MomBod Fitness Forum

As we enter 2025, many of us are thinking about setting new fitness goals. But here’s the thing: it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of setting perfect goals, or even worse, to slip into feelings of shame when we don’t achieve everything we wanted in 2024. Or, we might bounce to the other extreme and set goals that are so big they feel overwhelming. So, let’s take a step back. The key to setting goals that work is flexibility and specificity. Your goals should be adaptable to the realities of life (because we all know life can throw curveballs) but specific enough that you have a clear path forward. Here’s an example: if your goal is to run a 5k, instead of jumping straight into long runs, break it down into smaller, achievable habits. Start by walking 30 minutes a day for two weeks, then progress to a walk/run mix for 30 minutes, three times a week. Over time, you’ll build endurance without burning out! Or, let’s say your goal is to lose weight. Instead of focusing solely on the number on the scale, think about the habits that will help you get there. For example, you could start by focusing on slowing down your meals—try making each meal last for at least 20 minutes for the next two weeks. Once that becomes a habit, add in another small goal like eating an extra serving of veggies with one meal each day. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Aim for 80% success. If you’re hitting about 80% of the workouts you planned, or sticking to 80% of your goals, you’re doing great! The all-or-nothing mentality often leads to frustration (we’ve all been there: “I ate a cookie before noon, guess the whole day’s a bust!”), but if you focus on small, consistent habits, you’ll see long-term results. So, what are your goals for 2025? Drop one of your big goals in the comments below, and let us know one small, bite-sized habit that will help you get there. Let’s make this year all about progress, not perfection!

The postpartum period can bring a lot of emotional ups and downs, and it’s important to remember that the baby blues are completely normal and temporary. After all, the hormone shift we experience after birth is the biggest any human will ever experience in their lifetime! This often appears in the first few days to weeks after birth and is usually mild, lasting only a few weeks. The emotional shifts you’re experiencing can feel overwhelming at times, so here are a few tips to help you navigate this challenging phase: 1. Prepare for the Most Difficult Times of Day Certain times of the day can feel especially difficult—whether it’s the late afternoon, evening, or a time when you’re feeling particularly exhausted. Preparing for these moments can help ease some of the emotional weight. Set up extra care and support during those times, whether that’s asking a friend or family member to help with baby care or planning a quiet space to retreat for self-care. 2. Find a Trusted Person to Share With Having someone you trust to talk to during tough moments can be a game-changer. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a family member, sharing your feelings helps lighten the emotional load. Sometimes just being heard can make all the difference. 3. Lean on Your Support Network You don’t have to do it all alone. Lean on your support network—whether it’s family, friends, or professionals like a postpartum doula. Let them know what you need and don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s okay to ask for breaks or support with other children or household tasks while you focus on your recovery. 4. Prioritize Self-Care Taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, try to carve out time for activities that help you recharge. Whether it’s taking a walk, soaking in a warm bath, or reading for a few minutes, prioritize these moments to help you feel grounded. 5. Use Simple Mindfulness Strategies Mindfulness can be a great tool for managing the emotional waves that come with the baby blues. One simple technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 method: • Notice 5 things you can see • 4 things you can hear • 3 things you can feel • 2 things you can smell • 1 thing you can taste This exercise helps bring your awareness back to the present moment and can provide relief when emotions feel overwhelming. Remember The baby blues are a temporary and normal part of postpartum recovery, and they usually only last a few weeks. However, if your feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm last longer or become more intense, it may be a sign of postpartum depression or anxiety. It’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider for support so you can get the help you need. You are not alone in this journey, and asking for help is a sign of strength. Take care of yourself and know that these difficult moments will pass. How about you? Have you experienced the baby blues? What strategies helped you through this time? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—let’s support each other in the comments below!

If you've spent any time at all around pregnant women or in pop culture, chances are you've heard of some of the more common pregnancy symptoms - dizziness, morning sickness, stuffy nose, and sore breasts being the most common. But did you know that there are a bunch of other less common, super strange symptoms that can arrive in the first trimester as well? When I was pregnant with my oldest, my sense of smell went all wacko - and not in the "she's sensitive to smells because she has morning sickness" way. Instead, certain scents were weirdly swapped out in my mind - melting plastic smelled like cinnamon rolls, popcorn smelled like eggs, and my cat smelled like oranges. It went away after a month or two, but I've never forgotten it! Add these to your list of "whoa, I never knew pregnancy could do that!" things (don't worry, there are a ton more. Like did you know that you can develop brand new allergies just from giving birth? Lucky us!). Have you experienced any of these symptoms? Are there any that you'd add to the list? Share on the comments below so we can all be better prepared for what those challenging early months might bring!