Oh, how I envy those women who genuinely relish their time at the gym. I, on the other hand, am more of a fan of polishing off my child’s leftover chicken nuggets and indulging in Nutella straight from the jar.
Finding the motivation to hit the gym has always been a struggle for me, but after having kids, this task has taken on a whole new level of difficulty. If you’re in the same boat, grappling with those lingering baby pounds (even if your kids are far from babies now), or contemplating a return to the gym after a lengthy break, here are 13 ways your workout routine transforms post-kids:
- Pre-kids, you needed to spend substantial time on the treadmill to break a sweat. Now, you’re perspiring just from the frenzy of getting the kids out the door and buckled into their car seats.
- Jumping jacks were once a fun way to elevate your heart rate; now, they can lead to an embarrassing situation.
- You used to appreciate yoga for its physical and mental benefits. Nowadays, it’s about enjoying a few moments of peace in a quiet space, free from interruptions.
- Once upon a time, you 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 offerings. Now, it’s all about which facility has the best child care area filled with toys.
- While working out on the elliptical, you loved blasting your favorite tunes. Now, you keep the volume low to hear the dreaded announcement: “Mom, the one who just started her workout in daycare…”
- You used to be in tune with all the latest hits. Now, your playlists are dominated by Disney songs, and “Let It Go” is your new cycling anthem.
- Mirrors in the gym were once a source of motivation. Now, they can be a little alarming, showing you jiggling and bouncing in ways you didn’t know were possible.
- Your workout attire matched and was stylish. Now, you might just be thankful if you remembered a sports bra under your old college tee.
- You once had a collection of water bottles ready for workouts. Now, you’re carrying a Doc McStuffins water bottle because adult options are no longer in your possession.
- You found motivation to exercise for events like weddings. Now, it’s more about tangible reasons, like realizing your backside is starting to resemble your mother’s.
- Before kids, skipping a spin class for happy hour was a common occurrence. Now, you skip for even smaller reasons: a need for sleep, the kids want to rewatch Frozen, or simply because you don’t want to shower.
- Pre-kids, rewarding yourself with a Starbucks after a workout was a treat. After kids? You still do it, proving that some habits never change!
If you’re looking for more insights on navigating parenthood, check out our post on home insemination here. It’s a great read that complements our focus on family life. And if you’re considering options for artificial insemination, CryoBaby offers reliable kits to facilitate your journey. For those curious about the financial aspects of starting a family, this is an excellent resource for understanding fertility insurance.
In summary, working out after kids is a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and unexpected moments of humor. While some things change dramatically, certain joys—like a post-workout treat—remain the same.