How To Stay Fit As A New Mom

Hey mama! You’re not alone: Adding exercise on top of everything else going on as a mom is a true accomplishment. Truth is, it’s taken me over a year and a half to FINALLY prioritize myself and my fitness goals. You don't need to be a mom with a trainer and a nanny to keep up with your postnatal workouts- even though having one, or both of those is a lifesaver. Finding ways to fit in cardio and strength training in a jam-packed schedule has worked for me and I’m hoping a few tips will work for you too!

Choose where your workout is going to be: I was a frequent gym-goer before I had our son, but after he was born making it was way more of a chore than in the past. After going back to work and having him with a nanny full-time, I couldn't bear the guilt of leaving him for longer than I needed so that I could work out. It wasn't until my husband and I started to build our home gym that I decided I could decide to make fitness a reality again. Choose when your workout will be: I found that when keeping my son on a regular schedule (and sleeping through the night), it was much easier to plan my workouts around his & helps me committed to my own fitness routine. Set your workout goals: Setting realistic and measurable goals are something that will keep this commitment strong. I set out my workout clothes the night before. then exercise first thing in the morning before the chaos begins. My little man is so sweet but a little too young to respect my workout time, but I know that staying active gives me the energy I need to keep up with him throughout the day. These help me hit my goals: whether it’s getting in 4 days of sweat, feeling more confident in your clothes, complete a workout program or race. Select your goals and crush them. For me its to feel more confident & strength training makes me feel fierce and powerful. I’m following a workout guide and here was an example of yesterdays arm workout.

Circuit 1 ( repeat 3x) :

• 12 incline pushups

• 30 second plank

• 12 decline walkouts

• 30 second mountain climbers

Circuit 2 ( repeat 3x) :

• 24 incline shoulder taps

• 12 shoulder press

• 10 bicep curls

• 10 burpees

Circuit 3 ( repeat 3x) :

• 12 Incline plank + arm raise

• 12 Lat pull downs

• 12 cable pull

Workout with your kids or set time for yourself: When John was younger, I did a lot of baby-wearing workouts with him- using him as my weights. He loved being close-and I loved the burn from carrying the extra weight. Now that he’s almost two, I love taking him along my morning jogs but when it comes to strength training, his attention span goes a little too quick for me to get a full workout in. But hey! SOMETHING is better than NOTHING. If I’m planning on strength training, I find it easiest to get in a workout before he wakes up, of after he goes to bed. xx