Weekly Workouts: Nine Weeks Postpartum

Hi there! How is your Monday going so far?

My day started off early with a 2 a.m. nursing session followed by a lot of crying at 3 a.m. I ended up staying up until 5:45 a.m., so I took that as a sign to get out and go work out while Scott was home and Skyler was happy, sleeping, and quiet.

Wanting something that would challenge me, I walked down to Orangetheory Fitness and completed my first Mayhem workout. Holy moly – I got what I asked for! If any of you are familiar with OTF, then you’ve probably heard of Hell Week. It’s a week of workouts with extra challenges built into the templates. The goal is to attend at least four or five of the workouts in that week, and you’re probably going to push yourself harder than normal.

I actually loved the workout today! There was a lot of rowing (which isn’t my favorite), but it was paired with bodyweight leg exercises, a 6-minute run for distance challenge, and a great floor block that included tons of abs and arm exercises. It was just what I needed!

I certainly rested when I needed to, and I felt exhausted but wonderful leaving today. I’m still the same weight that I measured at my 6-week postpartum check-up appointment, but I can tell that I’m starting to gain some of that lost muscle back, and my pants are a little less snug. I’m also slowly regaining a core, which was missed very much and feels amazing when getting out of bed or up off the couch while holding Skyler. It’s not always about the number on the scale, friends!

After a walk home, a quick shower, and a nursing session, I made the go-to hearty breakfast that I absolutely love. It’s too good not to share, so here’s a snapshot.

Eggs scrambled with almond milk, turkey bacon, a slice of Dave’s Killer Whole Grain and Seeds Bread (I LOVE this line of loaves!) with half of an avocado sliced on top, a few sliced strawberries, and a sprinkle of ground pepper and salt on the eggs and toast

It was delishhhh.

Skyler is going through two weeks of a leap in brain development right now, so our days have been … interesting. He’s sleeping on my lap as I type, so let’s get right to the Weekly Workouts that I logged on to share today.

Right now I’m working out at home as much as possible and getting out to jog/run or fit in an hour at Orangetheory. More times than not, however, I either make up my own workouts or find a video to stream online at home. (There are endless choices on YouTube that are completely free!)

Here’s what last week’s workouts looked like for me at 9 Weeks Postpartum!

 

Weekly Workouts

(May 14 – 20th, 2018)

 

• Monday – 30 Minute Yoga-Barre Hybrid Workout

My body was craving a workout that also included a good amount of stretching and recovery, and that’s exactly what this video is all about. It’s led by Corinne Wainer, CAO + Cofounder of SHAKTIBARRE, and she moves at a slower than normal pace for POPSUGAR workouts. It’s perfect for beginners!

I’m not sure if I will turn to it on a regular basis, but it really is great for days where you don’t feel like working out at all and want to get in a few good moves while calming your body and mind.

 

• Tuesday – REST

I had a friend in town for work, so I took the night off to spend with her and deemed Tuesday my rest day.

 

• Wednesday – 60-minute Orangetheory Fitness class

Just like last week, I made my way over to Orangetheory for a strength and cardio workout on Hump Day. It was an endurance day, so it really challenged me on the treadmill. I’ve been turning to the strider during OTF workouts since about halfway through my pregnancy, so it was a big day to move over to the treadmill! I wasn’t fully on my game, but I got through the entire block as a jogger and left proud.

 

• Thursday – 3.5 mile run

Knowing that Scott was going to be out of town for the remainder of the week, I took advantage of him being home and spent 40 minutes outside for a run on my favorite running loop in the park. I shared how it went on Instagram, and in a nutshell, I got a little too adventurous too quickly and learned my lesson.

I figured I could knock out 4 miles, but I had a “yeah right” moment at the halfway mark. I seem to hit a wall at 2 miles these days. I know it will take a while to get my running legs back, and I’ve learned to take baby steps. I don’t think I’m going to go for specific distances, and instead, just aim to get out there and run until my body has had enough.

As time goes by, I will get stronger and faster with each workout. I know Orangetheory is helping big-time, and I feel better after each workout I go to. Like I just mentioned, my goals with running is right now is get out there and do it … but if I had to work towards a distance goal it is to keep a steady jog for 3 miles, whatever that pace may be.

I’d love to feel comfortable enough to run a 5K by the fall, so that’s what I’m working towards. Baby steps!

 

• Friday – 30-Minute Butt and Abs Pilates Bikini Workout with Jake Dupree

Jake Dupree is my favorite workout guru right now. He’s hilarious and his workouts are fast-paced and no joke! Looking for something to really get my abs and booty in gear, I turned to an old favorite I’ve clicked on for years. It sounds crazy, but I swear that I instantly feel a little tighter afterward. He doesn’t leave a minute to spare, and there were several exercises that I had to follow the modified versions, as my abs aren’t strong enough yet.

 

• Saturday – 45-Minute Full-Body Toning Workout with Jake Dupree

This workout was a little more advanced than what I was ready for, so I opted for modifications when he gave them and took breaks when I needed to. Actually, I had Skyler staring at me since he wouldn’t go down for a nap, so I took breaks often.

I loved that he has you using light weights that feel heavy by the end of the set. I modified a lot of the movements targeting the abs and my pace was a lot slower than his. There was a time where I could keep up with everything he did! But that’s not now, and I’m okay with it. Definitely tune into this one if you’re ready for a challenge!

 

• Sunday – REST/2 mile walk around the neighborhood

Let’s be real … there’s a lot of walking that happens on my rest days if I leave the apartment. Such is life in New York City!

 

***

Last week was the beginning of my attempt to really get back into the swing of things. I completed more workouts than the week before and felt great towards the end of it.

I’m currently in the “fourth trimester” and I’m doing my best to take cues from my body to know when I’m trying to do too much too fast.

Thanks for popping in to chat today, and I’ll be on again soon!

 

Question of the Day

• What is your favorite way to work out at home?