The postpartum stage can be tough for a variety of reasons. I am sharing with you today what I did for postpartum exercise and why running is still my ONLY workout.
Why I started running…
I remember being tired, anxious, and unsure of how the events of the day would play out during my initial postpartum phases.
The stress of attempting to exercise can feel overwhelming some days.
Would I get to shower, make dinner, or accomplish one chore I was hoping to do?
Even though these things all seem trivial in hindsight, in the moment these tasks can be a challenge to complete.
The hours fly by in the early days of a new baby and then mom usually takes care of herself last.
How can we as moms take better care of ourselves? Check out my post here on 5 ways to reduce postpartum irritability and anxiety.
I have never been a star athlete, however always had an appreciation for a good workout and continue that sentiment to this day.
In conjunction with this, I am not the person that can eat whatever they want and maintain my weight. I look at ice cream and am automatically carrying around an additional two pounds.
After my older daughter was born, exercising was low on my priority list. She had the dreaded colic and there was not much rest for the weary around my house at that point.
Between that, and the year being 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic, my options for exercise were limited.
Home exercise routines were tough for me. I tried home exercise routines with a yoga mat and light weights, but that still was not cutting it for me.
The satisfaction that comes with a strenuous workout wasn’t there for me and I was still searching for that.
I am not here to talk about running in terms of being an athlete, but I am here to share how running has provided me an outlet.
After my younger daughter was born I started power walking.
The summer weather was HOT, but I made it happen most days.
I would power walk while she was strapped to me in a baby carrier and I would push my older daughter in a stroller. I went to bike trail about 5 minutes from my house.
Even though I received so many comments from other walkers strolling by, like wow you have a full plate…I kept going.
Ultimately, I graduated from power walking to running (minus the baby carrier). Baby steps.
Trust me, you will not see me running marathons, but you may find me running outside near my house on the weekends for some fresh air and change of scenery.
Exercising in general is hard, exercising postpartum is even harder in my opinion. This is why I want to share with you my thoughts on postpartum exercise and why running is my ONLY workout 18 months later.
WHY running has become my only workout
- Free.
No membership fees or recurring costs associated with running whether at home or outside.
- Cardio.
I need cardio. I had high blood pressure during my first pregnancy, which is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure later in life.
One of the proven ways to maintain and/or lower blood pressure is to consistently perform aerobic activity.
Of course, there are plenty of other workout routines that provide aerobic activity, but this is what works for me!
- One piece of equipment.
My treadmill is semi- ancient compared to the new sophisticated machines on the market, but it still works great!
In the past, treadmills took up a lot of space, were loud, and heavy.
There are so many new machines on the market that debunk all of those previous associations.
The treadmills available now have sleek designs with easier storage capabilities than previously of course more features. I linked a few treadmills that I have had my eye on and all have great reviews.
- TV.
Alright, let me dish out one of my confessions. Running is when I watch all my television.
I will watch sappy dramas or crime shows and sometimes overindulge in whatever is currently popular on TV and secretly watch it while I run. Those are the moments I have while I run.
These moments are not ALWAYS about exercising or watching TV, they are the moments that I need as a mom, wife, and healthcare professional to unwind and reset.
My moments to myself, free of judgement or noise.
Moms especially need this, heck we all need it. Do it for you, find your reset and make it yours.
- Not the Endorphins.
Ever heard of runner’s high?
Not quite what has always been thought with endorphins, but nevertheless there is still association with a state of relaxation along with other mental benefits after running.
Check out this quick and easy read from Johns Hopkins Medicine explaining the effects running has on the brain.
Wrap Up
Don’t worry if you are not a runner…you can modify many workouts to suit your needs on the treadmill. Power walking, hills, jogging and walking combinations.
I will share my newest sneakers by Saucony, found here on Saucony’s website and below on Amazon for prime shipping. Here is a great review of the sneaker as well (and they come in wide). I also own these Brooks below and they are great too!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Additionally, there are also so many wonderful products on the market now to incorporate this kind of activity anywhere in your home. I still have an old school bulky treadmill, but there are so many great options.
Don’t be afraid to start today. I would love to chat about other postpartum exercise experiences and what has worked for you!