If we haven't met yet, I'm Carla Kay, mom of two and a pre/postnatal and diastasis recti fitness coach.
Every year, it's pretty much the same story. Summer arrives, routines change, and by the end of August, we start to feel that little weight on our shoulders: "I should get back to it." But that feeling alone isn't always enough to take action.
If you're wondering where to start, the real answer isn't to plan everything immediately. It's mainly about starting simply, without pressure, and rebuilding a routine that suits you.
Guilt has never motivated anyone
We often think we need to feel bad to get back into action. In reality, it's often the opposite. Guilt creates more resistance than motivation.
Instead of telling yourself "I let myself go," try: "I enjoyed my summer, and now I'm getting back to myself." It might seem like a small change in wording, but it completely changes the energy with which you approach your first session.
Aim small, really small
The biggest mistake in September is trying to catch up on everything at once. Three workouts a week, a new diet, eight hours of sleep, zero sugar... and often, it only lasts about ten days.
Instead, choose just one thing to stabilize this week:
- Start with a 20-minute walk, three times a week
- Restart an activity you enjoyed before summer
- Prioritize consistency over intensity
An easily achievable goal is often what helps rebuild confidence. The rest will follow.
"Not wanting to" is not a stop signal
There will be mornings when you clearly won't feel like it. That's normal, and it means absolutely nothing about your long-term motivation.
The difference between people who get back to it and those who always put it off until Monday isn't necessarily desire. It's rather the decision to move for 10 minutes, even when you don't feel like it, and nine times out of ten, those 10 minutes end up becoming 30.
Redefine what "succeeding" means
If your only indicator of success is the mirror or the number on the scale, you risk getting discouraged quickly. After a break, the body needs a little time before visible results appear.
For the first two or three weeks, give yourself other ways to measure your progress:
- The number of completed sessions, regardless of intensity
- Your energy level at the end of the day
- Your ability to sleep better or manage stress better
These small signals will help you stay in motion long-term, much more than a number on the scale.
Because a good routine doesn't stop at training, some supplements can help you better support your workouts and daily recovery:
Ultimately, it's not the most intense workout that yields the best results... it's the one you can do again tomorrow, the day after, and regularly!
Prenatal & Postpartum Coach (@carlakay.fitness)
