I’m blogging at 12:45am right now. I’m not sure if I consider it really early or really late. I haven’t been up all night. In fact, I slipped into bed at 8:40pm when the sun was finally low enough to allow me to convince myself it was bed time. Still, my eyes popped open at 11:45pm and sure enough David still wasn’t home. In fact, I can tell he is at minimum of an hour from being home now and I just don’t sleep well when I know he is going to be late night (early morning?) driving. So, here I sit feeling all Carrie Bradshaw by confessing my quirks to the internet.
So why blog now? I guess because I’m hoping once he arrives safely at home that I can douse myself in serenity (an essential oil blend to promote sleep that a friend gave to me to try after I told her my struggles falling back asleep after nursing) and clock a few solid hours. I’m even considering a dream feed for Kaitlyn before I hop back into bed, but wonder if that will mess with her beginnings of a schedule? Ah, mommy brain. It’s impossible to turn off.
So let’s just change gears. Fitness! I ‘grammed how stoked I was about my postpartum run on Sunday (3.3 miles… oh, did I already mention that?). The high lasted and I decided it was time to give the gym a try. You’d think after bringing Hailey for so long and getting to know the women, it would be smooth sailing, but I still went all nervous Nelly on them.
I nursed Kaitlyn (9 weeks old) around 7:45am, knowing she’d be ready for a nap around 9:00am. I figured it we could be at the gym at about 5 after, she’d be in a solid enough sleep to stay that way until 9:45am, allowing me a solid 30 minutes of work out time. Yes, I realize how neurotic that sounds, but it offered me enough peace of mind to go for it.
And go for it I did! I bee lined it for a corner spot and started busting out some of my favorites. You’d think I would have had a plan for exactly what workout I wanted to do, but you would be wrong. I ended up with a little something like this…
1 minute jumping jacks
20 squat jumps (ow ow ow… I love you)
10 push ups
15 sumo squats with upright row
10 lunges (each leg)
10 burpees
30 second plank each side
20 mountain climbers
30 second regular plank
repeat x3
No pinnable image provided because I’m not even sure if that’s a balanced workout, but I felt it, got sweaty and felt pretty great about it.
Gym selfies… as awkward to take as you’d imagine. I keep doing it because… ??? Proof? Breaks up blocks of text? Narcissism?
Once I had that checked off and no childcare worker had come running in to get me, I relaxed a little bit and took a walk with a friend on a treadmill.
A workout and social time? This was fabulous! Around 10:00am I scrubbed my hands and went to grab Kaitlyn. She had just woken up and was happily smiling, entranced by her holder’s pink shirt.
They told me she had just woken up and I mentally high-fived myself for accurate mommy math. I nursed her in the locker room before grabbing Hailey, too and then left like it was no big thang.
But it was.
I had just officially made a successful gym trip and that felt pretty huge to me. I don’t think it will be an everyday occurrence just yet, but knowing it’s possible has me pretty stoked.
Do you prefer gym workouts or at-home workouts?
I can do at home if needed and there certainly are some awesome online options, but I really thrive in the atmosphere of a gym or a studio (yoga, etc) setting. Seeing other people sweating it out helps keep me motivated and focused.
Brynn says
So awesome, way to go! You should give yourself a pat in the back. I don’t think it’s crazy it neurotic to plan, if that’s the window you have then you need to optimize!
I prefer gym/studio workouts for the same reason.
Heather says
That is impressive! I’m always amazed at how much you are able to get done in a day! I’m also impressed at how confident you are in breast feeding in public. I breastfed Elizabeth for a year and I just couldn’t get to the point where I was comfortable enough to do it. Any secrets to get over that for when I have a second one?
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve really had to get over the insecurity the second go ’round because I’m busy being out and about with Hailey. I don’t love whipping my boob out just anywhere, but I figure people would prefer a subtle nursing session over a screaming baby 😉
In all honesty, I try to be discreet. K hates a blanket over her head though, so it’s hard to completely ‘hide.’ The only time there is any really something to see is when she latches, so I try to do that quickly and sit off to the side wherever we are. I also am friends with many ladies that breastfeed, so I soak up some of their confidence too! I think once you do it a couple times you realize no one is really looking 🙂
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
GREAT JOB!!!! So glad you had great timing and it all worked perfectly! I enjoy working out at home more than not – no one cares what you look like, you can do it any time of day, you can do it outside or inside, and you can fit it in a bit more easily when living out in the boonies like we soon will!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
yay!!! My gym doesn’t have childcare so I am very insanely jealous right now. 😉 I’m so excited that it worked out for you. Big mommy win!
