• Home
  • Start Here!
    • Subscribe
    • Topics
    • Top Tips!
  • About
    • Services
    • Contact Us!
    • Media
    • Disclaimer
  • Blog
    • Popular Posts
    • Recipe Index
  • Books
    • RD Book Coaching Services
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • RSS Feed

Maryann Jacobsen

Independent Author & Family Nutrition Expert

  • Home
  • Start Here!
    • Subscribe
    • Topics
    • Top Tips!
  • About
    • Services
    • Contact Us!
    • Media
    • Disclaimer
  • Blog
    • Popular Posts
    • Recipe Index
  • Books
    • RD Book Coaching Services
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy

The Best Way for Moms to Get Into Shape

July 3, 2009

best way shape
Tweet
Pin
Share10
Yum
Email
Share
10 Shares

I was a little cocky going into my six-week postpartum doctor’s appointment. After gaining the same amount of weight with my second pregnancy as I did with my first, I assumed my weight loss would be the same too. But when I stepped on the scale it revealed I was 10 pounds heavier than I was six weeks after my first child. Ouch!

Since that day seven weeks ago, I’ve been thinking a lot about how busy moms like me can get into shape. My experience tells me it’s more about being creative than finding the extra time. To show you what I mean, I’ll share my getting-back-into-shape plan with you.

Jump Ahead

  • Why exercise in the first place?
  • Do what you like
  • How to fit it in
  • The Plan

Why exercise in the first place?

Last year I read about a research study that confirmed something I already knew intuitively. Why you exercise can make or break your success.

I interviewed lead researcher, Michelle Segar, Ph.D., about her 2008 study published in Women’s Health Issues. Her research team asked 156 midlife women their reasons for exercising. The top five reasons included weight loss, health benefits, stress reduction, sense of well being, and weight maintenance. Those who said they exercised for weight loss and health benefits, participated in significantly less exercise than those who exercised for stress reduction and a sense of well being

Michelle explained to me that exercising because you “should” is less motivating than doing it for your own reasons including how it makes you feel. The more I thought about it the more it made sense. I would have never kept exercising all these years if weight was my only motivator.

So now I constantly remind myself how being active makes me feel both physically and mentally. After a workout I have a more positive outlook, am much more productive and present with my kids. And I have come to love the time to myself.

Don’t miss my podcast interview with Michelle Segar 

Do what you like

Nothing turns me off to exercise more than doing something I don’t enjoy. It doesn’t matter how many calories I burn or how good it is supposed to be for me, if I don’t like it I won’t continue to do it.

So I’ve decided to make running my priority when it comes to cardiovascular exercise. I used to run much more before having kids and I really miss it. Not only do I love it, but it’s easy to do, which is key for me at this point in my life. All I need are some running shoes, a good jogging bra and I’m good to go.

I also enjoy exercises that strengthen my body. I have always incorporated some weight training in my routine but it seems like forever since I’ve really challenged myself. After having 2 children, I no longer recognize my abdominal muscles which I mistakenly ignored between pregnancies. So I plan to slowly build a stronger body.

How to fit it in

There’s a part of me that wants to dive into exercise like the old me would. I could go to the gym 5 times a week, do tough classes and commit to long runs on the weekend. Not only is that not practical, it no longer fits my life. So I mourn the fact that I don’t have that kind of time – and quickly move on.

I have to start with where I am now. I have a nursing 3-month old and a somewhat high maintenance 2.5-year-old (almost forgot my husband too). I just started working part-time and I run this wonderful blog. I simply don’t have big chunks of time available.

Since my 3-month old’s schedule is still unpredictable, it doesn’t make sense for me to commit to running with a group or try to catch classes at the gym. So instead I’ll be on the lookout for daily opportunities to run. Sometimes mornings are good when my husband is home. I also bring the kids over to my moms at least once a week making it easy to escape. And every Sunday afternoon we go to my in-laws so I can bring my running stuff and take off at just the right time.

I plan to do a 15-minute postpartum rescue tape most days to help my poor little core and will incorporate hand weights on the days I have more time.

