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…
Let’s be honest…we are all over it! 2020 that is. There’s no need to list the reasons. We all know why. With everything that happened in 2020, who hasn’t heard the chatter of people saying, “They can’t wait for 2021”. And although, I’m in that same boat, I can’t help but to think…how can 2021 better than 2020?!?! If we’ve learned one thing from 2020, it has to be that we now understand that there are soooo many things in life that we can’t control.
Even though we can’t control what goes on in 2021, we can certainly small, simple things we can do to make the most of it.
Here are some ideas…
#1. Create a Vision Board of what you want your 2021 to look like.
#2. Write down what your grateful for in a Gratitude diary.
#3. Learn something new from a sport to new language and/or skill, etc.
#4. Set a list of goals to slay.
#5. Stay prayed up and positive.
#6. Be ready to get outside. Since being outside creates less risk of the virus, find things to do that you can enjoy with those you love. Like a socially distant potluck, movie night in the backyard on blankets, etc.
These simple tasks should help you start your 2021 smoothly. Remember to be safe, wash your hands and wear a damn mask! 😉
Thoughts on how to make the best of 2021?? Drop them in the comments…
I’ve been in full on mommy mode since having my first baby about 5 months ago. Changing diapers, breastfeeding, rocking my baby to sleep, and entertaining him ’round the clock. And I couldn’t feel happier. This Mom thing is definitely what I am supposed to be doing.
I received tons of Mommy tips before my son arrived but there are lots of things that I wasn’t told. Here’s some of the ‘ish no one told me.
You will worry about everything. I spend most of the day wondering if he’s okay. From deciphering a cough to examining poop color and making sure his nostrils aren’t blocked. 🤷🏽♀️
Ambidexterityand doing everything with one handis essential. When my baby falls asleep in my arms, I would do anything to not disturb him. I’m left handed and before having him, I couldn’t do anything with my right hand. Not anymore!! I’ve learned to use whatever hand is free at the time. From changing diapers to washing dishes.
Learn how to hold your pee. Like a previously mentioned, disturbing a baby is the worst! Once they fall asleep in a certain position, know that you are stuck in the position you’re in until they wake up. Get ready to hold it for a looooong time!
Get used to living like a zombie. I haven’t had more than 3 hours of sleep at one time since my second trimester. My third trimester left me so uncomfortable that sleeping was a joke. Then after having the baby, the real sleepless nights set in. Either I’m up feeding and changing the baby or I’m up just staring at him all night making sure he’s okay.
Learn how to make up a song and dance at the drop of a hat. The art of distraction is key when taking care of a baby. Singing a song can quickly pivot a baby from crying to laughing. You can make up anything. They don’t care. So, tune up your vocal chords.
There’s much more I was never told but I’m always up for a surprise. So it’s all good! Cheers to all of the Moms and Dads out there making it happen. No matter what!
Is there something you learned when you became a parent that you did know anything about?? Drop it in the comments…
When the topic of fitness comes up, I find that most people are either all the way in or all the way out. It’s a commitment to changing your lifestyle, for sure! But you don’t have to run 10 miles a day, 7 days a week to be healthy and in good shape. Moderation is key, like most other things in life.
I’ve been passionate about living a healthier lifestyle, which lead into being a fitness trainer. Working with many different people, personalities, and of all fitness levels. In doing this, you wouldn’t believe some of the excuses that I’ve heard. Or maybe you can believe it?! Either way, check out 12 of the biggest BS excuses people have used to avoid exercising. Plus, how to overcome some of them.
📷 by Ismael Nieto
“I’m too old” – The saying “you are only as young as you feel” has some truth to it. Many people think they are too told to exercise. People in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are running marathons. No joke, google it! Exercising not only helps with weight and health but as you get older it can improve your posture, help to boost your memory and prevent age-related diseases such as dementia. (source: WebMD)
📷 by Pineapples
2. “I’m too far gone” – Working out can be considered difficult at any size. Small steps are the best way to start your workout and then gradually increase. For instance, if you find yourself only being able to complete 10 minutes, then do it! Then increase as you feel stronger. Be sure to set a short term goal however, so you won’t be stagnant. Adding 5 minutes per week is an achievable goal. Excessive weight can lead to diseases like such as diabetes, heart disease, and even lead to a stroke. If that isn’t reason enough, I don’t know what is? Take it from someone who dropped over 60 pounds 🙋, there’s nothing to it but to do it. But no matter what your size, love the skin you’re in!
