Ok, it’s time. Let’s talk about the gym.

PHYSICALLY // It’s been about three months since I joined the gym and let me just tell you, it was long overdue. I so wish that I had made it a priority right after Landon was born, because I’ve seen first hand how hard it can be to get your body back to a place where you feel good in your skin after two pregnancies if you don’t make an effort after the first. When I say “get your body back” I don’t mean get your body back to how it was before pregnancy. For some that is possible (although I’m pretty sure it isn’t for me), but the truth is, we shouldn’t even focus on that. If you’ve brought a child into this world, your body has done the most incredible thing that the human body can do. You’ve carried life and every stretch mark, dimple, and scar is a testament to what God gave you the honor and privilege of doing. I still have a long, long way to go to be where I would like to be, but I’ve seen such a difference just in the way I feel and the way my clothes fit since making exercise a consistent part of my week and because of that, I’m encouraged to keep going!

MENTALLY // For me, the decision to join the gym hasn’t just been about the physical benefits. The mental aspect of it has been tremendous. Just leaving the house every day and having two hours to myself has been a total and complete game changer. Being able to exercise and then shower and do my hair and even put on a little makeup has helped me feel so much more like myself. After two babies, it can start to feel like you lose yourself a little if you don’t make time for a little self care. I used to think “self care” looked like going for a pedicure or massage or buying myself something special (and sometimes, that’s true), but now I know that sometimes self care can mean hard work – the kind of work that is so good for you mentally, physically, financially, or spiritually. And what they say is true, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

SOCIALIZE // Although my kiddos are actively involved in church and love playing with their cousins and my friend’s kids, I knew that they needed more social interaction (especially Landon). It’s crazy (and so sad for my Mama heart) to think that in a few years, he’ll be starting school and I want to set him up for success as best as I can. He has loved going to the gym (which he lovingly refers to as the “CYA”) and I’ve found that the structure and routine (we typically go at the same time every day so it’s the same teachers and kids) has been so good for him, especially at such a pivotal time in his development (they grow and change so much from 2-3). It’s also been really good for Harper, who is very, very attached to her Mama!

TRYING NEW THINGS // I think one major reason I’ve avoided going to the gym for… uh… the last 26 years (haha!) is because I don’t really know what I’m doing and it makes me feel stupid. I don’t like running (thanks to a bad knee from a cheerleading accident many years ago) so I steer clear of the treadmills, I’m not about to go into a sweaty weight room with a bunch of guys in cut offs, and so for the first month, I pretty much just did a few miles on the elliptical or swam some laps and called it a day. But, one day at the last minute, I walked into a barre class and ya’ll… I am hooked! It was a little intimidating, trying something new, but I’m so glad I did and now I look forward to barre twice a week and I’ve met so many sweet girls through the class!

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I’ve tried several different kinds of leggings, but none have even come close to these Bao Bei Post Natal Core Support Athletic Leggings. They are by far the best leggings I’ve ever had and I so wish I had got them sooner after Harper was born. They feature an ultra-supportive design and moisture-wicking side mesh panels for ventilation & style. They offer the perfect blend of strong meets soft and have unbelievable structured support specifically designed to heal the abdomen post delivery!

The bralette is also super soft and comfortable and perfect for nursing! They come in lots of pretty colors, too. I have the black and blush and love the seamless design. It offers light support so I wouldn’t recommend it for cardio workouts, but it’s perfect for me under comfy clothes or light workouts.

Bao Bei offers so many amazing products for women during and after pregnancy. I definitely want to try a support band next time around and I love this sweatshirt that’s ideal for nursing! Follow along on instagram for fit-mama inspiration, stories of triumph, and sweet little reminders that we’re all in this together!

Thanks so much to Bao Bei for providing the products featured in this post. As always, all opinions are my own.