Jaclyn @ Bumpsweat says
Way to go! I enjoy lifting, period, which up to this point has been at the gym. We’re getting some equipment for home for me to use after baby comes, so we shall see how much I enjoy that.
Kathy says
Yay for u! So glad the stars were aligned for you to get a good workout in. Endorphin high…I can’t get enough. Great job!!!
Marjorie says
Way to go on making it to the gym! I prefer to work out in a gym, but we let our membership go to pay for daycare. So I have been making the best use of what I have – great (albeit hilly) neighborhood to walk/jog in. Plus I have a treadmill and some DVDs at home.
I hate to hear about your sleep issues! I have struggled on and off with sleep issues myself, although I am sleeping pretty good right now.
Jessica @Myhealthypassion.com says
You go girl!! : ) P.s…LOVE doTerra Serenity! I use it all the time along with my other doTerra favs!
Katie Harding says
I prefer to work out at the gym, its ME time, where I can just focus on sweating and listening to my favorite tunes and people watching. However, if my boys are both napping then I don’t mind getting in a quick work out at home. You are doing great, keep it up!
erin says
Nice job! You are lucky to have a gym that will take such young infants. All the ones near me have a min age of 3 months and some not until 6 months.
I definitely prefer gym workouts. Even if the workout is something i could do at home i feel i push harder at the gym. Maybe I take it more seriously if I think others are watching:) I am also more likely to get distracted by home and skip a workout to do something important like watch TV:)
Brittany Dixon says
Yes I was grateful to hear they take babies at 8 weeks and they are off in their own room away from the germier toddlers (my H included ;)). And I agree- with the couch and TV right there at home, it’s tough to pick sweating it out some days 😉
Rachel says
Way to go! I know how good it feels to get back into the swing of things after baby. I could not wait to start working out after my second was born! I was happy to hand off my then 2 yr old and 6 week old to get some “me” time! I formula fed both kiddos so that made dropping them off a bit easier…2 years later both my kids still love going to gym childcare! And I still (mostly) love going to the gym 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Good for you! I think H has always been comfortable being dropped off because we started so early too. It’s nice that she doesn’t get upset about going!
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
LOVE it! Way to go mama 🙂 I love working out at the gym but find myself working out at home more often which is fine since Chris has hooked up our home gym 🙂
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Woohoo!!! I can TOTALLY understand this excitement! I’m so happy for you.
I much prefer working out in a gym environment. Like you, it’s more motivating and I can focus better. I also love the community! Of course there are pros to working out at home, so I do take advantage of that sometimes, but overall prefer a gym.
Regina says
I love your gym selfies! You’re adorable! I bought a one year gym membership last winter as my Christmas present from my husband. I went three times before preterm labor began and I was put on bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy. About a month ago I restarted the membership namely because I’m obsessed with body pump. I run 3 days a week, training for my second half marathon this October. Two runs with the double BOB during the week and a long run before Sunday morning pancakes. I try to walk 2+ miles with my boys the other days to get to the park and get some fresh air. But honestly with 2 under 2 there’s literally no time to exercise at home. If I try I end up with a toddler crawling all over my back. And let me tell you, planks are no fun with a 32lb weight on your back riding you like a horsey. My youngest is 3.5 months old now and we’ve been to the gym 4 times since I restarted my membership. We go once a week for body pump (which were about to head out to) and I have to say ever after a month, even at 3.5 months old and even being baby #2 my biggest struggle heading out the door is handing him over to someone else. It’s not that I don’t trust them, they’re amazing with my boys! I know I need the “me” time and I’ll feel better after the hour of lifting (which I also need). And that my oldest needs some time to play with other kids and be away from mommy for a bit. But man, I miss them. It may sound ridiculous and crazy but I get a little jealous that I walk back in and he’s giving that gummy smile to someone else. That they get to spend that hour loving on him, snuggling his little body and watching my oldest scream in excitement and laugh with his brilliantly blue/green eyes (seriously, they’re mesmerizing) But then I remember that I also get to walk back in to a little voice saying “mama!!”, running at me to hug my legs and my littlest looks over at me and smiles, recognizing that I’m there and I’m reminded that they still Love me 😉 I’m just kidding. Sort of. It’s an hour once a week that we all need but is still so hard to emotionally get past.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Yay- so glad it went well! I know I’ll do the same thing- plan it really carefully around the baby’s sleeping/ feeding routine and still be a nervous wreck for the first few times. Hope you got back to sleep well the rest of the night!
