The Fit Postpartum Mindset

Sticking to a workout plan after having a baby is hard work! New babes need their mommies around the clock. It is so easy to feel unmotivated to workout when you have been slaving away taking care of kids, going to school, or working all day (Maybe even all three! I see you, you overachieving mama!) So I want to share some tips that help me stay on track while getting healthy postpartum.

  1. I EAT!

It may seem so simple but…take a break and eat a meal. Like they used to tell you back in elementary school, food is fuel. There is no way you are going to have enough energy for a workout if you aren’t eating enough. Right now my baby boy is pretty new so I sometimes get so caught up in making sure he is eating that I forget to feed myself! The days I don’t eat very well are the days I feel sluggish and don’t want to work out.

  2. I DRESS TO IMPRESS!

Girl! Go buy yourself some hot workout clothes! I always get so pumped for a workout when I am wearing something that makes me feel comfortable and pretty.

*Another thing I will do is try to wear workout clothes every day so that when I get the chance to exercise, I won’t get lazy and not want to change outfits…I’ll already be ready to go! Stop, drop, and run!

  3. I DON’T SHOP! 

By this I mean, try not to buy new clothes for yourself just yet (unless it is related to your workouts). I feel like sticking to a consistent fitness plan in the postpartum period is all about mindset. Once you start buying new clothes for yourself, it is easy to get too comfortable with not getting fit. For me, I get so motivated to workout thinking of all the cute outfits I’m going to buy once I hit my goal. Also, it can be discouraging to go to the store and expect to fit into your pre-pregnancy size and in reality you are a few sizes bigger. For now I am wearing whatever I can find in my closet.

  4. I SET SMALL GOALS!

Setting your goals small will help to keep you motivated! Start off by telling yourself that you HAVE to work out at least once a week. Stay consistent with that for a month and you will feel the confidence boost! Then move up to twice a week once you feel comfortable. Your health journey does not need to be rushed, it is a lifestyle change that you want to keep for the rest of your life.

  5. I HAVE FUN!

Nobody wants to do something they dislike. Find a way of exercising that you have fun doing! I used to be a dancer so I absolutely love dance fitness. When I’m doing dance fitness, I don’t even feel like it’s a workout. Choose something that makes you feel good, not something you dread. Even if that means meeting your favorite girlfriend at the track so you two can get in a good walk and talk about the latest Netflix series you’re watching! It will feel like a treat to get out of the house for a bit and do something for yourself.

  6. I KEEP IT SIMPLE!

You don’t need fancy equipment to get fit. You don’t even need an expensive gym membership. Begin your postpartum workouts by doing simple exercises at home. Some nights when the kids are in bed and I want to get a quick workout in I will do push-ups, sit-ups, squats, etc. in my living room!

  7. I CELEBRATE! 

Every small step you take to get healthy after having a baby should be celebrated. The fact that you pushed through the mommy exhaustion and made an effort to do something is amazing! Be proud of yourself! Your babies are seeing this fit lifestyle that you are promoting!