Find out several years later how Maryann’s doing with her exercise plan

The Plan

So my plan is to run when I can, do my postpartum core strengthening video on most days and use my hand weights a few times a week. After a month or two I’ll check back in with the why, what, and how and change what isn’t working and add on to what is. And I’ll be sure to let you know how I’m doing.

I realize the best way for busy moms like me to get into shape is unique to individuals and constantly changing. What worked for me 6 months ago doesn’t work today. And what I’m doing today is sure to be obsolete for my life in 6 months. If, as a mom of growing and changing children, I had one set idea on how exercise “should” be I’d never do it. For me, that’s just not acceptable.

Have you found a way to balance exercise and your busy mom’s life? Let others know by leaving a comment below.

Related Posts

  • moms on the floor playing with their kids
    Why Moms Need Other Moms

    I lived in Los Angeles when I had my first child and most of my…

  • Maryann running a marathon
    Why Exercise is Important to Me

    Exercise has always been a very important part of my life. And here I detail…

  • 5 Ways Parenthood Can Transform Your Health

    With the New Year approaching, it's the perfect time to assess where you are in…

Tweet
Pin
Share10
Yum
Email
Share
10 Shares

Categories: Midlife Health & Nutrition 6 Comments

« Ask Maryann: Can Parents Create Food Allergies in Children?
Ask Maryann: Can Young Children Eat Fish? »

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    July 9, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    Ah yes….. how we wish we had more time to exercise like we used to! Believe me, it gets MUCH easier when your kids a little older. I get up at 5:30 am with my husband to run three days during the week and go to the gym the other two days. I always prefer working out early in the morning anyway.

    Reply
    • Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD says

      July 9, 2009 at 10:01 pm

      It’s good to hear it gets easier. I like morning workouts too!

      Reply
  2. Allison says

    August 1, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Every morning since going back to work after my son was born 2 yrs 3 months ago – put him in the jogger and head out for a run at 5AM. It’s worth it. He sleeps most of the time, but when he wakes up he chatters about what he sees and hears. He imitates me “running fast like Mama”. Isn’t that a good example for our children? But I still miss having time for pilates class and a run by myself.

    Reply
    • Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD says

      August 2, 2010 at 6:47 am

      Hi Allison. I think we just do what we can. Once kids get older going to classes and expanding workouts get easier. I never did DVD tapes before but they work well for me now. Someday I’ll be back in the gym on a regular basis!

      Reply
      • Catherine says

        June 26, 2017 at 10:25 am

        I used to have the time and energy to run and go to the gym regularly through out the week, but after having my daughter a year ago and expecting a second baby this fall, I have taken up walking. It’s easier on my body and I enjoy it.

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I’m Maryann…

Hi, I’m a registered dietitian who focuses on developmental stages. Here, you won’t get one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, you’ll get information based on your (and your family’s) age and stage. Make your choice between family and midlife-focused newsletters below and subscribe. Find out more!

Recent Posts

  • Yes, Every Midlife Women Should Take a Multivitamin (And Here’s Why)
  • 10 Signs Intermittent Fasting Doesn’t Live Up to the Hype
  • What do the Latest Vitamin D Studies Really Tell Us?
  • 3 Breathing Exercises That Will Change Your Life with Nick Heath [Podcast]
  • 6 Dietary Supplements Most Teenagers Need

Random Posts

  • Weekly Meal Plan: Monday September 12thWeekly Meal Plan: Monday September 12th
  • 5 Things Every Teen Should Consider Before Finding a Job5 Things Every Teen Should Consider Before Finding a Job

Categories

Get the books!

The Alliance of Independent Authors - Author Member

Join the Newsletter

Sign up for Maryann’s E-mail Newsletter and get her ebook The Landmines of a Healthy Relationship with Food for FREE. Subscribe now!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list. You're not done. Check your email to confirm your address. After you do that, you'll receive a link for the free e-book.

.

Copyright © 2023 — Maryann Jacobsen • All rights reserved • Powered by Femme Flora. Designed & Developed by BinaryTurf Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.OK Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT