How I Got My Groove Back

Happy Friday! I've had a lot of questions about staying fit throughout my pregnancy last year, and bouncing back *almost there* once baby girl arrived. I am in no way an expert, so please take my advice with a grain of salt and do what works best for you and your body. I'm outlining below what worked for me, and helped keep me happy and healthy this past year as my body went through all those wonderful changes.



Keeping up with barre and yoga throughout my pregnancy was an amazing experience. But let me tell you dragging myself to class during the 1st trimester nausea and exhaustion was no joke! However, once I was there I was so glad I forced myself, and I always felt so much better once class was over. I truly believe that staying fit and active helped me keep a lot of symptoms away (or minimal) such as swelling, back pain, and trouble sleeping. And cute workout clothes make it even more fun to get motivated and get to class.


I guess you could say I was a minimalist throughout my pregnancy. I did all the important things like taking pre-natal vitamins, drank plenty of water, kept up with my workouts, designed and decorated the nursery, slathered on all-natural belly butter, and attended all my doctor appointments. However, I didn't buy any maternity clothes (except for my baby shower dress), I didn't go crazy eating all the things, and I didn't even purchase a pregnancy pillow. A king size pillow worked perfectly at night to help me sleep more comfortably.

During Pregnancy


  • I kept up with my workouts that I was already doing which were going to The Bar Method 3-4 times a week during lunch, yoga, weekend bike rides, and at home workouts such as Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and George St. Pierre's Rushfit. 
  • Modified my workouts to fit my changing body. No more twisting, jumping, splits, or any moves that required you to lay on your stomach like "supermans".
  • Drank a lot of water
  • Drank more water
  • Slathered on all-natural belly butter after every shower 
  • Didn't over indulge on food and cravings. Trust me, I had my moments and requests for Chic Fil A and trips to the local ice cream shop were common, but I mostly stuck to my usual eating habits of lean meats, salads, greek yogurt, cereal, and light pasta meals. Mmmm pasta. In the words of Emily from The Devil Wears Prada "I eat carbs".
  • Took pre-natal vitamins and an additional vitamin D supplement daily

*1st post-bump blog shoot about 10 days post-partum*

*1 month post-partum*

*6 weeks post-partum, and cleared for workouts again*

*3 and 1/2 months post-partum*

* 5 months post-partum*

Post-pregnancy


  • Took off the first 6 weeks from exercise which is standard until you get the ok from your doctor to resume working out. I was also recovering from an emergency c-section, so I thought I'd have to wait longer, but I was so thankful to get the go-ahead at my 6 week appointment.
  • Lots of stroller walks around the neighborhood. We both got some fresh air and Vitamin D, and I was able to get in some light exercise before starting my workouts again.
  • Continued to drink a lot of water. Great for me, and for the baby since I am breastfeeding/pumping.
  • After a few weeks, I moved on to exclusively pumping due to a nasty bout with mastitis. Breastfeeding isn't for everyone, and a lot of moms find out that they're unable to. This is what worked best for my baby and me. She was happier with the flow out of the bottle, and no longer got frustrated and I also knew how many ounces she was receiving at each feeding. Some people  swear by breastfeeding/pumping to shed the baby weight. I honestly don't know if it made a difference, but it may have. 
  • Eased back into a workout routine which is still modified to a degree since I can't jump or run without holding my c-section incision area. That will take about a year to fully heal according to my doctor. 
  • I am doing ab work, but nothing crazy per the doctor's orders. He said ab work is fine, just don't overdo it and listen to your body.
  • Staying active and present. As much as I love being that sweet little girl's mom I also make time for me whether it's blog related, pampering at the nail spa, or a night out. I am also still a wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Balance is key for every aspect of life.


For those of you at home with a new little one or will be at some point, I just want to let you know that no matter how hard it is, how exhausted you are, or how overwhelmed you feel those first few weeks - I promise it will get better. Those baby blues are seriously no joke! Fresh air and a change of scenery work wonders!

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If you're interested in checking out a barre class, you can find my comparison of Barre3 vs. The Bar Method here. I haven't tried Pure Barre yet, but have heard that it's similar to The Bar Method. And Central FL friends ~ don't forget about the Barre3 pop up in the park on April 22nd. Did I mention it's totally free?

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34 comments:

  1. These are all fantastic tips. It is so important to stay active while pregnant, especially when you were before too. You look great! :)

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  2. Loved seeing your bump again! I think you working out and keeping up with everything during your pregnancy was so amazing!! You always look great!! Happy Weekend love! xo Biana -BlovedBoston

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  3. Fabulous advice and defining a lot of what worked for me. Staying active and not laying around during pregnancy is the ultimate key. You look A-MAZING!!! Happy Happy weekend babe!!

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  4. That was awesome you were able to keep up with your workouts while pregnant. You always look amazing! It seems like the combination of exercise and sticking to your regular diet really worked for you. Also, I love that you didn't really buy maternity clothes either -- with so many styles out there, it seems like it can be pretty easy to accommodate the bump! Have a great weekend!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  5. You look great and looked beautiful your entire pregnancy! These are great tips for the future for me! And I love how you said that you're still a wife, friend, etc. - I think that's so important!

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  6. Love that you worked out through. For my second I did, and boy did it make the world of difference! And yes for water. I pumped for both kids too.

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  7. You did so good your entire pregnancy!!! I worked out regularly until about the 7th of 8th month and then I just couldn't anymore. My hips and back hurt so bad and the 9th month the swelling was out of control. I think it helps to stay active as long as you can!!! I'm trying to get back into the groove now, its hard! I like what you said about being a wife, daughter and friend other than just a mother. I need to take more time for myself. I have a hair appointment schedule in two weeks and that will be the first thing I do for myself. I hope it sparks me to do more! You look so amazing!!! It's inspiring :)

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  8. I have asked you about this so many time lol! I love that you kept up with your workouts, which I am trying to do with Barre3 during this pregnancy. You look amazing and so healthy!

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  9. You look amazing!!! Most of my baby weight fell off pretty quickly, but I am seriously struggling with the last 6/8 pounds, even with going to the gym a few times a week - it's crazy how our bodies change, but they really did do the most miraculous thing! Loved this!

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  10. I love your outlook!! As someone who is not a mom, are you able to walk and do light exercise before the 6 week mark or is it nothing at all until 6 weeks after?

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  11. So many great tips-- it definitely sounds like having healthy habits in place before getting pregnant makes a big difference. I can only imagine how hard it is to keep up with working out when you're not feeling great, though it sounds like you did such an awesome job!

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  12. You look absolutely amazing post pregnancy, and good for you for keeping up the workout during you pregnancy. I agree that it can be hard to get to the gym during those first months. Have a great weekend!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  13. You look fabulous, girl! So many great tips here that I'm sure they will help tons of women!
    Happy Friday, friend!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

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  14. I can't believe that you didn't buy any pregnancy clothes that's so awesome! One of my friends had her little one I think around the same time that you had Serena and she said that the key for her was also sticking to her workout schedule and not going crazy with all the food. I definitely need to remember that when my time comes!

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  15. Fantastic pics!! Loving this
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: MES VOYAGES A PARIS

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  16. You looked great during and after! I think staying active and eating healthy is key when you are pregnant... and not pregnant! Thanks for the awesome tips!

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  17. I had an emergency c-section as well and I had a nasty bout with mastitis that ended in a breast abscess (ie open wound on my chest for 5 weeks). I switched to pumping as well and it made a difference for sure. You look great and have done amazing things for you and your sweet little one. Love reading post-pregnancy stuff because it is a struggle for all of us. And yes to water!

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  18. You look so amazing! You did it the right way, slow and steady. We don't have Barre Code here but I am obsessed with Pure Barre in case you could not tell. It is the best and helped me lose my version of baby weight, the 25 pounds I gained when I quit smoking. Have a great weekend!

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  19. You go girl. You honestly always look great, but good for you for finding things that you enjoy making it work.

    Happy Friday! xo

    Katie | Willow and White

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  20. Friend, I am so impressed with how you kept going with your workout routine throughout your pregnancy, especially the first trimester! I love what you said at the end about staying active and present. I think a lot of new moms lose their identity for a bit, so it's wonderful you have kept doing things for yourself!

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  21. Barre3 is my absolute favorite and has been great at keeping me motivated during my pregnancy. You look awesome girl!

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  22. Great post!! You look beautiful and good for you for staying healthy!! Have a fab weekend! :-)

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  23. I love barre and yoga! Thanks for sharing this, you look great girl!

    http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/

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  24. You look amazing mama! I was very similar with my pregnancies and bounced back pretty quick, if not better with my first son, and my second it took me a little longer. I was the same way with tons of water and not eating crazy. People would always say well you have to eat for two, but for me it wasn't about over eating it was just getting the nutrients and all that I needed. Have a great weekend! Beautifully Candid

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  25. I don't have a baby, nor am I pregnant, so I spent this post coveting all of your outfits!! :) Also, I'm so impressed that you still worked out while feeling nauseous because I have ditched working out for way less, ha!

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  26. I just love Barre classes! I'm glad to hear you've kept active during your pregnancy!

    XoXo,

    Tamara - LoveofMode.com

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  27. You look amazing and really took pregnancy by the horns! Stroller walks sound like a great way to get outside with baby girl and get a little exercise in!

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  28. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! that's the proof that when you WANT you CAN :D

    www.lacaleya.com

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  29. Wow you look incredible! I wouldn't have even known you just had a baby in those last photos! Great job!

    Tina
    www.justatinabit.com

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  30. You go girl! I definitely will need to remember all this whenever my time comes for pregnancy. I think you're right that the fact that you stayed active and didn't indulge (too much) while pregnant really helped you throughout and afterward. I think you look fantastic, and I think it's great that you still take time for yourself. I'm sure it's easy to get caught up and lose yourself with a baby around!

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  31. I need this motivation, staying active is always super important and having this inspiration helps a lot!

    Camila,
    My Vogue Style | www.mvvoguestyle.com

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  32. You are such a rockstar mama! I think working out and staying relatively healthy during your pregnancy is the best way to stay looking and feeling great! Pure Barre was so great when I went, definitely going to try and stay active when I'm pregnant. You just looks absolutely fab so whatever you are doing, keep at it!

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  33. You looked amazing all throughout and post-pregnancy! Love the tips, and now I need to drink some water, haha.

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  34. i am crazy behind on blog reading, so sorry for the delay in getting to this. this is super helpful! i am very worried about going overboard with eating/over indulging when i get pregnant. i hope i am as diligent as you! that sucks about your c-section incision still hurting when you run or jump, i had no idea. i know looks aren't everything, but you really do look amazing and like you bounced right back! how do you feel, like does your body feel different? i've heard that even if you get back to the same weight on the scale, your body will never be the same. which sounds super fun ;)

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