Caitlin says
That work out looks like a good kick in the rear and it appears to be pretty darn balanced. The only thing I’d probably add would be some ab work, but I know (from what I’ve heard) abs are tricky thing post-pregnancy. Nice job!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I need so much ab work- they totally disappeared on me during pregnancy! I guess I have to step it up past planks at some point 😉
Kim says
I had problems falling back asleep after nursing too (my son is now 8 months and get’s up once around 4-4:30) and started taking magnesium. BIG help. There’s a few different kinds so look into it but it helps calm the mind down! Great job on the workout!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh interesting! I’ll have to look into it if things continue to be a problem. I’m liking trying out the essential oil too. Even if it isn’t working, it sure smells good 😉
Maria says
I’m sure the first trip back to the gym will be the hardest (Kaitlyn-wise) and now that you’ve made it past that hump, it’ll be easier to pack up and go 🙂
I’ve turned myself from a gym rat (6 days a week in college and 5 days a week a few years ago), to working out a home. My workouts are much more limited, but I get creative. I do have an apartment gym with basic stuff and that’s all I need. Or, like today, I grabbed my gym bag and am going to do a wog in my office neighborhood after work. It’ll be a nice change of scenery.
Jen says
Yay! Go Kaitlyn and go mommy!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Right now we don’t belong to a gym with childcare. I do go to a small gym with classes 2 times a week when someone can watch my little ones. When I don’t go, I work out during their first nap. When they start daycare, I will probably join the gym next door and grab a quick workout after work a few days a week
Dominique @ Eat, Pray, Lift says
Good for you, mama! Glad you’re making time for yourself, even if it’s just a quick workout + a little friendmill time. 🙂
I work out exclusively at home now that I don’t have a gym membership, and I actually prefer it this way (for the most part). We have a really great home gym setup, though, so that’s probably a big help. I’m hoping to acquire a sandbag, a kettlebell or two, and a (used) rower in the next few months to round things out!
Kelli says
All I ;have to say is you crack me up probably because you sound like me and my kids are 9 and 8 and I still am neurotic about everything I always blame the Virgo in me 😉
Dale says
Congrats in the first gym workout! It’s not easy to get back to it, but when it makes you feel so good it’s definitely worth it!
I was SO excited to join a YMCA with childcare about three weeks ago when we moved to Charlotte, but I’m really struggling because my kids (1.5 and 3.5) absolutely freaked out the two times we’ve tried it. I’m a SAHM so I’ve never left them anywhere without me before. Both times there was so much screaming and crying it literally broke my heart…and I couldn’t even work out, I was so upset I just sat in the lobby and waited for 15 minutes to pass (that was my goal time…I was told to start slow and work up to longer periods). Anyway, I’m so discouraged right now…the employees assured me it will get better, but I just don’t know if I have it in me to keep trying until it does! Any advice from you or other mommas would be much appreciated!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
All I can say is, Carrie Bradshaw it up, girl! Your stories remind me so much of the obsession I had with getting enough sleep when I was nursing my first one. I would go to bed as early as 7:30 or 8pm knowing my son would wake up around 11pm or midnight for a feeding… and then again at 2 and 5 and well you get the nightmare. So nice to see you are able to make it to the gym for a workout. Again, inspiration for when my little one comes in January!!
Nancy @ WeightLossShakesx.net says
You’re live inspiration for all women. As to me, I prefer to work out at home, like I do at present.
I enjoy my daily 30 min. yoga work-out session and 15 min. meditations at home in early mornings. I always include new poses in my daily workouts to get even more inspired and force my whole body and soul for more challenges!
Maria says
Way to go lady! Awesome job on getting back out there and conquering! Maybe I need some of that serenity stuff as i find myself getting restless sleep as of late even though Alissa sleeps through the night. Go figure 😛
Danielle says
Congratulations on your first post-partum gym workout!
Like you I also do better in a gym setting. Knowing others are there helps keep me motivated!
Jaa Lucernas says
Brittany Dixon,
I’m really happy to read your gym experience,you are motivating me to go gym, thanks for sharing this brilliant article..keep sharing looking forward to your future articles, 🙂
Sarah says
Go, Mama! You don’t sound neurotic at all. You sound like you’re trying to meet your needs AND the needs of your baby.
I’m 38 weeks pregnant and am already thinking through post-baby fitness. I’m not a fan of the gym atmosphere, but I do want to make sure I take care of my body!
I’m thinking of trying to borrow a double jogging stroller, fit some runs in and do some at-home workouts (which my toddler will probably join me for). It’ll be trial and error I guess!
Teresa says
Just discovered your blog. Love how genuinely happy you look in your gym selfie! Congrats on fitting a workout in. (And your daughters are adorable, by the way.)