Postpartum Workout Journey - Week 1 of Fire and Flow on Beachbody - Getting Back Into Shape After Birth
Earlier this week I decided to start a workout program. At the time I was about 3.5 weeks postpartum (now I am officially 1 month as of yesterday) and have been thinking about working out even before having our little girl.
You see, working out isn’t just about getting into shape for me. It is about my mental health. I know that might sound cheesy, or just what people say, but for me it is true. Let me explain. Typically, I am a runner. Running has always helped me clear my head. If I had a stressful day, I run. If I am mad, I run. If I am sad, I run. Running gets out my emotions and my aggression. Now, doing a hard-core workout does a similar thing for me.
A dear friend once told me “you enjoy the pain”. At first I just laughed at him and rolled my eyes, but honestly, I think it is kinda true. I like the feeling of being utterly exhausted. My face beet red. Sweat running down my face into my eyes. I feel accomplished after a run or a good workout. I get all my feelings out and leave them on the road, or in the gym. I guess you could say it is my therapy.
Now, after labor you aren’t supposed to workout for 4-6 weeks or unless otherwise told by your doctor. I had my 2 week checkup last week and my doctor explained that I could start doing any workout except for core exercises. Those I have to wait until 6 weeks or later. It really depends on how my 6 week check up goes.
So, I decided to start a new Beachbody workout program called Fire and Flow. I picked this program for two reasons. The first being that I really enjoyed the MM 100 program with Jericho, so I know I like the way she trains. The second reason is because every other day is a Flow workout. Meaning yoga/Pilates type of workout. This way it will ease me back into more hard core workouts like the MM 100 or more heavy duty weight training.
Today is day 5 of week one. So far it has been going ok.
I was stoked the first day and just amazed with my body.
Day 2 was a little difficult because it was a slower day, and I just struggle with that. If I do not sweat like crazy or feel utterly exhausted then I feel like I didn’t get a good workout in. It was still a good workout, but mentally I felt I didn’t do much.
The third day was rough. It was leg day. My everything didn’t feel right, and I had a REALLY hard time doing any sort of lunge. I beat myself up mentally quite a bit. I started crying and was just really frustrated.
Yesterday, the fourth day, was good. It was another Flow workout so much easier, but I needed it because little Juniper didn’t sleep at all the night before. Honestly, if it wasn’t a flow workout I probably wouldn’t have done it. My body and mind are just tired. This is the exact reason I chose this workout :)
That is the plan and how it is going so far. This is a 4 week program so hopefully I can stick to it without skipping any days! Fingers crossed!
Are you in your postpartum journey or have you tried this workout before? If so, let me know by commenting below. I would love to connect!
Wishing you nothing but amazing days and strong legs :)
Bess