Ever since I had Molly my time really isn’t my own. If I thought it was hard to find time to work out before, then it’s nearly impossible to find time now. Some days, I look at the clock and it’s 5 PM and I hadn’t even left the house. In fact, this was happening on more days than I’d like to admit. It made me realize that my lifestyle as a new mom was actually really unhealthy. So a little after Molly arrived I decided I needed to make fitness a priority and get moving!
All that said, finding the time to workout is HARD! And we don’t have family in LA or childcare. So it’s really hard to find free time to get to the gym. So I thought I would focus today’s blog post on sharing the things I am doing to get back into shape after baby and to live a healthier lifestyle.
Mark Your Calendar
One thing that really helps me get off my butt and go to yoga is scheduling it in my calendar. Once it’s in my calendar, it’s a commitment that I CAN’T break. I try to think of it as a work obligation. I wouldn’t just skip a meeting because I was too tired. And I wont skip my workout for the same reason. That said, I only mark it in my calendar twice a month for now. As a new mom who has her hands full, I find that it’s best for me to take baby steps. If I marked it in my calendar twice a week I would be much less likely to go. Twice a month is a much easier commitment to start with. I’ll increase the number of days as time goes on.
Withings for the Win!
Since I find it hard to get to a workout class more than twice a month, I needed something else to get my butt off the couch! Or better said, to get my butt off the play-mat with Molly and outside! What I needed was something to make physical fitness easy. Something to track my daily activity to make sure I was moving by body during the day.
That’s when I discovered Withings. I have both their Activite Steel Watch and Body Cardio Scale. First let’s talk about the watch. I love that the watch doesn’t look like a fitness tracker. It just looks like a really cute watch (and you can get different color bands to suit your style). And that’s really important for me because I love fashion, I like to look cute, and blog about it for all of you! So I can’t be wearing a sporty looking fitness tracker with my cute outfits. You’ll notice that in many of my past fashion posts, I’m wearing this watch and that’s because I wear it every single day.
The watch is connected via Bluetooth to an app on my phone and I’m able to set how much physical activity I think I should have in a day. For example, it’s recommended that people get at least 10,000 steps in a day to be healthy. The first day I wore the watch, I realized I wasn’t getting anywhere near 10,000 steps! So I decided to set a more realistic goal for myself and I changed the amount of steps I wanted to achieve in a day to 8,000. The watch then keeps track of my steps throughout the day and tells me how close I am to reaching 100% of my goal. I only reach 8,000 half of the time btw, but I aware of it and working to get more activity into my day!
It also tracks how much sleep I’m getting (which isn’t much these days!) and wakes me up with a gentle vibration on my wrist (you set the wake-up time on the app). I’m woken up by crying far too many times throughout the night so it’s nice to have at least one gentle wake up call. Ha!
I also have the Body Cardio Scale. This scale is incredible! I like to call it the scale of the future! Every time I step on it in the morning it tells me my current weight (obviously), how much weight I’ve gained or lost since the last time I stepped on the scale, my BMI, the weather for the day (gotta know what to wear!), what percentage water I am (gotta stay hydrated!) and my heart rate. All of this information is then communicated to the app on my phone so I can monitor my health, my activity, and hopefully reach my fitness goals. Based on my activity and goals, the app also offers tips and encouragement to help me do even better the next day.
Withings has a promo code right now so you can get these items at a discount! Use code ALILUVS20 for 20% off. I actually think this system makes for a really great gift this holiday season, I got the scale for my sister because she’s very serious about her fitness journey and I know that she’ll absolutely love the scale. She just had a baby too (our babies were born within two weeks of each other) and I know she’d appreciate the scale to help her reach her fitness goals. Or you can just get it for yourself and get a jump-start on that New Year’s resolution to get fit! I for one don’t make New Year’s resolutions because I never keep them so that’s why I decided to start working towards my fitness goals now instead of waiting till January. Get yours HERE!
Plan Meals Ahead of Time
If I don’t plan my meals ahead of time, I immediately reach for the pasta (I LOVE my pasta!). Or reach for my phone to use Post-Mates to order food – which can get very expensive and isn’t always healthy. If you guys follow me on Snapchat, you know that I eat pasta A LOT! Often for breakfast and usually more than once a day. I’m obsessed. But I know this isn’t healthy. Not necessarily because of the calories, but because I’m not getting any real nutrients from it. And now that I’m a busy mom and find myself rushing to make and eat most meals, it’s more important than ever for me to plan out my meals in advance. Not every meal, but some of them. I just dedicate an hour one day a week to prepare veggies that are easy to grab when I’m starving after breastfeeding and have no energy to make anything. It makes reaching for a quick snack much healthier! My new favorite meal – a kale salad with quinoa, golden raisins, almonds, lemon vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese! I wash and cut the kale once each week so it’s easy to throw together at mealtime.
