I used to fear getting pregnant.
Everyone loved to tell me, “just wait till you have kids…” Like having them meant losing everything I’d built. Losing me.
So when I got a surprise pregnancy with my first, I was already mourning the parts of me I thought I’d lose. Then I actually went through it. And I realized I never lost the ability to do badass things. I’m just not doing the exact same ones.
That version one athlete is part of my past now, and I do miss her. But losing her forged me stronger, mentally and emotionally, not just physically. Sometimes I imagine her with the strength I have now, and it would’ve been fun to see what she was capable of.
But here’s what I got wrong for so long. Being an athlete didn’t end when I became a mom. It just changed and grew up with me.
My body grew and carried life. My mind learned to push through exhaustion I didn’t know was possible. My why got so much bigger than just performance.
Stronger body. Stronger mind. Stronger reason to show up. Even on the days I don’t feel like it.
So to every mama in the thick of the rebuild, wondering if you’ll ever feel like you again: you won’t feel like the old you.
And that’s okay. You’re not going backward. You’re becoming someone she never could have been.
For wherever you’re at in your journey, I have a program for you. You can find my Postpartum Rehab and ENOUGH 6-week program at the link in bio 🤍
Pregnancy and motherhood can feel like an end to the person you once were, especially if you identified strongly as an athlete before having children. But from personal experience, I've learned that this transformation is less about losing your athletic self and more about evolving it into something even more powerful. When I first became a mom, I feared I would never reclaim the same level of physical fitness or mental toughness I had before. However, I found that carrying and nurturing a new life brought out a resilience I had never tapped into—it’s a different kind of strength that challenges both body and mind in ways no workout ever could. My journey involved understanding that the old ways of training might not apply, but new forms of movement and recovery became essential. I focused on postpartum rehabilitation exercises that not only rebuilt my physical health but also helped me mentally regain confidence. This meant embracing rest, listening to my body’s limits, and celebrating small victories that pushed me closer to where I wanted to be. What surprised me most was how my motivation changed. Before, my 'why' was competition and performance. After motherhood, it transformed into something deeper: showing up for myself and my family, demonstrating endurance despite exhaustion, and cultivating mental clarity amid chaos. This renewed purpose fueled me to keep moving forward, even when doubts crept in. For other moms navigating the same path, it's important to remember that the athlete you were before kids is part of your past, but not your only future. The athlete you are now is stronger—physically adapted to new challenges, mentally tougher from life’s demands, and fueled by a loving commitment that transcends previous goals. If you feel uncertain at times, know that this evolution is natural and necessary. Your identity as an athlete isn't lost; it is rewritten. There are helpful programs designed specifically for postpartum athletes to guide you safely back to fitness while respecting your body's new needs. Engaging with such tailored support can make the journey more achievable and rewarding. Ultimately, motherhood creates a warrior within, one who balances strength with compassion and ambition with patience. Embrace this new version of yourself, and celebrate the powerful, resilient athlete you’ve become—one that never truly left, only transformed.
