To the Mom Finding Her Fitness Again

We are so critical about our image as mothers. Forgetting the amazing thing our body did. Create life. 

It begins when you get pregnant. You're over joyed but there is that tiny thought in your head "oh, I don't want to get fat". It sticks with you as you grow during your pregnancy. "Oh my gosh, I gained 4 ponds since my last appointment" We say to ourselves after the baby is born I'm hitting the gym and dieting as we stuff our latest craving in.

Flash forward- baby is born, and you are over the moon! But shortly after, you realize your body didn't snap back. You have stretch marks. You have a little mom pooch. And your once again, you are critical. Picking out every single imperfection, new and old.

One thing I had to understand starting my fitness journey is that THIS is MY body. It gave me THREE gorgeous, healthy babies. It's time I start loving it. You have to get to that point too mama, because if you don't working out in the gym is not going to make you love yourself nor will it be enjoyable. You have to want to be healthy, fit, whatever it is because you have some serious self love going on, not as a punishment. THEN make some fitness goals
.

Make REALISTIC and attainable goals. One short term, one long term.

 For example- a short term goal could be 

- loose five pounds this month 

- Be able to do 15 squats

Long term should be something like

- Be able to lift heavy 

- Run two miles 

The long term doesn't have to be a super long period of time, but set a goal that would take YOU a bit longer to attain. I am not a runner so running two miles could take me a while to get to. Set your goals based on yourself and not what others are doing or how long it takes them.

Stop comparing yourself to other women. We do this SO much. It doesn't matter where we are- on Facebook, in the gym, at the store.. we compare ourself to the woman standing next to us not knowing the struggle SHE is having herself. EVERYONE has highs and lows, guys.

When I started working out I would look at the women surrounding me in the gym and I'm surprised I didn't turn green right there on the spot. I was extremely envious. I work out in a gym full of soldiers, and body builders. I wanted to lift like them. I wanted their bodies. I wanted the cute gym clothes. I was jealous. Hands down.

So what did I do? I took that jealousy and turned it into DRIVE. You have to find it deep inside of you and pull it out. It is not easy to make the choice every day to work out, but once you start seeing your body change you won't want to stop. I promise.

First, find a gym. Anywhere will work- a big gym, apartment gym, even a home work out plan works! I work out with my husband because he pushes me. Find a section on your body that you enjoy working out. Mine is legs or back. Make an awesome playlist that gets you pumped. All of these things help me start.

Maybe lifting isn't your thing. That's OKAY! Just get your heart rate going. Take a class. Go on the treadmill. Use the machines as a circuit. Just do something to get you LOVING you again.

If I can do it- a girl who loves junk food, being lazy and hates running, I know you can too!