#71 What To Look/Watch Out For When Choosing a Personal Trainer as a Mum

This is a rerelease of one my favourite episodes of the podcast, from November 2023!

(Some of my early episodes are so juicy, with such passionate and important shares I feel it is important to rerelease for new listeners or those who didn't get to listen first time around. — The powerful poem at the end by Liezel Graham is worth a listen again on it's own!)

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Mothers returning to exercise — whether it's weeks, months, or years after childbirth — often lack the right support and education that they truly deserve.

We need to recognise that issues like incontinence and chronic back pain are not things to simply endure.

Your body requires a unique approach, along with increased reverence and respect post-pregnancy and birth.

This applies not only to biological mothers but also to those who have adopted; considering factors like sleep deprivation and the physical demands of parenting.

In this episode, I discuss:

• the importance of selecting a specialist or someone experienced in postnatal fitness and motherhood
• how your preferences matter — your feelings are valid!
• why excessive pressure isn't always beneficial
• the right balance between pushing yourself and knowing when to go gently
• the subtle yet significant aspects that contribute to growth and progress
• hints on training methods that won't exhaust you or make exercise feel like a chore
• recognising the signs of a healthy coaching relationship and understanding the prevalence of gaslighting and judgment
• how the language, manner, and energy of a coach can make a significant difference
• the importance of being challenged in a safe way, both for the body and the nervous system
• taking relaxin into account with postnatal exercises
• and it's okay to say "f**k the 'shoulds' "

Themes: women's health, postnatal fitness, maternal mental health, boundaries

At the end, I share a poem by Liezel Graham.

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