Rain or shine, wind and snow, we are out walking, no excuses. Health and wellness was always a priority to me and is even more crucial after the birth of my first little angel, Annabel. Living a long, healthy life so I can take care of my family is what drives me and modeling this attitude to my children will hopeful encourage them to follow suit in their own lives.
Having a baby is by no means easy. Five months in and my body still hurts. I’m not a young mom by any stretch and my chronic arthritis and the fact that I had an emergency C-section doesn’t exactly help things. Even getting up after tummy-time with my little one is a several minute-long procedure with moans and groans along the way. Regardless, I make time for some type of fitness regiment each day because it is important to me and to my family.
I’m not that girl who has a pre-pregnancy pair of jeans that I plan to squeeze myself in again, in fact, I am still happily wearing the most comfy maternity leggings, jeans, and waist-cinching Lululemon pants everyday. I wear my scar like a badge of honor and smile at the pouch of tissue above it knowing that it’s there because of my beautiful daughter. I know my body will never be the same and I don’t just accept that, I am proud of that. I’m a momma now and my body is more amazing than I ever thought possible for the gift it has provided me.
Just like my new-found body, my gym routine is also very different from what it was pre-baby. I waited eight whole weeks until I had approval from my doctor to start doing exercises beyond walking and stretching. No burpees or jump rope quite yet as my enormous milk-filled knockers are quite the nuisance. My weight lifting ability has deceased significantly and I am forced to take everything slowly after recovering from surgery. Still no sign of an ab routine for me yet either as I wait for some further healing and the okay from the doctor.
Each day I try to do at least one thing that will help better my health whether it be going for an hour-long brisk walk or hitting our makeshift gym downstairs while she naps. We are also looking to start Baby and Me Aquafit once she is six months for a fun addition to our workout repertoire. I have developed my own personal “No Excuses” Kit that has helped me to begin to achieve my fitness goals and I would love to share that with anyone who is in the same place as me in their fitness journey. All the power to my fellow moms out there, you are all amazing!
My “No Excuses” Kit
Rains waterproof jacket
Sorel waterproof shoes
Comfy Lululemon pants
Waterproof stroller cover
Coffee and mug
Lululemon mat
Light weight set
Towel
Water bottle
Headband/Toque/Hat
Spotify playlists
Youtube fitness videos
Annabel's Mom 