My Ten Post-Pregnancy Workout Tips

I have received a few questions about my post-pregnancy workouts. It took me six months, a lot of hard work, and discipline to return to my previous weight. I believe one of the main reasons I bounced back to my previous weight is because I chose to, and was able to, workout consistently throughout my entire pregnancy.

Now that I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, I am working out only a few times a week. Holding, and now chasing, Peter around everyday is a workout in itself! I am also currently going to a barre class with a friend who had a baby the same month I did once a week, signing up for a race with my sister, and doing the Whole30 with Mike. I truly feel the best I have felt in years!

What I Did To Return To My Pre-Pregnancy Weight:

1. I gave my body time to heal and waited the full recommended six weeks postpartum to start working out. As tempted as I was to start working out sooner, I knew that if I began any earlier, I could cause injury or even irreversible damage, slowing down my weight loss process.
2. I drank water. Water is essential for healing, rids your body of toxins, and decreases bloating. I usually have a glass of water in most rooms in our home so I am always hydrated. I bought this Rose Gold water bottle for when I am out of the house, and I love it!
3. I made the time to workout. No matter how busy you are, you have the time to workout. The day after my six-week postpartum checkup I told Mike that I needed the time to workout. Each morning at six, before Mike and Peter woke up, I did a twenty-minute workout DVD, ate breakfast, and showered. I felt incredible for the remainder of the day! I banished all guilt I had for taking that time for myself. I knew how important it was not only for myself, but also for Mike and for Peter. I want to be healthy for my family! I want Peter to grow up seeing his mother strong, energetic, and motivated.
4. I went on walks. Peter was born in May and we were blessed to have an entire summer of beautiful weather ahead of us to be outside. We went for walks together each day, and often twice a day when Mike got home from work. Not only did walking help me lose weight, but being outside in the fresh air and getting sun elevated my mood immediately!
5. I ordered this workout DVD. After two weeks doing this workout DVD, I moved on to my absolute favorite workout DVD, it truly works!
6. I ate healthfully and intentionally. I had tried to eat as healthy as I could throughout my pregnancy, and did my best to carry that into the postpartum period. When I eat well, I feel great, my skin becomes clear, and I have more energy. I did treat myself to my all-time favorites, chocolate, pasta, and wine – but I tried to eat (and drink!) those things in moderation.
7. I bought a dress in a smaller size than I usually wear. I was seven months pregnant, feeling very large, and wondering if I would ever be able to fit into non-maternity clothes again. I saw a dress by one of my favorite designers on sale and decided to buy it in a size smaller than I wore pre-pregnancy. I kept it hanging in our closet for motivation and I am happy to say it now fits!
8. I tried on my old clothes. This is what really kicked me into workout mode. It was the change of season (summer to autumn) and I was organizing our closet, and decided to try on some of my fall staples – clothes I hadn’t worn for over a year. All of them were so tight and uncomfortable! I had spent the summer in flowing, loose dresses and had avoided anything too tight. That day I made a workout schedule, eating plan, and stuck to it!
9. I didn’t weigh myself everyday. My weight fluctuated so much the first few months after Peter was born as my body recovered. One day I was down five pounds, the next I was up seven. I decided to only weigh myself occasionally and this helped my outlook on losing weight tremendously.
10. I subscribed to a workout magazine. Subscribing to a workout magazine allowed me to feel connected to other people who had the same goals as I did. Reading about people’s stories, seeing new workouts, and looking at ways to improve how I work out helped motivate and inspire me!