Postpartum Fitness Fridays: Week 6 – Strength is showing up in quiet ways

How I’m Feeling This Week

Week 6 felt less about pushing harder and more about noticing changes. Not dramatic ones. Not flashy ones. But the kind that make you pause mid-workout and think, okay, something is different.

I’m still tired. Sleep is still unpredictable. Life with two little kids is still loud and full. My body is starting to respond in ways that feel encouraging instead of frustrating and that’s a big mental shift for me.

The Workouts I Did

Tuesday — [ solidcore ] Signature50 (Inner Thighs & Arms)

This was a 7am class, which meant waking up at 620am… after a rough night. My toddler ran into the baby’s room in the middle of the night yelling for Dada, which fully woke the baby. I was up with him for two hours trying to get him back down.

I was exhausted. Cancelling would have made perfect sense.

But I went anyway. I made it on time. I took the class. And I was home, showered, and ready for the day before my boys even woke up. That feeling of accomplishment carried me through the entire morning.

Not every workout feels good physically but some feel really good mentally.

Thursday — YogaSix Signature Hot

I’ve taken this class before, and I distinctly remember it feeling much harder. This time? I didn’t sweat nearly as much, my balance felt more stable, and I actually left class feeling stronger than when I walked in.

It was one of those moments where you don’t realize progress is happening until it’s already there. Six weeks ago, this class felt overwhelming. This week, it felt doable.

Sunday — [ solidcore ] Hamstrings & Triceps

I took this class with a friend, which always makes things more fun especially when you’re suffering on the machine together. There’s something about shared struggle that makes a hard class feel lighter.

Total workouts this week: 3 classes

Goal for next week: 3 classes

Nothing fancy. Just consistency.

Pelvic Floor & Core Check-In

This week felt solid.

During bicycles, I lowered my legs almost to the ground which is something I haven’t felt comfortable doing postpartum until now. I went slower than everyone else and focused on keeping my lower back pressed into the floor.

It didn’t look impressive. It didn’t feel rushed. It felt controlled and that matters so much more right now.

Postpartum core work has taught me that slower and intentional usually wins.

A Real Moment From This Week

I did not want to go to an early morning class on Christmas Eve. I talked it through with Jake, and since his gym was closed, he encouraged me to cancel.

Waking up at 5:30am is hard especially when you’re dealing with baby sleep issues. Some days, rest really is the better choice.

This week reminded me that listening to your body sometimes means moving and sometimes means not.

A Small Win I Don’t Want to Forget

I did a home workout on Christmas Eve before family came over.

I took that time for myself and my oldest came into the room after his nap, climbed onto the bed, and just watched me. No interruptions. No chaos. Just quiet curiosity.

It felt like a small but meaningful moment: showing my kids that movement is part of life, not something I have to disappear to do.

What I’m Working On Next Week

Right now, I’m trying to figure out what earlier workouts look like as we work toward better schedules for the kids.

Do I wake up and work out before Jake?

Do I sleep a little longer and work out on his off days but still early enough to be home and showered before he leaves?

No decisions yet. Just awareness and flexibility.

Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

Mine is to work out more, and technically, I started a month early. No regrets. This season has taught me that starting imperfectly still counts.

Thanks for following along. See you next Friday.

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