📷 by Mick Tinbergen
3. “I’m too busy” – People make time for what they want to make time for. Which means, you would have time if you really wanted to. Find a way to make the time. That might mean waking up an hour earlier, it may even mean using your lunch break to do it, whatever it takes. You only get one body, there are no do-overs. Your body deserves to be spoiled with exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
📷 by Shanice Garcia
4. “I’m too full” – Some people prefer to workout on an empty stomach. It’s not something that I recommend though, because the food will give you the energy, period. And if you don’t have the energy to workout, then…? Just keep it light, don’t over do it. A light, healthy snack of less than 300 calories is a good place to start. Be sure to eat it 45 minutes to an hour before hitting the gym. Snack suggestions: a sandwich made of up of 1 piece of wheat bread, a couple slices of turkey breast, and mustard; an apple with a spoonful of chunky peanut butter, or a protein shake.
📷 by Louis Magnotti
5. “I travel all of the time” – This is an easy fix. Most hotels have gyms these days. That was easy. But if that’s not an option or want to try something different, I have four words for you…jump rope & tennis shoes. Jumping rope burns around 10 calories per minute. Yes, that lil’ rope is a serious calorie burner! Here’s my Jump Rope Workout: 30 minutes jump rope, 5 minutes of push ups, 5 crunches. This is my favorite workout when I’m traveling or short on time. Make sure to wear your tennis shoes. It hurts so bad if the rope hits your toe. 😩
6. “I like to eat too much to work out” – You sound like the perfect gym candidate! People who are active actually need more calories than someone who isn’t. That doesn’t mean that you should go out for ice cream everyday. Again, moderation is key. Of course, you still have to make good food choices but your body will require more calories. Your daily caloric is based on your activities, weight, etc. There are lots of ways to calculate the recommended amount of calories your body needs to lose, maintain or gain. But make it easy by downloading an app like MyFitnessPal, which can take care of it.
📷 by Fabian Blank
7. “I can’t afford a gym membership”– It’s true that gyms can be expensive. But it’s also true that you don’t need a gym to workout. Invest in a good pair of running shoes and get your butt outside! Walking, jogging, and running down the block is a excellent workout. You can still be close to home, if that’s your concern. And the calories will burn, baby, burn!
📷 by Jesse Orrico
8. “I have a health condition”– Check with your doctor before trying this excuse. Although, there are some exceptions, most doctors recommend some sort of exercise to all of their patients. Adjustments can be made to be more suitable for your condition. For instance, people with knee problems can try a cycling bike instead of using a treadmill. It’s easier on the knees. But eczema shouldn’t steer you away.
📷 by Scott Web
9. “I don’t feel comfortable at the gym” – Try not to be intimidated by other gym patrons. There are people there who are all shapes and sizes. Plus, the ones who are fit were not fit as some point in their life. Besides most people are focused on getting their burn, not worrying about yours. Don’t sweat it! Make sure that you have your headphones and you will be good!
10. “I don’t have a workout buddy” – You don’t need one! You have to be able to depend on you, period! I hate to say, “you can’t” depend on your friends but “don’t depend on your friends”. Use it as your alone time.
📷 by Sander Smeekes
11. “I don’t have the energy” – A balanced diet of protein, carbs, and fiber helps to sustain your energy. To be honest, there will be days when you just don’t feel like it. But there’s something about getting up anyway and putting on that workout outfit that can make you go from yes to no. And if that doesn’t work, try a sugar free energy drink or espresso shot. It may not be the best option but a girl has to do what she has to do sometimes, right?! Make sure it’s for an early workout. You might be up all night if you drinking a shot of espresso too late in the evening.
12. “I don’t like to sweat” – Really?! I have no words. I didn’t then and I don’t now. 😬
No matter the excuse, get active for you. Look at it this way, you are doing your part in living a longer, healthier life. Have an excuse or tip to share? Leave it in the comments!
