Lifestyle

5 Fitness Tips For New Moms

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Happy Fitness Friday! Since some of you have asked, I’m sharing some of the things that have helped me work on getting in shape after having two kids in less than two years. I am no expert by any means, these are just some of the things that have really helped me on my journey thus far.

  1. Join a gym that has good babysitting. Coordinating separate childcare creates a hurdle and is more costly. Even the babysitting at the more expensive gyms costs less than anyone else you’d pay per hour, and it’s a great way to begin socializing your baby and getting him or her used to you leaving and coming back. Be sure to ask a lot of questions about the babysitting program before signing on the dotted line. Most don’t change diapers, but will text or call you if junior needs a new one. It’s usually not a big deal since you will only be there for an hour or so anyway, but make sure the policy is clear and that you’re comfortable with it. Also ask what the milk / snack / water policy is and what the max child to sitter ratio would be. Good gym babysitting will allow you to work out and eventually enjoy a shower afterward. I recommend starting with one hour and seeing how baby does. Most gyms have a policy of two hours so you can enjoy some much needed “me time.” Plus, when my son was too young for school, it was the only part of the day during the freezing winter months that he would spend playing with other children since the park was out so it became his play group. It’s a win-win.
  2. Join a gym that has classes. Mixing it up will keep you from getting bored, and keep your body guessing which leads to better results. It is also an inexpensive way to get professional guidance and modifications when easing back into a fitness routine post partum. I’ve been loving spinning and kickboxing.
  3. Keep track of what you’re eating. Nursing actually makes me hungrier than pregnancy, so making smart choices about what I eat has been crucial. Keep a food diary or keep track with an app to keep yourself in check. I have been using the Weight Watchers app on my phone, and I find it effective and simple, and it even takes breastfeeding into account. I have not experienced any supply dips, and it’s sensible and unrestrictive.
  4. Don’t beat yourself up over the scale. This is hard for me to do, but the last time I got upset about the number I saw, it came right off after PMS. Water weight is real, people! Also, know that the closer you get to your goals, the slower that number will drop. If you’re frustrated, take a step back and look at the big picture. Half a pound in one week may seem small in the moment, but 2 lbs in a month or feeling more comfortable in your clothes is huge. The scale is a great tool, just make sure you weigh yourself on the same day each week in the morning. If you experience a setback, whether it’s not the weigh-in you’d hoped for or you skipped the gym for a day or two or ate poorly one day, remember that every day is a new one: re-set, regroup.
  5. Treat Yo Self. When you meet a goal, whether it’s a fitness goal, a number, a size, whatever, celebrate by getting a massage, a mani pedi, or some new gym gear. Those things will motivate you to get toward your next goal. A little wine and pizza soothes the soul, so enjoy those too! Just make sure you write it down. It’s all about balance. You already know that act, mama.

Please leave your tips in the comments! Have a happy and healthy weekend.

xo

BB

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1 Comment

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    01/19/2018 at 8:30 am

    […] the gym, and I felt ready to return and ready to leave my son to socialize without me (more on that here). I started by leaving him for one hour, and testing the waters on the elliptical, weight machines, […]

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