It’s been 10 months since our second sweet baby arrived and I’m feeling strong, comfortable and confident in my postpartum body.
Back in Oct 2017 I shared my journey to getting back in shape in Real Life: Post-baby body (6 weeks postpartum). I was fairly fresh from having baby Beany and had finally gotten the OK from my Doctor to start working out. My goals back then were simple, start working out, gain back muscle and build up endurance by summer 2018.
So here we are in summer of 2018 and I’m feeling pretty good! The crazy part is, that as life would have it, my road to getting back into shape was nothing like I originally thought. Absolutely nothing! Instead I got into an active routine with the girls and life that has kept me healthy and strong, and I’m OK with that.
I admit my body is way different than it was before having kids and I will never see that body again. But I love the new me and I’m excited to continue a healthy routine.
Post Baby Body 10 Months Later
Same as last time, the 2 areas that are the most different in my post baby body are still: belly and bust. My post baby pouch is gone, and I do have a little more ab muscles! Not a lot, but something. I could still use a stronger midsection but hey that’s a work in progress.
Since I stopped breastfeeding back in April, my bust has become much smaller. I actually went down 2 cup sizes! I was really surprised by this at first, but I actually kind of like it. I feel more comfortable and confident with a smaller bust and plus it’s way more comfortable for exercising!Down side has been that I’ve needed to buy new bras and a few new tops. Oh well could be worse!
In other good news, my old clothes fit again! Good bye maternity clothes!
The rest of my body is feeling pretty good! Legs are strong and arms actually have a tiny bit of definition. What what!? Ha I haven’t had this since my days on the tennis team in college! I owe it to the incredibly heavy car seat I have to carry around with my 18 lbs baby!
Healthy Body Goals
Here were my body goals in 2017 and my 2018 progress so far:
- Gain back muscle in arms and legs – Feeling strong and happy with my progress
- Build abs and a strong overall core – this one is happening slooooooowly
- Build back endurance and get into running shape (able to run 8-12 miles a week) – LAUGHABLE! Not even close! But I can run 3 miles with the double stroller.
Looking ahead, my body goals are to:
- Stay active
- Keep building core strength
- Do some sort of physical activity 5 days a week
Workout Plan
This is the part that was so far off. I had planned on running 3-4 times a week and do CorePower Yoga 3-4 times a week. Pretty much none of that happened! Why? Because life.
Here’s what kept me healthy and strong for the last 10 months:
- Yoga: 2-3 times a week (15-30 min each time). Working on headstands has helped my arm strength too! And it’s really fun!
- Double-stroller walks: 3-4 times a week with the hubs.
- Double-stroller run: 2 times a week (2-3 miles each time).
- Playground push-ups: every time I go the playground I do about 20 push-ups.
- General housework and playing with kids: between cooking/cleaning and playing with my kids, I’m up and moving most of the day.
- Mostly plant based diet: I eat vegetarian about 95% of the time and consume little to no alcohol.
Always Striving for a Healthy Balance
I am in a good place right now, mentally, physically and emotionally. That being said, life is a roller coaster I’m constantly striving to cope and find a balance.
Specifically, I am working on:
- Drinking less coffee, more matcha and green tea
- Drinking more water
- Not overloading my work schedule
- Sleeping more
- Strengthening core
- Eating more iron fortified foods
Everyday comes with new challenges but I am choosing to listen to my body the best way I know how. And on those days when I feel depleted from doing or giving to others, I try to remember that self-care is not selfish. I can’t help others if I don’t take care of myself.
For all the awesome mamas out there, how do you feel about your post baby body? Any stories, advice or comments on life after pregnancy? How do you stay active while also raising a family?
Disclaimer: This is not a workout plan or lifestyle routine that will work for everyone, but it works for me and makes me happy. We are all different and our body’s need different things. I stand by the philosophy that we should listen to our bodies and give it what it needs.
Originally posted 2018-06-21 09:17:58.
Carol Tornquist says
Valerie says
Lisa Hockett says
Valerie says