If you had asked me what my exercise goals were two years ago—before becoming pregnant—I would have said I wanted to build strength and improve my cardio to stay healthy and fit, so I could keep doing the activities I love, like sports. Fast forward to February 2024 , when I found out I was pregnant. My goals shifted entirely. My postpartum fitness journey became less about performance and more about maintaining my health and wellness to support a healthy pregnancy, deliver a healthy baby, and set myself up for a strong postpartum recovery.
Why Exercise During Pregnancy
During my pregnancy, I’m beyond grateful that I trusted both my education and my intuition to keep moving and exercising throughout all three trimesters—with my physician’s approval, of course. While my workouts looked a little different, I still surpassed the minimum physical activity guidelines.
The transition from pregnancy to postpartum is no joke—there’s a reason they call it labour! I’ve gained a deep respect for all moms. Birth is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences a woman can go through. Continuing to exercise during pregnancy helped me manage labour, delivery, and recovery in so many ways.
Benefits of exercising during pregnancy include:
* Improved breathing and endurance to ease labour pain
* A stronger core and pelvic floor for safer delivery
* Better muscle strength to assist during birth
* Faster recovery and a smoother return to movement postpartum
Why You’re Not the Same Person After Having a Baby
The most common phrase I heard while pregnant was: “Just wait until the baby comes—your life will never be the same.”
As much as I didn’t want to believe it, it’s true… but in the most incredible way imaginable.
Yes, my life has completely changed—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The responsibility of caring for an infant impacts every decision you make and requires more functional strength than ever before. Tasks like getting up and down from the floor, holding your baby while doing chores, or wrestling a car seat into position become daily workouts in themselves!
These new physical challenges taught me what truly matters. I now understand what it means to “exercise for my future.” Strength isn’t just about deadlifting 200 lbs or running a 5-minute kilometre—it’s about being able to lift, carry, and move through life with confidence and energy.
Strength now means:
* Lifting my child without pain
* Exploring the outdoors all day without fatigue
* Saying yes to every opportunity to play and connect
Finding My “Why” as a Mom
Exercise has brought countless positive changes into my life. Before having Tessa, I worked out to be strong and fit for the long term. But now, I truly understand *why* I move my body.
I exercise so I can say YES—yes to playtime, yes to adventures, yes to bonding with my child. I can’t imagine a life where physical limitations hold me back from creating memories with my daughter.
Today, my fitness goal is simple:
To always be able to say yes when my children ask me to play or go on an adventure.
How a Kinesiologist Can Help You Become a “Yes Mom”
At Longevity Nexum, we help moms rediscover their strength and confidence. Our clinic focuses on personalized exercise programs that eliminate the fear of discomfort and empower you to move safely and effectively during your postpartum fitness journey.
Without my team of kinesiologists, I might have lost motivation and forgotten what truly matters— my health, my longevity, and my ability to be there for my family.
Working with professionals helped me understand the real value of exercise and reminded me never to take physical ability for granted.
The first step is asking yourself: What kind of mom do I want to be?
No matter your starting point, Longevity Nexum will help you become the strong, confident, and capable mom you want to be. Start your postpartum fitness journey now can call us at (800) 963-4409
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