Before having my son about 8 months ago, I was all about fitness. I was exercising 5 days a week and loving it.
Once I got pregnant, I stopped working out after my first doctors appointment. During the appointment the doctor mentioned how big my fibroids were and how it may be a tight space in there for the baby. After hearing the risks, I was so scared of losing the baby that I didn’t work out at all. My husband and I went out for a walk every once in a while but that was about it.
I decided not to worry about it until after I delivered him safely. After a successful c-section, I waited the required 6 weeks and I was ready to get right back to it. I had just received my new cycling bike in the mail. I was so excited. But that excitement quickly went away after my doctor told me it would be necessary to have another surgery. So, my fitness routine was put off for 8 more weeks.
I officially started back exercising about one month ago and let me tell you…it is not easy!!! My son wants me to hold him all of the time. Between taking care of him, my husband, the house, and my business…I’m grateful to be able to fit in a work out. But I do make sure that no matter what I’m working out for at least 30 minutes, four times a week. My goal is to get back to an hour for 5 days a week. But I’ll take what I can get for now.
Here is what my routine has been like and tips that I hope you can use.
First step is to make sure the baby is good. So, I feed him, change his diaper and see if he needs take a nap before I do any type of exercising. A baby who isn’t content will make your workout terrible. Happy baby = a good workout (usually).
Keep him close. Putting him in a walker or bassinet close to me makes him less prone to cry. I also make sure he knows I’m not ignoring him by blowing him kisses, talking to him, blowing spit bubbles, etc.
Use a timer and music. I set the timer on my clock for the amount of time I want to workout. That way I can start and stop it when necessary to tend to him. While also ensuring that I’m accomplishing my workout time.
I Involve the baby when you can. When I’m doing exercises on the floor, I put him down their with me. He gets to let beat on a workout ball or lay on my chest when doing sit-ups.
Right now, I’m doing 30 minutes on the bike and 15 to 20 minutes of strength training. One day out of the week, I do all strength training with weights. No cardio. It’s coming off slooow! But I’ve gone through a weight loss journey before so I know what I need to do to get back to my regular weight. I not worried about that.
One thing is for sure. He doesn’t care about my snap back journey. He just wants to be loved on a held. And I’m perfectly happy doing that too!
Thoughts on working out with a little one? Would you like me to share my journey on the blog?? Let me know in the comments…
Stay Fearless 💋
