Hey there, super moms! So, you’ve embarked on the incredible journey of motherhood, and along with all the joy and love, you’ve also welcomed some post-baby weight into your life. But fear not, because I’m here to share some effective strategies for shedding those extra pounds and maintaining your results – all while reclaiming your body and mind!
Self-Care Essentials for Motivation:
First things first, let’s talk about self-care. Because let’s face it, taking care of a little human is no easy feat, and it’s crucial to carve out some time for yourself amidst the chaos. I started my self-care journey with a few essentials that not only made me feel cute but also motivated me to kickstart my fitness journey.
- Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap: This wrap provided the much-needed support for my post-baby belly and helped me feel more comfortable during workouts. I will warm momma’s that are experiencing pelvic floor issues not to have it on too tight otherwise it can cause a lot of pressure to the pelvic floor.
- Bio Oil: Say goodbye to stretch marks and hello to smooth, radiant skin with Bio Oil. This miracle worker helped fade my stretch marks and restore my confidence. I started using this in my second trimester until about 6 months pp but you can start and end whenever you feel fit to.
- Water Bottle: Hydration is key, especially during those intense workouts. This water bottle kept me hydrated and motivated throughout the day. It always helps to pick a cute color that you love to remind you to drink water throughout the day.
- BOOTY BANDS: These helped me increase the intensity of my home workouts and and super easy to use.
- Thick Yoga Mat: For those at-home workouts, a thick and cushioned yoga mat provided the perfect foundation for my sweat sessions. To clean these at home, baby wipes or water wipes work perfectly!
- Pilates Ball for Pelvic Floor Health: Strengthen your pelvic floor and improve core stability with this essential tool. There are so many YouTube videos I followed using this ball to improve my pelvic floor health! Definitely worth it if you struggled pp with pelvic floor issues.
- Nike ZoomX Running Shoes: Treat your feet to the ultimate cushioning and support with these running shoes. Whether you’re walking or running, these shoes will have you feeling like you’re walking on clouds.
- Magnesium and Ashwagandha: These supplements supported my overall health and wellness, helping me feel energized and balanced. I’m not sure if it was the combination of these two supplements but my anxiety after about a month reduced significantly, I was more relaxed and calm. If you’re looking for an alternative to anti anxiety meds I would check these out. **ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NEW SUPPLEMENTS AS THESE CAN INTERACT TO EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY***
- Organic Bone Broth: Nourish your body from the inside out with organic bone broth. Packed with collagen and nutrients, this broth supports gut health and promotes overall well-being. Bone broth also helped me get more protein in my diet as one cup of this has about 7 grams of protein woohoo!
Fitness Journey:
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of my fitness journey. After giving birth, it’s essential to listen to your body and ease back into exercise gradually. I made the mistake of jumping back into running too soon, which led to discomfort and pelvic floor issues. But with time and patience, I discovered alternative ways to get back in shape that worked wonders for my body and mind.
- Embrace Variety: Instead of sticking to one type of exercise, I embraced variety in my workouts. From walking and stair climbing to home workouts, I found joy in mixing things up and challenging my body in new ways.
- Home Workouts: Enter YouTube fitness guru MADFIT. Her HITT workouts and strength training routines became my go-to for convenient and effective workouts at home. Plus, I could squeeze in a sweat session during nap time or whenever I had a spare moment. For example these are some of my favorite video’s she currently has on YouTube:
- Consistency is Key: Every day, I reminded myself that consistency is key. Even on the days when I didn’t feel like working out, I pushed through and reaped the rewards of my dedication.
- Mindfulness and Mental Health: Alongside physical exercise, I prioritized my mental health through mindfulness practices and journaling. Writing down my thoughts and feelings allowed me to process my emotions and stay grounded throughout the journey.
Remember, mommas, this journey is all about progress, not perfection. Be kind to yourself, celebrate your victories, and know that you’re doing an amazing job. With a little self-care, dedication, and a sprinkle of Nike’s “Just Do It” attitude, you’ll be well on your way to shedding post-baby weight and thriving in motherhood. You’ve got this! 💪🌟