A fitness-loving mother has resolved not to let her pregnancy slow down her workouts.
Kelley Burnham, 34, of Encinitas, California, has two boys under the age of two, and is due to give birth to her third baby in April.
She has been documenting her pregnancy fitness routine on her Instagram page, detailing her daily workouts and even competing in a 10-kilometer race at 30 weeks pregnant.
Fit fam: Mother of two Kelley Burnham, 34, of Encinitas, California, is due to give birth to her third baby in April and has been documenting her pregnancy workouts on her Instagram page
Active: She has only gained 25 pounds so far during her pregnancy and even competed in a 10-kilometer race at 30 weeks pregnant
Pushing it: Kelley said that although it’s easy for pregnant women to tell themselves they can get back in shape after a baby, she knows her body will thank her for keeping fit
‘It’s so easy to tell yourself, “I’m pregnant, I’m not gonna do it. I can get back in shape after the baby,”‘ she wrote.
But the mother explained she got motivated to remain active throughout her pregnancy due to the mental and physical benefits of exercise, adding: ‘It’s not always easy watching your body change especially with the emotional feelings attached to it. But let me tell ya! Exercise can increase your sense of control and boost your energy level. Not only does it make me feel better by releasing endorphins, but I know my body will thank me now and once the baby is here!’
A fan of at-home workouts, Kelley has also shared how she fits in her sweat sessions in addition to looking after her children.
She posted a video of herself completing a 25-minute workout, writing: ‘You can make the time to be healthy if you really want it. Simple changes in your diet, efficient workouts you can stream from anywhere and in the comfort of your home. That’s WHY and how I can be so consistent!
‘Trust me, I’m not motivated to head to a gym or a class on a Sunday night!! My kids watch me. They see me make myself a priority. And to me that’s important!!’
Kelley, who is currently 32 weeks pregnant, has only gained 25 pounds so far.
However, she also pointed out that during pregnancy, working out isn’t about getting ‘abs’ or ‘a higher booty’.
‘If you’re pregnant, you can continue to live a healthy and active lifestyle,’ she explained.
Leading by example: The mother also revealed that she wants her children to see her taking care of her body and frequently completes workouts at home
Before and after: Kelley quickly bounced back into shape after the birth of her second child (left) and is looking forward to doing the same after she gives birth (right pictured in February)
Struggle: The mother also shared that she struggled to feel like herself after giving birth and felt like ‘a hormonal mess’
Positive: However, she is insistent that in order to feel better about herself and feel confident in her own skin again, she had to take some time out of being a mom to exercise
That being said, Kelley did struggle to come to grips with her postpartum body following the birth of her second child.
‘I was lost—I was elated at the birth of my son but also a hormonal mess, dealing with lack of sleep, and the fear that I would never feel like “myself” again,’ she said.
‘I felt overwhelmed, exhausted and felt alone. I couldn’t imagine going back to my old workout routine—how would I ever be able to get workouts in, lose the baby weight that made all of my clothes feel awkward and uncomfortable, and more importantly, feel like ME again?’
However, after starting a fitness program that challenged her both mentally and physically, Kelley started feeling confident in her own skin and made sure she took some time out of being a mom to fit in a workout.
She added: ‘Moms, you CAN find time for yourself. You CAN be proud of your body. You CAN achieve your goals!’