I love to work out. I truly believe that a healthy and strong body keeps your mind strong as well. I worked out throughout my pregnancy with Avery, my first child and I am currently working out while pregnant with my second child.
I took a break from working out after giving birth. There were so many new things going on that needed my full attention to adjust to them. I tried to work out at home, but the truth is: I was just too tired. I prioritized sleep and food over my muscles. I did not have any help with my newborn, so it was more important to be there for my child and put his well-being ahead of mine. I knew it was just temporary.
I got back into working out at around 3 months post-partum when I felt comfortable enough to leave Avery at the gym child care center. My body was strong before I gave birth, but 3 months later, I noticed how much weaker I had become! I actually felt overwhelmed and clueless for the first time. So I started off with a personal trainer who worked with me on putting together exercises using mostly just my bodyweight. The goal was to strengthen my core and regain balance. I did leg lifts, romanian deadlifts, bench squats, easy single arm rows and push ups. I couldn't believe that I was not able to squat without losing my balance!
Shortly after 2 weeks, I noticed that I was getting stronger and confident enough to slowly resume to my workout routine prior to and during pregnancy - I worked on different body parts instead of a full body workout: 1) Chest/Triceps/Abs, 2) Delts/Back/Biceps/Shoulders and 3) Legs.
Left: 3 months post-partum when I just started working out again / Right: 12 months post-partum
Whenever I did not make it to the gym I would work out at the tiny gym at my condo complex to keep up with my routine.
Putting in all the work and discipline, I will say that my body was lean and strong again, but my skin was not as firm as I’d liked it to be. I’m not upset about it because I love that our bodies have gone through such a big change. Now, being pregnant with my second child, I have been more disciplined and focused and my workouts have more variety. I'm curious to find out how different my body will be after giving birth. I'll definitely write a post about it.
With that, please note that I have been cleared by my doctor for weightlifting during and after pregnancy. Please consult with your doctor and work with a Trainer to ensure that you won't injure yourself.
xTanya
All photos are property of Tanya Sway (