3 Steps to Getting Back to Fitness Postpartum
As a fitness lover, I never expected to take over two years off from working out during my pregnancies. But life had other plans. Between navigating the fast-paced realities of pregnancy, motherhood, and everything in between, I finally found myself ready to refocus on my health three months postpartum after my second baby.
Interestingly, my goal wasn’t about how I looked. I was so stressed as a new mom (x2) that my appearance didn’t even cross my mind. My why was simple but extremely motivating: I wanted to confidently carry both of my babies into daycare without feeling weak or overwhelmed. Here’s how I made that happen.
Step 1: Make a Plan
The biggest challenge of working out postpartum? Finding time for yourself. For me, mornings were my golden opportunity. I talked to my husband and asked for his support to take over mornings so I could hit the gym before daycare drop-off at 7:30 AM.
I committed to myself (and with his help!!!!!) to get up and prioritize a workout in the mornings. On weekends, he’d also cover some Saturday mornings so I could squeeze in an extra session if I wanted. Finding a rhythm that works for you and having support is key.
Step 2: Find an Accountability Partner
Accountability was the next hurdle. Before babies, I enjoyed solo weightlifting, but this time, I craved community and motivation. Living in a small military town made the decision simple: group fitness at Blush Bootcamp.
Without overthinking, I signed up for a year-long membership, sight unseen. I was desperate, and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made for myself.
For 5 months, I committed to waking up at 4:40 AM every weekday for the 5 AM class. 75+ classes later, I’m still loving it! The confidence and strength I gained from these sessions gave me the motivation to return to solo gym workouts, too. Now, I am back to my personal weightlifting sessions, but will always be grateful for the BLUSH community when I needed it most.
Step 3: Prioritize Nutrition
This step is a non-negotiable. Early postpartum life was chaotic—I was so stressed and overwhelmed that I often forgot to eat. I felt lightheaded, my energy was nonexistent, and I bruised at the slightest bump.
Once I started working out regularly, I knew I needed to fuel my body to perform and recover. I focused on getting 130-140g of protein daily and significantly increased my water/ overall calorie intake. The difference in energy, strength, and overall well-being was night and day.
Final Thoughts
Getting back into fitness postpartum isn’t easy, but it’s worth every bit of effort. Whether your why is physical strength, mental clarity, or aesthetics, let it drive you. Remember to make a plan, find accountability, and prioritize fueling your body.
You’ve got this, mama. 💪