Fitness is my jam you know? I love every part of health and fitness. It is my business, my hobby, my story, my getaway and what I study. I have been a part of the professional fitness world for 5 years and two years before that; I fell in love with fitness during my first half marathon.

But fitness for me changed 15 months ago with the birth of my son. I had always been able to overcome obstacles on the trail, concrete, and gym. When the doctors told me my discs were too damaged to run, I ran anyway. When the doctors said I would need surgery before my marathon, I ran the marathon anyway. But fitness after baby, well the truth is simple – I am just not there yet.

All through my pregnancy fitness came easy for me. I was able to continue my normal routines until the doctor stopped me at around 36 weeks pregnant. I was able to lift weights, run (slowly), take classes, and eat pretty healthy with minimal cravings. It was after delivery and months later when I started getting back into the “normal” again, I realized it is just not going to be that simple for me.

I set some major goals to accomplish by the time my son turned 12 months old. At 15 months old, I am reporting that some of those goals were accomplished but some were not. I have not stopped; I am just not there yet. I thought it would be easier, I thought my body would adjust better, I thought my body would re-gain the muscle quicker. But it just hasn’t happened that way.

What has happened is a very happy, healthy, thriving little toddler. What happened are a husband and wife enjoying lots of date nights, good food and travel. What has happened is a mama who has girlfriend dates with lots of sweets and wine. What has happened is, oddly enough, fitness sometimes didn’t make the cut for the day, or the week! Life just got full of so much more, and although fitness means so much to me, the progress hasn’t meant as much as it did before I gave birth.

I’ve got goals, they haven’t changed, and they will be completed. Those goals are important; they will keep me healthy and strong, and will encourage a happy self-image. I want those goals badly; I am just not there yet. So to any other mama bears that are struggling to get there don’t worry; you will! The point is progress, not perfection. The goal for every one of us should be our health. How can we be great moms to our children if we lack energy, strength, and happiness? How can I be a wonderful wife when I am frustrated, stressed, tired? It has just not been easy; at times it has been incredibly frustrating. But I am finally at a place where I realize it is ok, I am just not there YET, key word…YET. There is no firm deadline, I am trying, I am working on it, but I am also enjoying life, being a new mama, and taking advantage of lots of adventures.

The pressure to look like someone else, to be like another mama, to look like a celebrity, or to bounce back and slay post partum is just not my current thing! It just hasn’t worked that way for me. It has taken tears, time, patience, and self love. It has been a journey about finding myself beyond the barbell and it has made me an incredibly happy lady. So, whatever works for you, whatever part of your journey you are on, cheers!! Own it, love it, and be about it. You might not be there yet, but you will be soon!