Postpartum Fitness Is Not My Priority

It’s unfortunate that in today’s society there is so much pressure on new moms to “bounce back” and lose the baby weight. It took 9 months to put on the baby weight, so why would anyone expect to lose the weight in less time than that?

I get the hype of working out (well most of it, anyways); after all, just as our friend Elle Woods once said: 

Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. 

But, sleep also makes me happy…and pizza…and cereal…and binge watching TV…and playing with my daughter. So, it should come as no surprise to any of you that 99% of the time, I choose one of the latter over exercise. 

I have many mom friends who workout daily, are members of fitness groups, and/or spend hours at the gym each week. It gives them time to focus on self care, provides a social outlet, and it’s a great stress reliever for them. I respect them for their dedication, but it’s just not for me.  

Surprisingly enough, I am finally back to my pre-pregnancy weight (17 months postpartum) and let me tell you, it’s not from working out or magical shakes that melted the pounds off! It’s from breastfeeding, watching what I eat and drink (thanks Weight Watchers), and pushing a 20+ pound child in a stroller up and down the hills at the zoo! 

Instead of focusing on “getting fit” postpartum, I choose to take naps when my daughter naps; snack when she snacks (mainly because if I don’t, I will have to share my food with her); spend my child-free time after she goes to bed binge watching TV; save the money I would spend on a fitness membership; and learn to love my postpartum body for what it is capable of doing! 

Just because I’m not prioritizing fitness at this time in my life, it doesn’t mean I am lazy or “letting myself go.” I have spent a good portion of my life worrying about fitness and appearances, but I refuse to let those worries steal my postpartum joy! I wouldn’t trade these days for anything–even my old skinny jeans.

I don’t feel like this is an unpopular mindset; but, unfortunately, I do think it is an under publicized mindset.

Fellow moms, if you don’t “bounce back” immediately after having your child, you are not in the minority! If you are too tired after working all day (whether that be out of the home, or in the home) to workout, it’s okay! If the cookies in the pantry are calling your name, eat them! Finally, if you are too afraid to step foot on the scale, just throw it away–nobody needs that negativity in their lives! 

YOU do YOU–whether that is at the gym, or on the sofa! 

Previous articleI’m Confident in My Parenting Choices (and Why You Should Be Too!)
Next articleI Live With my Mom: 5 Reasons Why It has Been Life Changing
Alana Livingston
Alana is a small-town Oklahoma girl who now resides in Edmond with her husband and 1 year old daughter. She has a bachelor's degree in Business Management and an MBA in Marketing. Alana quit her job as a Marketing Director to be a SAHM when her daughter was born. She is a former Foster Mom with a huge passion for foster care. Alana loves to spend her time playing with her daughter, binge watching Netflix and Hulu, practicing yoga (practice being the key word), and hanging out with her husband.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here