Getting back into a workout routine after having a baby can be quite daunting. Even if you maintained your fitness during pregnancy, your body often feels different, and the gym can seem like an intimidating place. Fortunately, most individuals at the gym are supportive or at least keep to themselves—except for one trainer who confronted Anne Hathaway during her workout.
The actress, who welcomed her son, Alex, just eight weeks prior, appeared on a talk show recently and mentioned she had only visited the gym a handful of times since giving birth. She described her West Hollywood gym as a venue filled with attendees resembling “superheroes,” saying, “The people working out there have muscles that could star in an action movie.” As one can imagine, it’s a rather intimidating environment.
However, Hathaway shared that motherhood has positively impacted her self-confidence. “Being a mom has transformed me in several ways,” she explained. “I actually feel more empowered now. Typically, I’d walk into the gym feeling intimidated, but now I think, ‘Sure, I’m lifting five-pound weights, but I just brought a baby into the world, and that feels pretty awesome.’” That is until she encountered an unexpected situation.
While using a rowing machine, Hathaway noticed a man staring at her. Initially, she thought he might be waiting for the machine, but his intentions were quite different. “He approaches me and asks, ‘So, have you been working out here long?’” she recalled. Feeling flattered, she thought, “Wow, I guess being a new mom has its perks!”
But the interaction took a turn for the worse. After revealing that she was a new mom, Hathaway expected some encouraging words like, “You look fantastic!” Instead, she was met with the insensitive remark, “Oh, so you’re trying to lose the baby weight?”
Ouch. Hathaway explained that she was just trying to regain her strength before walking away, feeling a bit emotional. We can all relate to moments like this; I had a similar experience when my little one was just six months old. An older woman approached me at the park to share her “tips” for shrinking my “big tummy.” It was mortifying!
There are unwritten rules about commenting on pregnancy and new motherhood, yet people seem to ignore them. They make assumptions about your body and offer unsolicited advice, expecting you to take it without a second thought. As new moms, we quickly learn to develop a thick skin. Hopefully, Hathaway brushed off that man’s comment and didn’t let it bother her too much. After all, she looks absolutely fabulous, and so do all of us moms!
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In summary, Anne Hathaway’s experience at the gym serves as a reminder that new moms often face unsolicited opinions and assumptions about their bodies. Despite the challenges, it’s crucial to focus on self-love and confidence during this transformative time.