Starting My Postpartum Fitness Journey at 41

When I got pregnant at 40, there were a few things I focused on.

1. Accepting the changes in my body as they came

2. Giving myself grace

3. Staying active and building strength to prepare for birth and beyond

So when it came to continuing my workout journey postpartum—I wanted to come back slow and steady. Our culture loves to glorify “snapping back,” but after pregnancy, childbirth, and the beautiful chaos of new motherhood, my body desperately needed patience, rest, and time. For the first 6 weeks I took it easy. Now that I’m ready, this is how I’ve begun to move again, slowly and intentionally.

Resetting My Mindset

In my 30s, I worked out to fit a dress size. I was obsessed with the number on the scale. I worked out 6 days a week and felt guilty for taking a rest day. I did not want that mindset to carry into my 40s. I’ve learned that nowadays pushing too hard too fast only sets me back. So, I’m taking it one day at a time.

What I’m Doing Right Now:

Walking – Morning walks with the baby and the dog have been a great way to start moving again.

Back, glutes & core work – my back did not take well to the end of my pregnancy. So I started physical therapy about a month after birth. It’s helped strengthen the areas I use the most with carrying the baby.

Barre3 – I fell in love with Barre3 back in Nashville and have been an online member for a few years (Crossing my fingers one will open close to me someday). They have great postpartum workouts that I started doing a few days a week.

Postnatal YouTube – I also really love this channel for postnatal workouts. The baby wearing workout always comes in handy on days the baby really wants to be held.

What I’m NOT Doing:

Hardcore workouts – I left those in my 20s and 30s. I just fell out of love with them & don’t feel like forcing it.

Weighing myself obsessively – I know that for me, nothing good comes from obsessing over a number, so I’m focusing on progress in other ways.

Comparing my progress to who I was before I got pregnant – I don’t want to go back to where I was before. I just want to be the best version of who I am now. I want to be strong, active & healthy for my son.

Lessons I’m Learning:

Progress looks different every day.

My body is incredible. It grew life. Its going to take awhile to recover.

Starting a fitness journey again at 41 does not look the same as it did at 28 and I’m okay with that.

Are you starting a postpartum fitness journey too? I’d love to hear how it’s going—drop a comment below or let’s connect on Instagram @courtneygfoutz