I get asked a lot how I “lost” my baby weight so quickly. I put this into quotations because this is a generic term that means something different to everyone. Have I “lost” all of my baby weight in my mind, no. But I am certainly learning to appreciate the changes to my body that have come with having a child. Fitness has always been a huge part of my life & I am so excited to share a few of my favorite tips with you below!
1. Find A Workout You Love — this might seem like an obvious tip but it is truly the only thing that has kept me motivated over the years! As many of you know, my workout of choice is Pure Barre. Ever since I walked into my first class 5 years ago (and taught PB for 3 of those years) I have looked at fitness as part of my life. Taking class 2-4 times a week has naturally become part of my weekly planning because it is time that I NEED for myself! So whether it be running, cycle, barre, or tae bo (hello Billy Blanks!) find something you love & stick with it. Mental health is just as important as physical health & exercise will no doubt help both of those!
2. Habits Don’t Form Overnight – Fitness is no doubt a part of my life and a habit at that. But this habit didn’t form overnight. It took weeks (maybe even months) of dedicating myself to a regular workout routine for it to naturally become a habit each week. Now don’t be fooled, I by no means work out 7 days a week, with the baby I am lucky to get in 3 or 4 days each week. But each week I make it a goal to attend at least two workout classes and dedicate at least one-other day to running/walking with Jackson & the pup. Do this for one month and BOOM, habit created! Because after all, it does take 21 days to create a habit…
3. Don’t Underestimate The Power Of Housework – Who else breaks a sweat cleaning the house?! The vacuum isn’t going to push itself people! Bending down to dust those shelves is basically the same as a squat right? I give myself a break from working out on the weekends because lets face is, being the woman of the household is a workout in itself! So go easy on yourself, your body also needs a break sometimes!
4. Balance NOT Sacrifice – Let me start by saying I have very limited self control. If you offer me a french fry, I will take the french fry. Dessert because it’s your birthday? Sure why not! That extra glass of wine, yeah I’ll take the extra calories please. To be honest, I have been hesitant of diets my entire life and typically stay away from them. Instead, I have spent time practicing balance! I will never sacrifice cheese, but I have switched over to almond or coconut milk and limit my other dairy content. Bread, well that is just impossible to give up 100% of the time. But I have included a handful of low carb recipes that I make a few times a week to limit (and balance out) our overall carb intake! The list goes on and on…find a few pantry swaps that work in your daily life and stick too it! Then you wont have to “sacrifice” anything!
5. Everybody & Every BODY Is Different – In today’s society, it is almost impossible NOT to compare ourselves to others. “We do the same workout, why don’t I look like that?” “Susie Q is my same height, so if I go on a diet will my thighs become that tiny?” Wrong. Everybody has different genes, bone structures, metabolisms, etc. etc. I have learned this even more since giving birth & experiencing changes to my body. My “pre-baby” fitness goal are not the same as my “post-baby” fitness goals because my body is not the same. I encourage you to find what healthy & strong means to YOU in regards to YOUR body. From there, set personal goals and celebrate even the smallest of victories! You are your greatest cheerleader!
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