A Post For Mother’s Day: 3 Pieces of advice on postpartum and fitness
I’ve been trying to figure out what I wanted to write and post for Mother’s Day. It might be silly to read that sentence. I don’t have to say or write anything, but I really didn’t want the day to go unnoticed. Especially because part of the passion I have for my training programs is to help moms create the space they need to take care of themselves.
So here goes some thoughts– on postpartum and on motherhood. In a somewhat jumbled mess.
My body is not going to be the same as it was before I had my daughter– and it is going to continue to change as I get older and hopefully am blessed with more kids. That is a beautiful thing, because It’s not supposed to be the same.
The other thing that has changed is the way that I view my health overall. My mindset about wellness. I now look at my fitness & nutrition not as a way to keep my body “in check” or to have it be at a certain performance level, but instead I look at my fitness as a tool for my mind & body. My nutrition is meant to fuel my body for everyday use and create memories with my family.
Now– just because I am in the early stages of being a mom and in that young kid realm and I’m not working towards the same kind of fitness goals I once was.. Doesn’t mean I don’t push myself or can’t have big goals when it comes to my fitness, because I do. I have different goals I have met since having my daughter and there are other goals that I have to work towards. That’s all part of the fun.
I can have both. I can have an appreciation of working hard towards fitness goals and still know that it’s not just about that.
I am showing my daughter that taking care of yourself physically & mentally is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It’s not just about working out and eating. It’s about creating space to be intentional with your needs— so you can continue to give to others.
I’m also showing her that moving your body is about Joy, and eating is about fueling yourself for all the adventures life throws at you.
My training isn’t the same, my time commitment isn’t the same, my body isn’t the same. It’s all different– and that’s a good thing.
Here are three pieces of advice or thoughts that I would like to share–To the new moms, the soon to be moms, the expecting moms, the moms that have been around the block and need the reminder:
It can be overwhelming at first. All the changes. The changes are constant and it can feel confusing. I want you to breathe through the changes. In the end they are good– even though it feels overwhelming right now.
2. Here is the second chunk of advice I want to give– It’s okay to want to spend time getting yourself to a point where you feel proud physically. Don’t feel shame in that. What’s even more important is that you get yourself to a point where you feel good and healthy. That’s where the magic is.
3. Finally– This is going to sound so cheesy– but you are strong. Even on the days where you don’t feel it or look it. You are strong in more ways than one. SO always be proud of yourself for getting up and doing what needs to be done.
If you made it this far– Thanks for reading along with my thoughts. I’m not sure how to end my thoughts– but I’ll close with saying this.
Happy Mother’s Day <3