Life took a 180 the moment Nola entered my life. Suddenly, my time was spent consumed with sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and those sweet baby giggles. Working out wasn't that high on my priority list honestly since most days I felt like I was just trying to survive. After giving birth to Stevie I knew I wanted to be more proactive about my health and my general commitment to wellness.

But let's be honest, as a mom, it's hard enough to try to use the bathroom uninterrupted, let alone carve out time for a committed fitness routine. But with a sprinkle of determination and a dash of creativity, and the help of a nanny and daycare (I'm nothing if not honest), I found my rhythm. Here's what I've learned that I think is useful for you.

Social Media Reality Check

‍Let's talk about the elephant in the room – social media. It can make postpartum workouts look like a breeze, and that can be seriously discouraging. Realize that those picture-perfect moments don't show the messy reality. Give yourself credit, mama; you're doing amazing.

‍Embrace the Chaos

‍Perfect, structured routines? Nah, that went out the window. New mom life is wonderfully unpredictable, and that's totally okay. Instead of waiting for the "perfect" time, I learned to embrace the chaos, stealing moments throughout the day to squeeze in some movement.

Short and Sweet Sessions

‍Let's face it, spare time is a luxury. So, bye-bye hour-long workouts; hello short, effective sessions. Quick bursts of activity fit into my hectic schedule and kept me consistent without feeling overwhelmed. I love Sweat App workouts and the ones on Pelaton as well. Both have short but effective routines that are targeted (think arms, legs, abs, and booty). Most of the routines can be completed in 20 minutes or less and from the comfort of your home if needed.

Make It a Family Affair

‍Involving my whole crew turned workouts into a family affair. A stroll in the park with the stroller or a mini dance party in the living room—getting the whole family involved not only made exercising fun but also created lasting memories.

Be Kind to Yourself

Postpartum bodies are superheroes, but they need time and care. I tossed aside unrealistic expectations, embraced the journey, and celebrated small victories. Self-love became a crucial part of my workout routine.

Find What Sparks Joy

‍Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. I explored different activities until I found what sparked joy. Whether it was a yoga session during naptime or a quick HIIT workout for an energy boost, discovering what I enjoyed made all the difference. For example, I've discovered that I love running. I was never a treadmill girlie before but now? Baby give me a 30-minute run and I'm a happy girl.

Flexibility Is Key

‍New mom life is all about adapting. A flexible workout routine that could bend and sway with the unpredictability of motherhood became my go-to. Some days meant full workouts; others were about a mindful walk or deep-breathing exercises and that's okay!

In The End

Remember, every mom's journey is unique. What worked for me might not be your cup of tea, and that's perfectly okay. The key is to find what fits into your life and makes you feel good. Here's to embracing the beautiful chaos of motherhood and discovering the strength within us, one joyful workout at a time.