It’s a common aspiration to be one of those individuals who thrives in the gym, relishing every drop of sweat. However, I must confess—I’m more inclined to finish off my kids’ leftover chicken nuggets or scoop Nutella straight from the jar.
Finding the drive to hit the gym has always been tough for me, but becoming a parent has transformed this challenge into something else entirely. If you find yourself in a similar boat, perhaps trying to shed that post-baby weight (even if your little ones are no longer babies) or contemplating a return to the gym after a prolonged absence, here are 13 ways your workout routine will differ after having kids:
- Prior to kids, you needed to spend significant time on the treadmill to work up a sweat. Now, the mere act of getting the kids out the door and strapped into their car seats leaves you drenched.
- Jumping jacks were a fun way to elevate your heart rate. Nowadays, they can lead to a bit of an embarrassing situation.
- You once cherished yoga classes for their holistic benefits. Now, yoga is a cherished opportunity to lie down in peace, away from the chaos.
- Remember the days when you’d chuckle at the person who fell asleep on their mat? Now, that person is you.
- Your gym choice was based on equipment and class offerings. Now, it’s all about which gym has the best child care facilities filled with toys.
- While on the elliptical, you used to jam out to your favorite tracks. Now, you keep the volume low, anticipating the dreaded announcement over the PA system: “Mom who just started her workout to the daycare…”
- You once had an extensive playlist of songs that got you moving. Now, your phone is filled with Disney movie soundtracks, and yes, the third replay of “Let It Go” is powering you through your cycling session today.
- The gym mirrors used to serve as a distraction during your workouts. Now, they can be a bit intimidating, revealing jiggly bits that never jiggled before.
- Your workout attire was stylish and matched perfectly. Nowadays, you’re just grateful if you remember to wear a sports bra under an old college t-shirt.
- Previously, you had a plethora of water bottles ready for your workouts. Now, you’re likely carrying a Doc McStuffins water bottle since adult options have vanished from your home.
- You found motivation for workouts from upcoming weddings or special events. Now, it’s about concrete realizations, like noticing your rear end resembles your mother’s.
- You used to skip spin classes for social events like happy hour. Now, you might skip for much simpler reasons: a need for sleep, lack of desire to shower, or the kids demanding to rewatch Frozen.
- Before kids, rewarding yourself with a Starbucks after a workout felt amazing. After kids, the sentiment remains unchanged—some things, at least, stay constant.
If you’re interested in more insights about navigating parenthood or enhancing your journey towards conception, consider checking out our post on the impregnator at home insemination kit, or explore mastering the process of home insemination for expert advice. For further information on fertility treatments, you can also visit ACOG’s resource on treating infertility.
In summary, working out after kids is a unique experience that blends the chaos of parenting with the pursuit of fitness. While some challenges remain, the transition can lead to unexpected joys and moments of self-care.