Get Dressed for Success!
And no, for once I don’t mean put on a cute outfit. This tip might seem a little weird to some people, but it works for me! On the days I “schedule” my workouts or on days when I find some time and have a little extra energy, I make myself get dressed in workout clothes. By putting on my workout clothes, I’m just more likely to be active. Or just lounge around in yoga pants all day – but that’s a whole other issue. But really, just making the teeny tiny commitment to put on the clothes, I am more likely to get in my car and go to a workout class. And once I drive there, I’m definitely likely to do the class. So basically, I commit to two things. 1) putting my workout clothes on, and 2) driving to yoga class (or the gym if that’s what you prefer). By making the small commitments to put on my clothes and drive there, I am more likely to make the larger commitment of actually taking the class! By breaking it up into small tasks, I’m more likely to actually do it.
Hope this Inspires You to Get Fit!
I hope you guys found some of this helpful or motivating as you start or continue your fitness journey! All that said, I have almost reached my pre-pregnancy weight! I am still very jiggly, especially in my belly, but I hope to work little by little everyday to get back to a place where I am comfortable with my body. It’s not about being skinny or overweight, it’s about being healthy and feeling good. Plus, I’m extra motivated because I’m getting married soon!
What are you doing to reach your fitness goals? Let’s share tips with each other in the comments below!
And a huge thank you to Withings for introducing me to their amazing products! I am proud to partner with them to bring you guys today’s blog post 🙂
Thank you, great reads and much needed!
Love from Norway
Thank you for reading Manuela! Much love to you in Norway!
I just had a baby almost 2 months ago, and reading your blog, and seeing your insta posts are so genuine and inspirational…thank you!
Congrats Lindsay! Being a mom is the best – and the hardest – thing that’s ever happened to me! I’m sure you feel the same 🙂 Hope these fitness tips inspire you to live a healthy life for you and your little one!
Ali, I always look forward to your posts! My daughter is only a week older than Molly! So I’ve kinda been on this journey with you! Ha!
I meal prep as well. But I think it’s a great idea to check my activity! Even though I FEEL like I’m going non-stop, I’m probably not reaching my goals!
I felt like I was “going” non stop too! I feel ya! Until I started wearing the watch and realized that I wasn’t moving as much as I thought! Taking long walks is something we now do with Molly twice a day! Mostly in the evenings because it helps calm her down when she’s fussy.
I love your tip getting dressed in your workout clothes when you get up. This is been huge for me and actually really helps and reminds me to workout. Also for me just having a friend to hold me accountable has really helped. Not in a snarky, did you workout today? But in an encouraging keep me accountable type of way! Enjoy all the days while your little one is still little. They grow too fast!
A friend helping motivate you is huge! The problem for me is that me and my girlfriends all had babies around the same time so we find it hard to keep each other accountable! We all have the same excuse! Ha! But I need to reach out to them and schedule some group workouts asap! Thanks for reminding me!
Thank you for sharing! I have been wanting to ask you …. 🙂 what about eating habits? Hasn’t it been told that it is 80% what you eat and 20% excercise? I follow you every day and buy all of your outfits and boots! 🙂
I eat a lot right now honestly. Since I’m breastfeeding I required a lot of calories to keep my milk supply up! But I will do another post on everything I eat soon! The kale salad I talked about above is my favorite and SO healthy!
I love following you Ali! Just out of curiosity, how is molly sleeping?! And if she is sleeping better, any tips? My 4 month old is still waking every 2-3 hours. 🙁
I wish I could help you!!! She hasn’t slept more than 3 hours in 5-6 weeks and was up every HOUR the past two nights! 🙁 I am desperate for her to sleep! I just don’t know what to do anymore. Let me know if you find something that works for you!
Have you heard of the Sleep Sense Program? I used it for both of my children and it changed our lives. Even as little as 4 months its never to early to start sleep training. So tough when you are in the trenches with the little little ones though and my heart goes out to both of you. You will sleep again, I promise.
Thanks for sharing these tips! I had baby #3 in August and it’s so hard to find time to be active with conflicting nap schedules and caring for the littles.
Unrelated- how is molly napping? We are stuck with 30 minute naps here and it’s wearing me down. Any tips?
