Pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn are all amazing and difficult. There is no way to avoid some hardship during the process but the end result is worth the effort. The same is true when it comes to getting back in shape after having a baby. There will be some difficulties throughout the process but when you reach your goal it will be worth all the effort. A big difference in the two situations, however, is the way that women see themselves. It is understood that having a baby is a process that comes with a lot of change and we (hopefully) give ourselves some grace throughout the process. When it comes to getting back in shape after having a baby many women forget to offer themselves the same grace. Being too hard on yourself as you try and get back into shape can actually sabotage your results. Instead, focus on the three important facts to help you maintain the right viewpoint: your mind and body are connected, during pregnancy your body underwent a transformation over the course of months, and lasting change starts with a high-quality plan.
Your mind and body are connected
It is important to remember that your mind and body are connected as you work to get back in shape after having a baby. If you are too hard on yourself mentally it can impact your progress physically. Think about it – do you feel motivated when someone tells you that you are out of shape? Does it help you to hear that you will never get back to your pre-baby fitness level? Do you want to go workout after being told that it probably won’t make a difference? These comments are not helpful or true. But all too often women who are struggling to get back in shape after having a baby say these types of things to themselves. If you are allowing your mind to think such negative thoughts it can deplete your motivation and ultimately sabotage your progress. Your mind and body are connected so do not sabotage yourself by allowing negativity to take over.
During pregnancy your body underwent a transformation over the course of months
It took around nine months for your baby to develop and for your body to make the changes necessary to accommodate that growth and eventual birth. How long should it take for your body to return to pre-pregnancy shape? It can be difficult to temper your expectations when you are anxious to feel ‘normal’ once again. However, expecting immediate results after giving birth will set you up for disappointment. Don’t be too hard on yourself when it comes to the timeframe of your goals. Set realistic expectations that require you to work hard but do not make success impossible.
Lasting change starts with a high-quality plan
If you want to see lasting change to your body then you need a high-quality plan. Without a plan you will end up frustrated because of your lack of progress. Whipping yourself into shape is not a high-quality plan, it’s a wish. Instead, you need a detailed strategy that moves you progressively toward your goal. A well-designed plan will help prevent a plateau which is often the time when it is easiest to be too hard on yourself.
Getting back in shape after you have a baby does not have to be a process that includes you beating up on yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself! The changes in your body during pregnancy took time to happen and getting back in shape will take some time as well. If you are looking for a high-quality program to help you get started, take a look at MAPS Starter or MAPS Anywhere, both are a great options to help you get back in shape after having a baby.
