The world is obsessed with perfection, looking flawless, and staying in shape. But when you become a mum, the fitness journey is a whole new ball game. You’re expected to juggle the demands of motherhood while keeping up with impossible beauty standards. And let’s be honest: having kids changes everything!
But here’s the thing—I’ve been there. I’ve been through it all four times over and managed to hold onto my shape after every pregnancy. I guess I’ve picked up a few secrets along the way when it comes to bouncing back post-baby.
I was no stranger to being slim and fit before my kids came along. However, with each pregnancy, my body underwent physical changes. I knew I had my work cut out if I wanted to feel like my old self again. The pressure didn’t only come from within, either. When your life is on Instagram, you have even more eyes watching your progress and even more people calling out your insecurities. Society glorifies the idea of “bouncing back” after pregnancy, promoting an unattainable standard of beauty that seems to erase the realities of childbirth.
Fortunately for me, getting back to the gym after having my first three kids was never too much of an issue, thanks to Cheryl—my personal trainer, fitness cheerleader, and a complete gym badass. If you live in Newcastle, you’ve got to look her up. She’s fantastic at what she does. With Cheryl by my side, I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible impact of personal training. I would recommend it to any woman wanting to make serious changes to their body.
That’s my first secret to staying in shape: Get a professional personal trainer to help you.
Here is why I swear by personal training. First off, having a PT by your side takes the intimidation factor out of hitting the gym. I never stressed about what exercises I should be doing or whether I was doing them right. And let’s be honest, as a new mum juggling a million things at once, the last thing you want is more stress on your plate. With a personal trainer, my workouts remained stress-free.
Secondly, personal trainers know how to make every minute count. They can whip you into shape in no time, which is a godsend for a busy single mum. For the past five years, I have had three or four short sessions a week with Cheryl. Though the training sessions were only 45 minutes each, their impact on my body was profound. Plus, as they were short, it meant I could consistently set aside moments to look after myself alongside parental responsibilities.
But thirdly, it wasn’t only my body that improved through our sessions—my mind improved, too. Cheryl was more than a personal trainer. She was a friend, a source of strength and support. She was my rock during some of my toughest days as a mum. Some days, I would turn up at the gym in tears, but she stood by my side, guiding me through each workout with patience and understanding.
This brings me to secret number two: Prioritise physical and mental strength over aesthetics.
I’ve never hit the gym to lose weight or drop dress sizes. Blessed with a fast metabolism and an overactive thyroid, I’ve always been on the slim side. But we are all different, and comparing ourselves to others is only detrimental. Instead, my gym sessions were all about building strength—not just in my body but also in my mind. And yours should be, too!
Motherhood can be overwhelming. But for me, the gym was a sanctuary where I could reconnect with myself. The hardest part was getting myself to the gym and facing others, as I was used to being in my stay-at-home-mum bubble. But As soon as I stepped through the doors, I felt calm. I could leave the stresses of daily life behind. And finishing a workout? It always felt like hitting a reset button. I left feeling stronger, resilient, and ready to take on whatever life threw my way.
But I’ll admit, I got to the point where the gym became a borderline obsession. I was training too much and losing too much weight, which was not my goal. I need to be a good role model for Sienna. That’s when I knew I had to take a step back and reevaluate my priorities. Fitness isn’t about being thin. It’s about being strong, both physically and mentally. So, I dialled back my PT sessions, focusing on what truly mattered: my well-being. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
This takes me to my third secret: Accept that your fitness journey won’t be a straight path.
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. As with any transition, the road back to the gym isn’t without its hurdles. After having Oakley, I fully intended to jump right back into my regular PT sessions with Cheryl, just like I did after my other kids. But life had other plans, and the switch to single motherhood left me with new challenges—challenges that made getting to the gym impossible.
Right now, my days are a whirlwind of childcare, work, and household chores. Juggling it all has made it difficult to find time to prioritise my own well-being. But hey, that’s parenthood for you! However, I’m hopeful that things will start to settle down soon. With the recent addition of a third nurse to our team, I finally have support seven days a week—a small step that brings me closer to reclaiming some much-needed me-time.
I’m still waiting for the new nurse’s security clearance, and it’ll take a few weeks of working together before I can fully trust her with Oakley’s care. But in the meantime, I’m making the most of what I have. Sure, I may not be hitting the gym like I used to, but I am staying active at home and eating well. As I count down the days until my sessions start back with Cheryl, I’m reminding myself that progress isn’t always a straight line—it’s about making the most of every step, no matter how small.
This brings me to my final secret: Don’t underestimate the physical benefits of parenting.
If, like me at the moment, squeezing in a workout seems impossible, I have good news: being a mum is like a workout in itself! According to a study, running around after your kids can burn almost 1,478 calories daily. That’s over 50,000 calories per month! From doing laundry to grabbing groceries to chasing after little ones, it all adds up to some serious physical activity.
Despite not getting back to the gym after having Oakley, my figure hasn’t taken a nosedive. And no, despite what some critics on my Instagram think, it’s not because I have undergone surgery. I’m sure it’s because of the physical demands of parenting. I am on my feet all day, from the crack of dawn to late at night, tackling everything from breakfast to bedtime stories. Being a mum is no joke—it’s nonstop and exhausting but incredibly rewarding.
With the business of motherhood, I’ve also unintentionally stumbled upon intermittent fasting. I don’t eat much during the day, opting for a big, healthy meal in the evening. And to save time, I whip up nutritious meals that the kids and I enjoy. It’s a win-win situation—we’re all well-fed and nourished without me having to spend hours in the kitchen. So, while regular gym sessions might be off the table for now, I can maintain my physique by staying active and eating well.
Whether you’re hitting the gym or chasing after little ones, remember: every step, no matter how small, is a victory. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never underestimate the power of your own strength. Here’s to staying fit and strong and embracing the chaos of motherhood.
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