I am just writing up a blog post about sleep right now! We let her cry a bit to sleep when napping. That way she learned to self soothe. We didn’t do full on cry it out. But a limited cry method. It took about 4-5 days to work. But it was worth it because it helped SO much! She went from napping 30 mins to napping 1-2 hours. And I wasn’t spending 5 hours a day rocking her to sleep anymore. Now I just need to figure out how to get her to sleep that long at NIGHT!!!! And hopefully longer. She was up every hour last night and the night before!!!
We followed the “12 hours of sleep by 12 weeks old” which really was more of a way to wean the baby off of eating so frequently and eating more in each feeding so she didn’t need to wake up in the middle of the night. I hardly ever had to let her cry it out and if I did it was for maybe a minute or two. Such an easy plan to follow and a very short read. Highly highly recommend it! Was recommended to me by a trusted friend who did it for both of her children and several others that raved about it.
Thank you for your response! I also read your blog on sleep- lots of good info. It’s encouraging to know that we’re all in this together.
For your nap training, how old was Molly when you started? If she woke up after 30 minutes did you get her up or give her some time to try to fall back asleep? Did you swaddle?
I hope that your nights are starting to improve a bit. Sleep deprivation is a killer. For our two older ones we did night sleep training around 20 weeks. For both it only took a few days until they were sleeping so much better. Hang in there! It’s hard but I can promise you it will get better!!!
Hi Ali, can I ask what baby carrier you have in this picture??? I had a baby in August and am looking for a good one. Thanks 🙂
Ali is wearing the Ergo 360. It’s awesome!
Yes it’s the Ergo 🙂
Chamomile Tea 1 oz @ night has helped my 10 week old. We are bottle fed and getting 4 hr stretches. Also go by the book Happy Baby Healthy Sleep Habits.
What carrier do you recommend?
It’s the ergo. We love it. And I have that book. I need to try to read it again. It’s just SO long. When I first bought it, I meant to read it, but when you’re sleep deprived it’s hard to read that much.
Ali, what is your snapchat username?
@alifedotowsky 🙂 Thanks for following along!
I am a mother of two (son is 7 years, daughter is 2.5 years). For me since I had both kids working out has always been priority. I workout every week 5-6 days a week since both were 6 weeks old. (Prior to that Doctor OK to start again I went for a daily walk just to get out.). Working out is my sanity, literally I’m certain it keeps me sane. My husband has always been super supportive of that. To make it work I run (i’m a marathoner), I do spin class, I swim and I since my children I have said goodbye to the gym and hello to home workouts such as Beachbody (Insanity, Max 30, Les Mills Combat, T25 and just starting Hammer and Chisel) and Booya Fitness. This home based workouts help for the days I literally can’t go out for a run or a class and my kids since they were little love watching them and now that they are older like to take part. I think as a mom with a busy life its always a balancing act but to prioritize your health and your fitness is so important.
You are my HERO!!!!! I need to try to “schedule” in more actual workout classes
Thank you so much for posting this! I actually had my little girl the same day you had Molly…(great name ?) and I am about 9 lbs from my pre pregnancy weight! This was so good for me to read, mainly to feel and know that I’m not alone! Keep this tips coming! 🙂
9 lbs is so close! And ya know what, even if you never get there – that’s OK! You’re doing great mama 🙂
How much weight dis you guys gain? I gained 45 lbs and im still struggling with 20 left?
Oh Ali, I guess I’ll get to the gym tonight. My babe is 6 months and I have a 2.5 year old as well. I stay home w them and also work 20 hrs from home. And we just moved haha! I used to work out 6 days a week, even during my pregnancies, and I haven’t worked out in about a month. It’s been killing me! I wish we could be work out partners! I need to get back into it so that I don’t just go crazy over the holidays because “it won’t matter anyway”
Strength to us mamas and everyone w a hard schedule to fit in some healthy “me” time!
I’m glad this post inspired you to go to the gym tonight! You’ll have to let us know if you made it there 🙂 Remember – just put on your gym clothes and make the commitment to drive there! 😉
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve also started realizing that some days I haven’t left the house by 5:00 pm. It’s so so hard to make time for myself and your story helps me realize I’m not alone in this “new to motherhood”journey. I’m 9 lbs away from my pre- pregnancy weight and this was so motivating. 🙂
Same here girl. It’s hard to get out of the house some days! Walks with your little one are a good place to start 🙂
Awesome post, Ali! Thank you for sharing. I also want to point out how great it is that you responded to every single person who commented on your post today 🙂 You are crazy busy – yet you still make time to respond to your readers! Thank you for your kind, real heart! xo
Hi Ali, I just read your blog, and I’m quite inspired! I’m a mom of 3 with a husband that works 3:00-11:00.. So it’s up to me to drive the kids to all their football practices, basketball, swimming and work. So there is absolutely NO time for me! Oh and did I mention I am a full time kindergarten teacher and I have two part time jobs! I’ve noticed I’ve gained weight and I am not happy..so reading your blog gave me a few pointer on how to get a little more fit..thank ou for that, and keep being an absolute great mom ?
