Postpartum Fitness Update | 8 Months

Hi, sweet friends.

I’ve gotten some requests to share another Postpartum Fitness Update. I’m 8 months (+ some) postpartum and I am finally starting to feel like myself again…

(This post contains affiliated links.)

The pic on the left was my first postpartum workout – right around 5 weeks. The pic on the right was last Friday.

HOW AM I FEELING?

Overall, physically I’m feeling pretty good. (Although currently I’m nursing a jacked up shoulder, which I’ve never had to deal with before.)

Within the last month or so, I feel like I’ve fallen back into my workout rhythm. My body is starting to feel like mine again, even though I’m still breastfeeding.

I still have about 5-7 pounds to lose to get to my pre-baby weight. Those pesky pounds are not really budging, and I’m thinking they might stick around until I stop breastfeeding.

CURRENT WORKOUT ROUTINE?

I shared my workout routine in last month’s postpartum fitness update here.

I’m still aiming to work out 5-6 days a week. Especially during this time at home, I just need to move to feel good.

I’m still loving the Peloton app and try to get in a run almost every day. When we can’t get outside, I hop on the treadmill. (We don’t have a Peloton tread, you can use the app with any treadmill!)

Running has always been my go-to workout. It’s cathartic for me – I can listen to good music, zone out and breathe.

I’m turning 40 (!) at the end of July, and just decided that I’m going to run a half marathon on my birthday. Since there aren’t any organized races right now, I’m going to do my own, in my neighborhood, with my little family cheering me on.

This will be my third half marathon. I ran my first in 2002, and then again in 2017 after my 2nd baby.

I’ll be sharing my training and some updates in a few blog posts, so be sure to stay tuned!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR GETTING BACK INTO SHAPE AFTER BABY?

Alright guys, here’s where I have to give a little tough love.

I have a lot of tips, and I shared my tips for getting back into shape and making time to workout with kids here.

BUT. As for tricks?

There are no tricks.

There’s only sweat and hard work and movement. That’s it.

There’s working out when you really would rather do anything else.

There’s figuring out how to MAKE the time to workout, rather than waiting to FIND it.

There’s choosing to be healthy and fit.

That’s it.

It’s a choice and it’s one I have to make every day, over and over.

It’s HARD.

But, it’s also HARD for me to feel uncomfortable in my body and to feel unhealthy.

As my wise therapist mom always says, CHOOSE YOUR HARD.

There’s no easy path, and no matter what, you’re always choosing.

So, I choose to feel good.

It’s not about a number on a scale or being “skinny.” For me, it’s always been about moving because I’m able to. It’s about appreciating my body and showing it love and gratitude by treating it well with movement.

I hope this helps. It’s what I think about every time I lace up my running shoes or get into my first downdog.