Every now and then I get requests for cool collaborations on my Instagram. This one with Fit for Free was oh so perfectly timed!
In case you’re wondering what I’m doing in the picture above … It’s an attempt to do a push up and not fall on top of my baby. Let’s say I need some more practice … I will get there tho! The last three weeks I have been finding my way back to the gym. Well, just a little bit.
I was super happy when Fit for Free asked me to do a collaboration because I really needed some motivation to get my booty back into workout mode. During my pregnancy I didn’t go to the gym. I did take swimming classes, but I noticed that I missed ‘getting sweaty with it’. But I can tell you this exercise after pregnancy is no joke.
A new and improved self-care routine
Nine weeks ago I gave birth to my sweet little Isameya. Ever since she’s here I’ve been thinking about what I need to be the best mom I can be. I believe proper self-care is a must when it comes to my life as a new mom. To me working out is an important part of a healthy self-care routine. While my body is still recovering from the pregnancy and giving birth, getting more active feels like a good first step in a more fit direction.
By the time she’s walking around I want to be a lot fitter than I am now. I don’t want to be a mom that needs to recover after a little play time with her kiddo. It’s important to me to be able to run around with Isameya without too much struggle (I have this image in my head of a mom holding on to a bench, breathing heavily from running after her toddler … I don’t want to be her. LOL.)
Exercise after pregnancy: twice a week
I’ve been taking Bodypump classes on two different locations. It’s perfect to be able to switch between locations because I have to schedule my workout sessions around my boyfriends working hours. A couple of years ago I was pretty addicted to Bodypump and went to 3 – 4 classes a week. That’s way too much at the moment so I’m easing into things and try to workout twice a week.
Not so heavy lifting
It is pretty challenging to train again. During workouts I can tell that I’m still in ‘recovery mode’. My back and abdominals feel very weak. I train with light weights so that I don’t overdo it. I do love the Bodypump classes because you get to train your whole body in just 60 minutes. Perfect for moms who don’t have lots of time to train. My experiences with the classes at Fit for Free are very positive. The instructors are very motivating and I love that they always take the time to give me tips and check if I can improve my posture during the session.
Trying new things
This last week I’ve been feeling very drained (I got my period on Saturday, that explains why I’m so tired). I also over stretched a muscle in my neck so I figured it was better to take a step back. Instead of two Bodypump classes and yoga I skipped one Bodypump session. But honestly, I found yoga to be more challenging than the squats I got to do earlier this week! I’m so out of shape and not flexible … But it still was a great way to start my Sunday and a totally new experience for me because I’ve never done yoga. The teacher had a very calming way of guiding us so I came home feeling at peace. I’d love to go to this class more often and try to improve my flexibility.
I’m very happy that I got the chance to do this and I’m motivated to keep going now that I’ve started. And on the days I can’t seem to workout for myself, my baby girl is the thing that will motivate me to get up and move my body!
Keep on shining,
Mayra
This post was written in collaboration with Fit for Free. All opinions are my own.