I exercised throughout my pregnancy. It’s something that I love to do, and I knew that being pregnant, though it’s the easiest excuse to not work out, I wasn’t going to let that be the case for me. I knew that I wanted to be pregnant AND fit, and I knew that it was possible. (I was also very very lucky in that I never experienced any pregnancy sickness, which I know can really throw a wrench in workout plans). Plus, a huge bonus is that if you stay active during your pregnancy, it definitely makes for an easier time in the delivery room! Not easy, but easier. Nothing about that is easy. ;)
Now that I’m no longer pregnant, and have begun my regular exercise routine again, I am so stoked! And I wanted to share a few of my very own motivators for staying fit and working out, if maybe you’ve been lacking in the motivation and need a few ideas!
1. My health. I have seen first-hand how much it sucks to not have your health anymore. Some circumstances make this completely out of your control, but as long as I am able, you’re damn straight I will be treating my body right and using it to it’s best ability.
2. My happiness. No, this isn’t selfish. Working out= endorphins= a happy Katie. And there ain’t nothing wrong with that. Being happy is actually a huge part of being healthy, too. Mental health is just as important and necessary as physical health.
3. Cute workout clothes. Hi, my name is Katie and I have a shopping problem. Obviously, new cute workout clothes are high on my list of motivators. If you look cute and have new clothes to wear, you’re just going to be more prone to working out. Or, at the very least, to putting the clothes on and then once they’re on, you might as well work out, right? ;)
4. Being bikini ready. As you can imagine, you don’t bounce right back to your pre-baby body postpartum. It’s just not going to happen by itself! I have lost most of the weight, but as far as toning up and getting that 6-pack (err… 2 pack? 1 pack? Is that a thing?) it’s going to take some hard work and sweat. And with summer fast approaching, what better motivation for that bikini body than an actual bikini?
5. My baby. Probably the biggest motivator for me is that I now have this little person who will see me as a role model. It is up to me to set a good example for him his whole life, and living a healthy lifestyle and treating my body properly is one of the best ways to do that. I do not subscribe to the philosophy “Do as I say, not as I do.”
The point is, find your motivation, whatever it may be. Everybody has something that drives them to do certain things that may be challenging. Find yours and you’ll see just how easy it is to work out and be fit. Heck, you may even enjoy it! ;)
What’s your biggest motivation to exercise?
xo
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Great gym clothes definitely adds motivation for me – I have a bit of a deal with myself at the moment, if I meet my fitness goals I get to go shopping for some new gym gear!
YES, I love that deal!!! Seriously, one of THE most motivating things is going shopping. I definitely feel you :)
xo
Hi Katie! I am so excited to join your link up today. My post was about motivation as well! My biggest motivator is my Fitbit (which is what my post is all about!). But I would have to say new workout clothes and a new swimsuit are two things that are awfully high on the list of motivators!
http://www.withloveleslie.com
Aww I will check out your post, for sure! Great minds think alike! ;) Thanks so much for linking up!!
xo
I agree with finding motivation in cute work out clothes! I don’t have much right now but I’ve told myself that every 15 workouts I will buy something new for myself (gym gear/clothing). Definitely helps! Great post!!
I love that idea!!! Such a great way to stay motivated and meeting your goals!!
xo
Completely agree!! Mentle Health is just as important as the workout itself to me. Which is what I’ve been working lately. Plus I notice if I’m mentally healthy, the physically changes seem to happen quicker :). Omg that bikini is so cute!! I’ve been dying to get my hands on a Maaji swimsuit. And I don’t think it will be happening this summer, so maybe next summer, and I’m keeping that as motivation for all year long. But the biggest motivator is my boyfriend. Not just that I want to look good for him, but the fact that I want to be healthy so I can spend a long time with him :)
Amen sister. Mental health is SO important! And don’t you just LOVE Maaji swimwear?! I’m so obsessed. I just wish it was a bit lower of a price range, but you know- it’s definitely a splurge! ;) That’s so sweet that your boyfriend is your biggest motivator! Love :)
xo
Thanks for this motivation post! I needed it as I’m putting on my running shoes and getting distracted by the internet… ha. Also, thanks for the reminder that our bodies are a gift to us and we should treat them nicely and healthy!
Aww I’m so glad this post spoke to you! Now get out there and pump those lungs, lady!! :)
xo
I have a workout gear shopping problem too. I’ll definitely have to check out Ellie!
Love this link up!! :-)
Girl, it is for sure a problem! ;) I’m warning you: You’ll want everything they have. Obsessed is an understatement. :)
xo
I just love the feeling of accomplishment after working out! I like doing my workouts in the morning so that for the rest of the day, even if I’m incredibly unproductive, I can say “at least I had a good workout this morning!” haha :)
YES!!! It’s been near impossible for me lately to work out in the morning, because of my whacked sleeping schedule at the moment, but morning workouts are for sure my favorite- because of what you said!
xo
Awesome! I’d definitely have to agree with each of your points. Becoming a mom has brought along a whole new level of motivation for me to be a healthy example and live a long life to see my baby boy grow up.
And I ADORE your swimsuit!! Wish I could find something just like it at about a quarter of the cost though. ;)
Ugh, I knowww Ashley! I wish Maaji wasn’t so expensive, too! Because I could literally buy every single thing they make!!
xo
These are definitely some great motivators!
Aw thanks! Glad you like them :)
xo
Just love this! Added my link. Super pumped to do this! And that bikini is definitely one of my motivations too!
Aww yayyy! Thanks for linking up, girly! :)
xo
Great post! I especially agree with #2. And omg, Ellie clothes are super cute!
Right?! I want everything at Ellie!! :)
xo
All great motivations!!! I also kept active while pregnant though my idea of active is prolly not as intense as yours :). You look fit and healthy! My biggest motivator is having the energy to keep up with both my kids and also have the energy to do stuff for myself. I also want to be a good example to them. Tks for motivating us all!
That’s so great that you stayed active during your pregnancy(ies) too!!! Didn’t you find it helped with labor?! I felt so strong and like, okay, I GOT THIS! lol :) and you have the best motivators of them all <3
xo
I actually didn’t have to labor (2 C-sections) but it DEFINITELY helped with getting back on my feet after surgery. I felt great after only a week and resumed most of my pre-labor household responsibilities.
Cute workout clothes are a great motivator! :p I love that swimsuit!!
Right?! The best motivator! lol ;)
xo