Oh, how I envy those women who genuinely enjoy hitting the gym. The truth is, I’m more of a mom who relishes finishing off her kids’ leftover chicken nuggets and sneaking spoonfuls of Nutella. Finding the drive to work out has always been tough for me, but after having kids, this challenge morphs into a whole new beast. So if you relate to my struggle—whether you’re trying to shed that baby weight (even though my little ones are no longer “babies”) or contemplating a return to the gym after a lengthy break—here are 13 ways your workout experience shifts post-kids:
- Pre-kids, you needed to dedicate substantial time to the treadmill for a good sweat. Now, you’re perspiring from the sheer frenzy of getting the kids ready and buckled into the car.
- Jumping jacks used to elevate your heart rate. Now, they might lead to an embarrassing little accident.
- You cherished your yoga sessions for their holistic benefits. Now, yoga is your sanctuary—a rare moment of peace where no one interrupts you.
- You once chuckled at the woman who dozed off on her mat. Now, you’ve become that woman.
- Your gym choice was based on equipment and class schedules. Now, it hinges on which facility has the most engaging childcare options.
- While enjoying the elliptical, you’d blast your favorite tracks. Now, you keep the volume low in case you hear the dreaded announcement: “Mom who just started working out in daycare…”
- You once knew all the chart-topping songs. Now, your playlist is dominated by Disney hits, with “Let It Go” on repeat motivating you during your cycling session.
- The gym mirrors used to be amusing distractions. Now, they’re a source of anxiety as you notice things jiggling that never jiggled before.
- Your workout attire was stylish and coordinated. Now, you’re just grateful if you remembered to wear a sports bra beneath a well-worn college tee.
- You used to have a plethora of water bottles at your disposal. Now, you carry a Doc McStuffins water bottle because you’ve long since lost your adult ones.
- You found motivation to exercise for random events like a distant relative’s wedding. Now, motivation comes from more tangible concerns, like realizing your backside is starting to resemble your mother’s.
- You’d skip spin class for significant events like happy hour. Nowadays, you might miss it for simple reasons: fatigue, wanting to avoid a shower, or because the kids are glued to Frozen again.
- Before kids, rewarding yourself with a Starbucks after burning calories felt amazing. And after kids? Well, some things remain unchanged in the chaos of motherhood.
For more insights on parenting and wellness, check out our other blog post about using bug spray on infants and toddlers here.
Summary: Working out post-children is a unique experience filled with adjustments ranging from the chaotic rush of getting kids ready to the realities of fitness attire. While some aspects of motivation and rewards remain, the overall fitness journey takes on a new dimension after having kids, making it both a challenge and a source of humor.