Octomom Nadya Suleman displays her gym-honed body amid struggle with ‘near immobility’

Octomom Nadya Suleman shared an inspirational message about the power of working out as she displayed her gym body.

In an Instagram post shared Wednesday, Nadya showcased her svelte abs as she posed in the gym wearing a sports bra, leggings, and headphones.

Nadya, 47, credited weightlifting with helping her relieving stress and chronic pain, and described how it has even helped her bond with several of her children. 

However, she also revealed that the exercise was necessary to combat her ‘near immobility,’ which was brought on by injuries created by her supersized pregnancy. 

The star, whose octuplets celebrated their 14th birthday earlier this year, urged other busy parents to avoid the comparison trap and ‘strive to be the best version’ of themselves. 

‘I’ve been asked for years how I stay physically strong and healthy (and mentally sane), in spite of my stressful, busy lifestyle with such a big family,’ she began in her lengthy post. 

‘Lifting weights has been my method of constructively channeling stress, consistently, for over 30 years. Weight training has become even more of a priority subsequent to birthing octuplets, to maintain my strength and mobility alone.

‘As a repercussion of the pregnancy, I sustained three more herniated discs (had one herniated disc from a work related injury decades ago); bilateral sciatica; damaged sacrum and peripheral neuropathy (and a torn abdominal cavity to top it off ).

‘Such disabilities would render me incapacitated if I were to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Though it seems counterintuitive, the more active I am, the less pain I experience.

‘Several days without weight training exacerbates my already excruciating back pain and near immobility. I strive to strength train 3-4 days per week, plus one hour of cardio 4-5 days per week (switched from the stair master to stationary bike years ago).’

Nadya also described how her children have begun their own weightlifting routines, and how her eldest son Eli has even helped her improve her form. 

‘Fortunately, my kids have adopted the same active lifestyle. My oldest three weight train, far heavier than I, and more frequently. Ironically, my oldest son Eli, who has been training consistently for three years, has surpassed what I’ve achieved in 30, and loves mocking me at the gym lol.

‘He has encouraged me however, to lift heavier, using proper technique, which has improved my strength and performance.’

Nadya then urged ‘fellow busy parents’ to avoid comparing themselves to others and to take time for themselves without any guilt. 

Working it! Nadya displayed the results of all her hard work at the gym 

Proud of herself: Nadya described how weight lifting helps her alleviate stress and 

Hitting the gym! Nadya shared video of her hitting a weight machine 

‘To my fellow busy parents out there…never compare yourself to anyone else! Your current fitness level and fitness journey is unique to you, so only strive to be the best version of yourself.

‘Focus on setting personal goals and aim to achieve them, progressing at your own pace. Lead by example so your children learn to prioritize physical activity, and encourage them to workout with you!

‘Do not feel guilty for taking time to renew and recharge. Your family will benefit immensely when you take care of your mind and body, as you will have more positive energy to give.

‘I would not have the mental or physical wherewithal to do what I do if it were not for working out! #ParentsLetsLeadByExample.’

Nadya first came to fame in 2009 when she welcomed octuplets after already having six children at home.

In 2001 Suleman gave birth to her first child, a son. In 2002 she gave birth to her first daughter.

Suleman continued IVF treatments which resulted in three further pregnancies (including one set of fraternal twins) for a total of six children (four sons, two daughters).

After that she had her octuplets.

She brings up all 14 kids in a three-bedroom home in Orange Country, California.

Pushing herself: Nadya pressed her legs against the weight machine 

This image was taken just days before she gave birth to eight children in January 2009

Having as many as 14 kids was not intentional, she has said in the past.

The reality TV star said she never intended to have that many and was ‘misled’ by her doctor.

The single mom told The New York Times in December 2018 that her doctor made her think she was only going to have twins. She ended up having eight children.

The star welcomed octuplets in 2009. She said Dr. Michael Kamrava, who has since lost his medical license and moved out of the United States, is the reason she has so many children, she says.

‘I was misled by my doctor,’ Suleman asserted. She thought she would have only two children.

But Kamrava implanted 12 embryos. ‘He told me we lost six embryos, he said they were expelled out of me, and that’s why he wanted to implant another six,’ Suleman claimed.

It was also claimed that she was already drugged and not completely with it when it all went down.

Kamrava’s friend Rabbi David Shofet told the Times: ‘He told me he suggested to her not to keep all of them, but she said no.’

Nadya brings up all 14 kids in a three-bedroom home in Orange Country, California

Suleman shared this post with her children in honor of Mother’s Day 

Suleman began IVF treatments in 1997, when she was 21 years old.

Also in the Times interview Nadya said she did not want to keep any secrets from her 14 children: ‘We talk about everything,’ she said.

And the star’s daughter Amerah has nothing but good to say about her mom: ‘She’s been fighting for our family for 10 years now. No matter what, she’s never going to give up and I know that.’

Her son Joshua told The Times that having so many siblings has its pluses. He said they like having so many siblings. ‘Some of my friends don’t have any siblings, so they want to know what it’s like. It’s nice to have someone to play with, but it can be overwhelming at times.’