This was taken last spring when me and my little tennis champ were going to play tennis together on Mother's Day. I don't think I'll be playing tennis anytime soon, but that's OK. We all have seasons in our lives and I'm enjoying this one.
I had started to write this post last week about my "usual" postpartum exercise routine. Probably for the last 5 babies, I have used the same schedule to slowly ease back into exercise. I like how it helps me get some fresh air and stretching in. I like to feel that I'm doing something to get back into shape. Exercise is so good not only for us physically, but mentally. I've never had a problem with postpartum blues and I think getting my body quickly moving after I feel up to it, has help prevent that.
Well, the baby is 3 weeks old now and I'm not quite into my routine yet. I've hit that stage where I'm kind of living in a sleep deprived state, you know, like a fog. Patrick still has his days and nights mixed-up and while I know that I should try a little harder to keep him up during the day, it just seems like there is so much going on that it's easier said than done. That's why baby and I are writing this post at 3am! I'm trying to get back into our homeschooling routine and really, that takes priority over exercise right now. We only have about 2 more months of school and then it will be summer. At that point I'll have more time to get out and walk and hopefully hit the gym. For now I am trying to be content with walking a few times each week and doing some Pilates (a full 10-15 min!) in the morning.
So, for anyone who is interested, here is the routine I use to get ease back into shape post baby:
Postpartum Week 1: Pregancy Pilates-about 15 min. in the morning or whenever I finally get clean loungy clothes on : )
Week 2: Walk 1.5 miles 3 days a week and do Pilates 3 days a week.
Week 3: Walk 2 miles 3 days a week and Pilates 3 days a week.
Week 4: Walk 2 1/2 miles and add the gym one day (bike and light weights-which is what I did pregnant) this takes the place of one Pilates day.
Week 5: Walk 3 miles and add another day of gym and Pilates the other day.
Week 6: Walk 3 1/2 miles and start to add some jogging sprints after getting the ok from OB.
Week 7: Up walk/jog to 4 miles and continue with gym or Pilates 3 days a week.
Whether I am pregnant or not, I like to have 3 days a week of cardio and 3 days a week of strength training. The strength training days can be weights at the gym, a sculp aerobic class at the gym or Pilates at home. This has really worked for me to keep me somewhat in shape while having this many children. I aim for 6 days of exercise and that way I usually get in at least 5. I always take Sunday off as my "day of rest."
I love this post! We're looking to try for number 3 soon and a workout plan would be exceedingly helpful postpartum. I exercise 5-6 days a week now, but have struggled while having newborn. A plan would (hopefully) remedy that. I think I'll just copy and paste lol Thanks for the helpful post!
ReplyDeletegood for you! physically, emotionally, mentally, AND a good example for your kids. AND you do look amazingly healthy after 10 kids. bless your heart!
ReplyDeleteYou look GREAT! I am exercising now . . . trying to undo years of not exercising! I never could fit it in while being pregnant and nursing a baby. Don't know how you manage to add that to your schedule!!
ReplyDeleteWow, now I know your secret to your youthful figure!! You look amazing!! Never in a million years would someone guess you had 10 children. I asked my husband to find the mom and dad on your new header photo. He picked out your handsome husband as dad, and then asked me if this was a trick question, as the mom wasn't on the picture. He was VERY serious, he thought you were one of the teens!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Lisa