The Most Effective Postpartum Workout You Need to Try

I have almost no time to workout these days, so finding the most effective postpartum workout is important to me. Working out is like my therapy. I kind of have to do it to stay sane. It always helps me sort out my problems. I think of my brain as a tangled ball of yarn that’s untangled after I hit the gym. It’s not that the problems go away, they just seem less severe and important. Because time is so limited right now with two little ones at home, I don’t get to go as much as I’d like, and I know I can’t commit to doing workouts at home, I like to squeeze in 1-2 really intense, awesome workouts a week. For me, the thing that got me back in shape (quickly!) after baby was spinning.

Ride co-hosts Meredith of Cake & Confetti, Marla of The Blonde Pantry, me!, and Roz of My Red Glasses // Missing: Megan of Greetings from Texas and Julie of from prosecco to plaid

I struggled after baby #1 to lose the weight. I was going to the gym a lot, and was so frustrated that I wasn’t seeing results. I couldn’t figure out why 45 minutes on the elliptical wasn’t cutting it. Then I tried spin class and I could see why: I wasn’t working nearly hard enough. I wasn’t targeting certain areas. I wasn’t doing any intervals. I sure thought I was, but I wasn’t.

Two months into spinning 2-3x a week and eating healthy, I was back in my regular jeans. It felt awesome. This pregnancy, I continued to spin all the way up until I was about 34 weeks, when my stomach just wouldn’t fit on the bike anymore. Now I’m back at spin and definitely noticing a change for the better in my body once again. Even if the pounds aren’t dripping off (I’m breastfeeding, so I’m holding on to some extra lbs), I feel like I’m doing something good for my body. It’s a full body workout; not just cardio, not just weights. So you’re getting the most bang for your buck, and for your time.

That’s why I was thrilled to be asked to host a private blogger ride for the new SoulCycle in Houston. The studio is beautiful, the instructors are awesome, and the music is seriously on point. I had a blast riding with some of my closest friends and meeting some new friends for a good sweat sesh. It was one of the hardest classes ever, but I was motivated by the awesome ladies riding around me. The community aspect of it makes it so much more fun, and makes the time fly by.

Have you tried spin yet? What was the most effective postpartum workout for you?

14 thoughts on “The Most Effective Postpartum Workout You Need to Try”

This is great, I just did my first spin/cycle class last night! I think I was doing something wrong cause my booty is a bit sore!

Esther says:

June 15, 2016 at 6:30 am

Your seat could be too high! In all honesty, you may just have to get used to it. Your butt will be sore the first class for sure 🙂 You can always put a cover on the bike seat!

I have always heard great things about spin class, I just haven’t tried it yet!

Esther, you look amazing! So you can spin while you’re pregnant, too? I have always wanted to find a spin class – how do you find the time to do it? I’m going to look into this today : )

Awesome! I’ve never tried a spin class. Maybe I’ll toto one this week at our gym. From what I hear they’re a great workout!

No baby for me, but I understand where you’re coming from. I used to walk on the treadmill for an hour every day and hardly improved myself. I started a cardio boxing class last October, only go 2-3 times a week, and now I’m down 2 pant sizes and a shirt size. It’s not about quantity sometimes, but definitely quality.

I’ve always wanted to try a spin class, I don’t stick with workouts, other than running, long because I get bored. but spinning seems like it’s sort of fun too.

I’ve tried spinning. Wasn’t my favorite lol but I love having that outlet! After a month off I’m looking forward to getting back to kickboxing!

Well, you’ve convinced me, I’m going to have to try spinning!

I’ve tried spinning once and I loved it. Was sooooo sore after!

Spinning seems so hard! I never actually took a class but just the thought makes my legs tired lol

Love,

Ivelisse | CarnationDreams.com

I love spin! I found that the instructor can make or break it though. Luckily I have found the best instructor that has the right mix of fun and drill sergeant! haha!