyeing. It is amazing how a new workout outfit is even more motivation to get that workout in.
- If the baby is awake during your planned workout time, see if you can incorporate them into your routine!
Common Questions/FAQ About Mamahood Fitness
- How do I get my body back after the baby?
- I want to challenge this question. We all have our own goals and motivations for wanting a fitness routine. I will say that my body has forever changed since having my first child. I still had goals to be healthy, lose the excess baby weight, and gain muscle. Really thinking about what your goals and motivations are. Then let’s focus on seeing our bodies as incredible, worthy of respect, and beautiful. That does not mean we cannot look to improve our health and fitness.
- What workouts can you do postpartum?
- Always consult your doctor to make sure you are cleared to work out after having a baby. Each delivery is unique and can come with its own set of complications. Finding a program that is specific for the postpartum period is incredible because it can put your mind at ease if the exercises will be safe and effective as your body is still in a state of transition.
- Does exercise affect milk supply for breastfeeding moms?
- The short answer: no. Here is an amazing resource that my lactation consultant pointed me to Exercise and Breastfeeding by Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC
- What are the best workout clothes?
- There. are so many choices and price ranges for workout clothes. I definitely have my favorites. More to come soon.
- How much does it cost to find a workout routine that works?
- I used to pay $120/month for a gym and also splurged for the occasional cycle class on the weekend. This only covered the cost of fitness and often I could not make it to the gym because a meeting would run long or life would happen. This was a lot on my budget. When I found at-home fitness, that was a game-changer for my budget and my consistency. More on the program I currently follow and the price ranges for fitness + nutrition here.
- Do I need to diet to see results?
- You know the phrase, you cannot out-train a bad diet. Well, it is true. The nutrition program that I have found works best for me is one that does not eliminate certain food groups but rather provides guidelines for portion size. I love my bread, pizza, and cookies way too much to just give them up cold turkey. I want to enjoy life while being healthy.
- What if I fall off track with my fitness routine or diet?
- We are human. Pick up where you left off. Also, don’t wait for a Monday or a start of a fresh month o restart. If you fall off, pick up the very next day without guilt or shame. Just jump back in. You will find far more success jumping back in than waiting for the “perfect time” to start or restart.
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Mamahood Fitness
Motherhood changes you so much. It can feel like a complete identity shift. That does not mean you cannot prioritize your own health. This new little human depending on you is even more reason you need to be healthy. It may not be perfect or according to schedule, but it can still happen. If you are looking to implement a new routine that can work within your schedule, check out the Virtual Fit Club.
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