How To Find Motivation For Your Postpartum Workouts

Every mother’s journey with fitness is different - you may have worked out pre-pregnancy or never built the habit; you may have tried a diet once or twice. But I’ve found that a mother instinctively realizes the importance of her health once her baby is born. 

Has this happened to you? If not, are you ready to find your “why”?

I’ll use myself as an example, first.

I was very active prior to my first pregnancy - I loved lifting heavy weights & challenging the strong presence of testosterone in the gym. I thrived off of the feelings of intensity, getting stronger, & - hopefully - impressing those around me. I know it’s a selfish way of thinking, but like most women, I had a desire to be beautiful & impressive - my setting simply happened to be in the gym.

But once I had a baby (two weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic), the postpartum season really challenged me to look beyond the surface level “feel good” parts about working out. I no longer had access to my gym & our family was in a 1 bedroom apartment with limited equipment & a newborn.⁣

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This season pulled me into the confines of my small living room & offered me some resistance bands in the place of dumbbells. It took all of the attention & pressure out of the picture. There’s no competition, no weights to increase to… nothing to “win” anymore.

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Discouraged, I found myself asking, “What’s the point?” — I’m just stuck in my home right now with my husband & my baby… Oh wait, my baby. My husband.⁣

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I’m reminded. What contributes to me being a good mom? A good wife? A good person? Physical health & well-being. No question. It doesn’t have to look impressive or carry the appearance of “intense weight lifter” - heck, those resistance bands still give me quite the workout, whether I’d like to admit it or not.⁣

My postpartum physical healing was also convicting my mind, too. To look beyond the surface & dig deeper into what health truly meant to me. THIS is what kept me going.

So what about you? You might find the answer to your “why” obvious - family. This is typical of a lot of mothers. But I want you to dig a bit deeper with yourself. PIcture the scenario that health & healing makes a reality.

• Do you want to have painless sex again or not be ashamed when you’re being intimate with your husband?
• Do you long for more energy to keep up with your babies during the day? 
• Do you want the stamina to teach your children their favorite sport, without losing your strength?
• Do you want to fuel your family with good food, investing into their long-term health?

What drives you forward, mama? What’s going to make all of those workouts & healthy decisions worth your time?

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Health & strength must be a priority that can continue under the radar - even when no one is watching. Even when motivation feels entirely non-existent (& believe me - motivation tends to follow momentum). These little actions are for you, your family, your job, & your calling.

So walk to your living room, grab the bands & start somewhere.

If you’re still feeling discouraged about your progress, click here to access my free Postpartum Journaling Prompts to encourage your mind to shift expectations for this season.