I think most people understand that pregnancy and childbirth do a number on our bodies. If not, it should be obvious: I literally grew a human from the very start of their existence. So, why is it that I ever thought I’d jump back into working out as if no time had passed? I couldn’t tell you, especially since my fitness wasn’t really a priority beforehand…but I do know this: it’s hard.
It Feels Different
Here’s the thing: I am so, so, so out of shape. I didn’t have a regular workout schedule prior to my pregnancy, but I had a pretty active job that allowed me to remain at the same weight. My weight was still considered way too high at around 210 pounds. I was about 20 pounds more than my best – 193lbs on my wedding day (October 17, 2015) – and about 30 pounds lighter than my heaviest – 243lbs in December 2013.
On Tuesday I was at my OB getting medically cleared and weighed in at 217. I’m okay with that as my starting point.
Wednesday, I sat on my rarely used exercise bike, ready to go. Hubby had bought me a new cushioned bike seat cover for Christmas and it even felt pretty good. Then I started peddling. Holy Moly. A minute in and I was sweating. Two minutes and I was literally starting to pant. It was miserable. I was miserable.
Even at my heaviest, I can’t remember it being that hard to turn the peddles. I think I lasted nearly 10 minutes before I stopped. Sweat clung to my shirt. I was gasping for water. My legs were on fire.
But on Thursday, I did it again.
Working Out with a Newborn
My daughter, Nora, is 7 weeks old.
While she seems more independent than my son was at her age, she still likes to be held. Of course, she doesn’t mind sitting alone until I plant my rear on the bike seat. Then the crying started. I haul myself off the bike and pick her up, which quiets her. I seem to get her settled, put her back in her seat, and get back on the bike. Wailing ensues.
I was so close to calling it quits, but my stubborn streak flared up in full force. I get on the bike – a spin bike, no less – baby, now quiet, held close to my chest, and peddle. It was terrible. The ache burned my thighs and I felt muscles in my core that I forgot I had. But somehow I lasted a minute longer than the night before, baby and all.
Tip: Keep your baby calmer longer by using a shirt that you’ve worn as a blanket or swaddler! Sometimes all they need is Mommy’s smell to feel safe. I use this trick for long showers and can’t believe I didn’t think to use it during my first few workouts!
Setting Goals
By Friday night, my butt was so sore from the seat I dreaded getting on that bike. Even with the extra cushion, I felt bruised. When I actually got around to sitting on the bike seat, the pain was nearly unbearable. I had my mind set on working out though, so I put a pillow on that awful seat and pushed forward. I did two minutes more than the night before.
This is when I realized that I don’t need to be working out for a solid hour right away. The goal I’m setting right now is improvement. If I can do better tomorrow than I did today, I feel like I accomplished something.
Eventually, I’ll reach the hour-long workout and the goal weight. For now, I’m happy making progress.
The Lessons
With that story told, let me tell you about what I’ve learned:
- This is not the body I had. And that’s okay.
- Babies put an extra oomph into your workout. They also help you burn an extra 500 calories per day if you breastfeed!
- Do better than you did yesterday.
- Improvement takes time.
- No matter what, those babies are always, always worth it.
- “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” -Phil 4:13
- Keep going.
- Spin bikes hurt your tushie.
With these lessons learned, I’m ready to move forward! With my stubborn nature and my good buddy, Jesus, I can get through the hardest parts.
What did you do to start your post-baby workouts? Let’s talk about it in the comments!