How To Motivate Yourself To Workout After Pregnancy

Having a newborn is exhausting!

You don’t feel like yourself mentally because you are beyond sleep deprived. You don’t feel like yourself physically because you have a new body that you don’t recognize. Your postpartum body is bigger, softer, squishier, jigglier than your old one.

You want to work out, but you have ZERO energy to do so. Sound familiar? It can be so difficult to find the time and motivation to workout after pregnancy.

Before my son was born I had an unrealistic agenda in my mind on how my morning routine would go. I had been waking up around 4 am every day for work prior to his birth, so I assumed continuing to wake up at 4 am would be no problem. It was a major problem. 

Sure, waking up at 4 am was much simpler when I had the ability to go to sleep early in the night and STAY ASLEEP ALL NIGHT. That’s over with. Now, I wake up multiple times throughout the night, so when 4 am rolls in I am in no mood to get up and start my day, let alone workout.

So, how do you find the motivation to workout? I use the following steps to help get me mentally in shape so I can physically get in shape.

1. Workout In The Morning

Easier said than done — but really, once you commit to a morning routine it becomes really easy to stick with it. Now you don’t need to start your day at 4 am. If you’re able to with a baby — well done! If not, find a time that works best for you in the morning, even if that’s as late as 10 am.

We all know babies are totally unpredictable, so allow yourself some wiggle room with the timeframe. You don’t need to start every single day at 7 am. Instead of picking a set time, you can commit to begin your routine immediately after your baby’s morning feeding.

By performing your routine in the morning, you are starting your day out with a sense of accomplishment right away.

If you have a baby then you understand how getting a shower and brushing your teeth first thing in the morning can help give you a great sense of accomplishment and the best start to your day. Just imagine adding a workout routine in the mix; energizing and refreshing you for the entire day. With a baby, you absolutely need something to energize you!

2. Set Realistic Goals

If you previously had ZERO workout routines in your life, don’t set yourself up for failure by creating unreachable goals. Set workout goals that align with your previous physical abilities. Setting a goal as simple as “workout for 30 minutes” is super practical and doable.  Don’t set a goal like, “run 2 miles” if you have never been a runner prior to now.

If you are unable to get out of the house (thus you cannot go for a run or walk outside, or hit up your nearest gym) try an in-home workout video that is tailored to the specific type of workout you are interested in.

3. Include The Baby

If at home workouts are not your thing, get outside with the baby! Take the baby for a long stroller walk, and if you can find hills — bonus points! You’re happier for working out and your baby is happier for getting a long walk in the stroller. Win-win. Not to mention you’ll be outside, which can help boost your mood and motivate you further. Win-win-win.

However, if in-home workouts are your thing you can still include your baby! Set them up in their favorite chair or jumper — they’ll love to watch you! As long as you don’t take offense to their sweet laughter as they watch you sweat.

4. Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress can help motivate you to keep working out. How? Tracking your progress acts as an accountability factor. Seeing the progress you’ve made can help drive your focus and reinforce the importance of your goals. In fact, by tracking your progress you are more likely to reach and surpass your goals and remain committed to your overall workout plan.

Track your progress in a way that is easy to look back on and see the changes you have made.

How to track your progress:

• Keep a workout journal
• Take pictures
• Use an app
• Start a blog to document your accomplishments

5. Dress To Impress Yourself

Did you know getting dressed in clothing that you feel best in can instantly increase your confidence and boost your mood? Seriously, changing the way you dress can actually change the way you feel and present yourself. What better way to get motivated to workout than by putting yourself in the right mood before the workout begins?

As a new mom, you may not be comfortable in the old workout clothes you wore prior to pregnancy. In fact, they may not fit anymore. This is totally understandable! Treat yourself to clothing that helps you feel better. Remember, finding the motivation to workout all starts with how you feel. You can get yourself a pair of postpartum leggings and a loose fitting top.

Check out some great (and stylish!) options below that include loose tops and high waisted leggings!

6. Change It Up and Have Fun

If you feel like you’re getting bored in the workout routine you have designed for yourself — change it up! Change and variety in your workout plan can increase your motivation and add longevity to your goals. Workout variety also challenges your body in new ways, introducing new muscle groups. If there is a workout routine you’ve always wanted to try, like yoga, pilates, or barre — now is the time to give it a go!

Above all, make sure you are focusing on routines that you can enjoy. If you hate running, absolutely do not run. If you love to dance, make your routine dance only! Working out should not be a punishment, especially when you are trying to better yourself and get back to feeling like your old self, prior to pregnancy.