I still remember my first CrossFit workout after finding out I was pregnant. I was excited to stay active with exercise during pregnancy, determined to be one of those “hardcore” preggos who trained right up until labour. Spoiler alert: that didn’t quite happen.

A few weeks later, the nausea hit hard. I couldn’t work out, and even most vegetables didn’t agree with me. When the worst was over, I tried returning to CrossFit, but I quickly felt too hot, my heart raced, and the coaches weren’t quite sure how to guide me through pregnancy-modified workouts. I lacked confidence. I kept going sporadically, but eventually, I switched to Pilates and swimming, which felt more manageable during pregnancy.

The Challenge of Postpartum Fitness and Motivation

After having Jesse, I assumed I’d bounce right back to my old fitness routine. I imagined I’d have the baby and soon be back to “normal.” But postpartum fitness motivation didn’t come easily.

Those early weeks and months were really challenging. I felt stuck, like I wasn’t achieving anything. It was hard not to question my identity: “Who am I if I can’t do the workouts I used to do?”

Before motherhood, I was driven by trackable progress — hitting new personal bests and seeing clear improvements. But in early postpartum life, even thinking about getting dressed or showering felt overwhelming. It was in the discomfort and unpredictability of motherhood that I realized something important: my self-worth shouldn’t depend on what I can do or achieve.

Why Your Self-Worth Isn’t Defined by Your Workout Routine

The truth is, your worth is inherent — whether you’re crushing your postpartum fitness goals or just taking tiny steps to get moving again. Your value doesn’t depend on a perfect workout routine or how many workouts you complete.

In those early days, I had to completely reframe what success looked like for me. It wasn’t going to be a CrossFit session or an intense workout — sometimes success was simply managing to empty the dishwasher or take a gentle walk. I’m still working on embracing this mindset, but I’m getting there.

Finding Small Wins in Exercise During Motherhood

If you’re navigating life changes — whether it’s postpartum, recovering from an injury, or managing illness — it’s easy to focus on what you can’t do. Your fitness goals might feel far off or overwhelming. But I promise you, there’s something small you can do today to move forward.

Redefining success might mean doing a 15-minute gentle workout instead of an hour at the gym. It might mean prioritizing mental health alongside physical health. It might mean celebrating consistency over intensity.

Remember, exercise during motherhood is about progress, not perfection.

A Quick 15-Minute Workout (If You’re Up for It)

If you feel ready, here’s a quick, gentle 15-minute workout to get your endorphins flowing and remind your body what it’s capable of. But if today’s not the day, that’s perfectly okay. Your worth is unshakeable — with or without a workout.

You’re Not Alone on This Journey

Many mums struggle with motivation after having a baby. It’s normal to feel frustrated or disheartened, but small, achievable steps can help you regain your confidence and joy in fitness.

If you’re looking for guidance on realistic postpartum fitness goals or motivation to get moving again, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out or share your own journey in the comments — I’d love to hear from you.