I’m not gonna lie, working out postpartum isn’t easy. Like everything new parenthood brings, it’s a mixed bag of emotions and new experiences.
After having my first baby, Mikayla, I felt like I couldn’t find the time to work out. It was such a faraway dream… working out was a luxury. It meant that I had extra time to fit in a workout when in reality I felt like I didn’t have any time for myself. I was a new mom, trying so hard to keep my baby happy, fed and safe. I didn’t know what I was doing.
But on top of being a new mom was the need to keep the house running. Like doing laundry, dishes, cleaning and cooking. Chris took care of a lot of things but even then I felt that I didn’t have time to work out.
I was fairly active before kids. I did yoga weekly and worked out at our apartment’s gym at least once a week.
Read: How to Get Back into Working Out After A Hiatus.
2 kids later, I’m determined to MAKE time to work out and exercise. After my second, I realized my core was pretty weak. I wanted to get my strength back and generally, feel healthier and be in a better headspace. I find that after workouts I feel energized, positive and happier.
There are 2 things I do to motivate myself to work out…
- New Workout Clothes!
- I Plan
New Workout Clothes
Lolë is a Canadian brand, born in Montreal. It is activewear inspired by well-being, designed with intention and very practical. I was attracted to Lolë because I loved the branding and was curious about the quality. Good quality activewear can be expensive, so I was happy to see an outlet at Tsawwassen Mills. This set was gifted to me but would cost you $95.
Fancy 2 Tank in Wreath $29.99 sale
Burst Ankle Leggings in Wreath Winter Bloom $64.99 sale
I Plan
Planning for a workout can be tough with 2 little kids around. So I put it in our family calendar. I usually work out at home or at the gym twice a week. If I go to the gym I make sure to do it when my husband is home and can care for the kids. I usually work out when my toddler is napping and our infant is fed and someone or something is entertaining him… even if that’s the TV for 30 mins! Just being honest!
My Workout
I do a quick 30-minute workout at home most of the time. I don’t rest much in between movements and each rep is slow and controlled. While I exercise I focus a lot on activating my abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. I imagine my abs hugging my stomach, my belly button being pulled into my spine and my pelvic floor being pulled up towards my heart.
Lower Body Circuit 2 – 4 times.
Use a 5 lbs dumbell or can of soup, or no weight.
- Single Arm Overhead Squat – 12 reps. With a weight in one hand and the opposite arm free. Squat, drop the weight between your knees, as you come up from the squat, raise your weight up over your head.
- Lunge and Squat Switch Backs – 12 reps. Point toes to the left and lunge, point toes to the middle and squat, point toes to the right and lunge. No weight.
- Lateral Squat and Outward Press – 12 reps. hold a weight with both hands in front of your body chest. Point toes forward and squat, push weight outward as you lower your body.
- Side and Frontal Lunge – 12 reps. point toes forward, take a large step to the left and lunge, bring feet together and take a large step to the right and lunge.
Core Circuit 2 – 4 times.
No weight needed
- Single Leg Circles – 12 reps. Lay on your back and bring knees up and feet on the ground. Raise one leg in the air, point toes and make small circles with that leg. Switch and do the opposite leg.
- Toe Taps – 12 reps. Lay on your back and with feet in the air, knees bent, one foot at a time tap your big toe to the ground.
- Glute Bridges – 12 reps. Lay on your back. With your feet on the ground and knees up, contract your butt muscles and lift your butt up in the air and hold for 5 seconds.
- Bent Leg Extensions – 12 reps. Lay on your back with your legs bent – feet on the ground, knees pointing up. Slowly bring one knee up to your chest, then straighten your leg without touching the ground. Repeat on the other leg.
Thank you to Lolë Tsawwassen Mills for sponsoring this post.
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
