Starting on a new health and fitness journey can be incredibly daunting – especially after having a baby.nI know after I had Isabella, it took me a while to get my head back in the game when it came to my workouts, and I felt like I was a beginner again. My body was different to how it was before. I was constantly sleep deprived so didn’t feel like I had the energy. But I think the biggest thing for me was to try and work out where to begin! What was I going to be able to do?nHow could I workout when I have a baby to look after?nHow do I find the motivation to workout when I’ve had a few hours sleep and no “me” time? All valid questions, that I’m going to answer in this week’s blog! 1. I’ve just had a baby! What am I going to be able to do?nThe answer to this question is different for every woman because birth and labour is different for everyone. Generally speaking, 6 weeks post birth you’re able to get back into your exercise routine (but please consult your midwife/doctor). Walking is great to start with (fresh air is golden!) and body weight exercises, such as push ups, squats, lunges, etc are good, too. You may be feeling good physically, but mentally you may not be ready to commit to a regular routine – and that’s ok! I had a straightforward birth, but wasn’t able to get my head in the game until Isabella was about 11 weeks old. I was just so overwhelmed with my new life and having a baby attached to me 24/7 that exercise was way down on my list of priorities. Now is not the time to be hard on yourself… Be gentle and patient with yourself – you’re navigating your way through a whole new way of life! 2. How do I workout when I have a baby to look after?nNo doubt about it, you have to get creative! Some ideas are:n- Use your baby as a weight and hold them while you squat, lift them above you, etcn- Join a gym with a crèchen- Workout at times where you have help from your partner/mum/a friend, etcn- Join a Mums n Bubs class 🙂 – Get out and about with the pram and incorporate outdoor exercise 3. How do I find motivation to workout?nIt can be really hard, and there’ll be days when you’re just too tired to do anything. And that’s totally ok. I found the best way for me to get up and get moving in the early days was to workout with a girlfriend. I’m so much more likely to show up for someone else, rather than just myself! We’d make a day of it – do a workout in the park or at the studio and then spend a couple of hours drinking tea, having lunch and talking all things motherhood! It was incredibly therapeutic! Also, you have to find an exercise style that you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t do it. Finally, have a good reason for working out. Want to be a good example for your kid/s? Awesome. Want to have some time for yourself? Great. Whatever the reason it is for you, make it a good one and make it one that will get you off the couch! I so admire mums who make time to work out. We all have 24 hours in a day, and when you have a baby who needs you for most of that time, the fact that you take a bit of time out for yourself, is so special. So, high 5s to you, Mumma!