Thank you so much for this post! I love following your fashion posts and now baby/pregnancy related posts. I have a 8 week old and really enjoyed the tips you shared – especially the wear your work out clothes to inspire activity! You’re a great momma and I appreciate the real-ness you bring on motherhood. Keep the tips coming!! ❤️❤️
Ali I’ve been following you since you were the bachelorette. You are stunning and Molly is such a doll! Adorable 🙂
Xo Kat
Hi Ali. First of all, I just love how down to earth and real you seem. It’s refreshing. I love your fashion recommendations, as well. I now own three madewell tees and a few dresses off your list of easy nursing wear. (Online shop ALL THE THINGS! ???)
Now on to baby and fitness talk…
I just had my third baby — THIRD BOY — now two months old. My older boys are 4.5 and 2.5. Yes, I’m crazy… ??
I also work from home. That being said, fitness is my sanity and peaceful space. I pretty much have to ensure i get in some form of exercise daily or i go insane! Since having baby, i basically do a mix of 6 AM classes at the gym (obsessed with body pump and barre), spin at home (i setup a small home gym down in our basement) and i run. I also use a mix of beach body workout programs AND follow several fitness channels on Youtube. (Seriously, everything you could possibly want is on youtube!) Sometimes my kids join me when i’m doing my home workouts (pretty hilarious. i earn extra points for balancing kids on my back while planking) ?? Anyway, it’s fun to see what other mamas are doing and help to encourage each other. Mom life is so busy and mom-stop but i’ve really learned the importance of taking time for self-health.
Love your blog! I’ve bought so many of your fashion items! I’m a mom to a 3 year old and 3.5 month old. I need to work out for my mental health so 2 things that work for me are a gym with free childcare (I love you Y) and attending a stroller class. Both instances my kids are having fun so I have no guilt for getting some me time without having to get extra childcare. And putting it on the calendar is key for sure!
Great realistic advice, next time take your love for pasta and make zoodles or spghettti squash as your noodle then you get the nutrients and what you love. You look incredible, happiness must be a key incredient to losing the baby weight because your glowing !!
You look awesome Ali! Jiggly is a good one! I have some jiggly too! Molly is adorable!
Great read! I’ve been going to a mommy friendly gym 2 to 3 times a week since my baby was 2 Months olds. Now she is almost 6 months and I am proud of my commitment! Reading your story is also an inspiration. Thanks!
I have a suggestion for your baby carryer. Right now Molly’s legs are spread too wide. This is the position she should be in while facing towards you. When she is front facing, there should be an option to make the seat less wide. It is not ergonomic. If not, you should wait until she is older to put her front facing. It is also very stimulating for the baby to be front facing (lots to see) so shr might prefer to be facing you.
Please excuse me if there are mistakes in my text. I’m french speaking so I did my best with english.
Keep up the amazing work you are doing with your precious baby.
Love from Montreal, Canada
Your posts are always so great and I’m excited because I just purchased the watch! I have a newborn and a toddler so anything that helps with fitness is appreciated!
Where do you buy your plain white t-shirts? I have the hardest time finding one I love! I just had my 4th little babe 8 weeks ago, so I’m still trying to fit into my clothes;)
I just bought this watch using your code! I’m a fitness junky and was in the market for a cute fitness tracker that I could wear to work and still look stylish and professional! Thanks for the recommendation!
Hi ali! I am a mom of two little boys and I just got back to the gym. My youngest is 9 months and still only sleeps 2 to 3 hours at a time so it’s been a struggle but definitely worth it. I love that work out clothes nowadays are fashionable, too! I’d love to see some posts on cute work out gear.
Ali random question! The gold plated necklace with Molly’s initial on it- where did you get that? Love it 🙂
SO inspiring. I’m looking into buying a Withings watch. Which color did you buy? I love the one in the picture!
I am a single mom. My baby is 9 YEARS OLD and I am just now figuring out how to get fit! I’ve also figured out that it’s so much easier to let yourself get UN-healthy than it is to actually get back to being healthy! I do cardio at the gym 5 days/wk for 25 mins at a time (which I hate) and then head to lift weights or go home and do a pilates video for 20 mins. It’s SO hard, but SO worth it! I feel so much better (even after just 3 weeks) — I’m more motivated, more positive and I can already see the physical difference in my body, which, is incredibly encouraging! I like pasta too! So glad that we can indulge on occasion 🙂