The biggest struggle for moms isn’t about sleep schedules, taming toy clutter or how to freaking keep your kid from getting jacked up on sugar. Nope. Trying to get our pre-baby bodies back is hands-down the biggest task after having kids. Most of us are so focused (distracted?) on the tiny humans running our lives that we forget to take care of ourselves. Motherhood is exhausting! It’s so much easier to crash on the couch with Netflix and wine at the end of the day, am I right?
I decided to jump off the weight-loss roller coaster by teaming up with Forward Fitness in Maplewood. As I write this post, I’m in the middle of an 8 week “drop two pants sizes” challenge that I’m going to use to kick start a healthier–and skinnier–life style.
(Pssst: this post is sponsored by Forward Fitness, the awesome LOCAL gym that will give you the tools to get fit without any gimmicks.)
12 Tips to Help Moms Get their Pre-Baby Bodies BACK
Since the coaches at Forward Fitness obviously know their stuff, I asked them for their top tips to get in shape.
Here’s what the experts have to say:
Know your WHY
Know your why. Keep digging. When you think have gone deep enough…ask yourself why again. Knowing why you must achieve your goals will help pull you towards them. When you really truly know your why the decisions you make to get there become so much easier.
Stay Positive
Focus on what you are adding into your life. Instead of thinking, “I can’t have anything that tastes good,” ask yourself, “What will taste good AND help me reach my goal?”
Eat Breakfast
Starting your day off with a breakfast that has a good source of protein (and veggies) will help set your day up for success. For example, a spinach, tomato, turkey bacon omelet topped with avocado and salsa will keep you fuller a lot longer and help to keep your blood sugar levels in check, especially when compared to Rice Krispies with skim milk or a muffin.
Never Miss a Monday
Getting your first workout in on Monday is a fantastic way to jump start your week of healthy habits.
Set Goals
Always have short & long term goals. Having multiple goals helps keep you on track. I like short term goals because they are typically easier to accomplish. A bunch of short term goals add up quickly!
Find your Tribe…
Surround yourself with like-minded people who support, not sabotage you. This is a no-brainer! Having supportive friends and family makes your journey easier and more fun!
…and get a Workout Buddy
Get a workout partner. Having a workout partner can help with support, motivation, and challenge yourself.
Have a Plan
Before going to the gym to workout, have a plan ready. Are you going to take a class? Run a circuit? Having a workout routine in place will assure a successful work will lead to success of achieving your goals.
Show Up
I heard a man ask a fellow trainer of mine how his friend had lost so much weight. The trainer answered, “He showed up.” It may sound simple, but sometimes the hardest part of a workout are the hours or minutes leading up to exercise. Are you dreading it? Are you considering skipping? Don’t let that happen. Schedule your workouts. Commit to them. Show up.
Take Care of Yourself
“If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” There are few things better for your mind and body than a good sweaty workout. When you plan and execute times to strengthen yourself, your entire family benefits from a stronger, happier, healthier you.
Lift Heavy Things
You cannot be afraid to lift heavy things (or heavier things than you are used to). Common misconception is that just cardio will get you where you want to be. Truth be told, strength training is where your fat loss happens. LIFT WEIGHTS!!
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
A fitness journey is a marathon. It is not a sprint. Treat it as such. Prepare yourself for success each day, each week each month. Trying to reach your fitness goals here and now (because that’s the society we live in) will only lead to an easier derailment later.
Note: I finished the challenge in November…wanna hear about the results?? Click here!