Balancing Working Out and Motherhood

Lately I've been getting the same question asked "How Do I Stay in Shape w/a Newborn?" and my answer to everyone is balance!   Finding the time to fit it in.  You might think that being a stay at home mom is easy but it's really not.  At first I thought it was going to be easy.  I thought I can put Max down for his nap, I can put him in his swing while I exercise....WRONG!  It's more of a challenge.  I want to share with you how I overcame my challenges and maybe they will inspire you to do the same.  Of course we are all different and what works for me might now work for you.  The key here is to INSPIRE.

When I first started exercising post C-Section I started with daily walks in my neighborhood.  Then I started my Mommy & Me Walking Group on Wednesdays (That's another way to stay accountable and get in some exercise).  About a month or so after birth I started to go to the gym to do light weights, worked up to taking a yoga class and eventually back full force with my running.  Up until two months ago I was full on into my routine but as I would leave Max I started to get sad - separation anxiety and  then Alex started to work late.  Which meant my yoga class got put on hold and I now started to run more with Maximus.  Which was fine because I knew that with my jogging stroller it was going to build my strength and endurance.  But I started to lose my muscle definition.  A few weeks ago I had a pity party - didn't invite anyone HA!  But I had to think of ways to work around our new schedule and the days I was unable to attend the gym.  (For the record I'm not a big gym go'er)  I prefer outdoors!   So that's what I did.  Before each PLBC class I now do some plyo (box jumps, jump rope, burpees, etc), practice my yoga and go for a run.  I'm on week 2 of P90X and I'm seeing muscle definition again - in fact - the hubby even said I look cut!  LOL!!  Too funny!

Now back to Max...what I been doing is nursing him and put him down for a nap. I shut off social media and dedicate an hour to myself.  It's usually in the morning after prayer.   Of course I'll get a text or Max will wake up but what I do is simply press pause - attend to him and then resume.   It's not always easy but once I am done I feel so much better.  I'm more productive at home and setting the positive example to my family and community.  What also helps is being accountable on social media.  Posting on Instagram and Facebook.  Again, I'm able to inspire that one mom that might be struggling.  As a woman of faith my job is to share my testimony and everyday when I workout out and post I'm simply sharing my testimony.  I struggle just like you.  I enjoy eating cupcakes.  I have days where I don't want to run.  We are human!  We need those moments for us to realize we are stronger than that!  

Find your balance.  Maybe you work full time, so exercise during lunch.  Wake up an hour earlier and press play on P90X or Insanity.  Put the kids down for bed early and exercise.  Attend our bootcamp class.  Set your workout schedule on Sundays. Make notes in your smart phone.  Post on your IG/FB for accountability.  There are many ways to be a FIT MAMA!   You don't need a gym.  You simply need a program that works for you, a positive mindset and a WHY (Why do you want to be in shape?)  I don't have all the answers but what I can tell you is this:  If after 5 months of post baby via C-Section, with a newborn, work from home/stay at home mom, busy schedule, sleepless nights, breastfeeding around the clock, laundry, cooking and so forth and I'm still able to get in shape, work on myself everyday so can YOU!!!  

If I believe in YOU, you have to start believing in YOURSELF!

Strong & Fearless