body image for moms graduate projects ppi graduates pregnant Feb 23, 2024
They say, “Get Your Body Back”… but where did it go?
I tried to “fix” things about myself for a very long time. Like so many people, I was shaped by society to believe that we are to look only a certain way and that way WAS beauty, which was paramount. As a fitness instructor, I assumed if I didn’t look a certain way or could not do very difficult core exercises (I’m looking at you, boomerang), I was a failure. Like, on all the levels.
After my first two sons, I internally upheld the ideas that there was no room for “excuses” after my having had a baby as I had better “get my body back”. There was no space for stretch marks (and their significance), saggy stomach skin (which once housed humans) and extra fat to help sustain breastfeeding. I was disdainful of my post partum self and in a hurry to return to the physical body with which I was more familiar. I gave myself no room for grace.
Thankfully, over the years and with ALOT of work, I have had a gratitude mind shift regarding the wonder of pregnancy, childbirth and the amazing and necessary changes that occur in a mother’s body. Now I can say I appreciate my body as a part of my whole self, even though I look different than I once did.
I also now have the ability to appreciate the ability that movement we enjoy has to uplift us in a sustainable, as opposed to a guilt ridden, manner. And it’s an ongoing process because it’s hard to ignore ALL the messaging ALL the time that we NEED fixing.
If you have been struggling with body patience during or after pregnancy, I hear you!
I’d like to offer an uplifting standing Pilates sequence using guiding principles of whole body health (mind, body, spirit), whole body commitment and breath to support your whole self. These exercises may help support your mental and physical health as you move through your parental activities of daily living such as lifting your child, nursing (bottle or breast), washing the dishes and preparing meals. You could try moving with this sequence for 2, then 5, then 10 minutes upwards with as many repetitions as you need.
Committing to moving sustainably for your circumstances does invite ease.
Feel free to use a stable surface for support for any exercise and repeat each as many times as you would like.
Both are important for a resilient core and can be done anytime of day when you need support.
Prancing: Start lifting alternate heels off the ground going at your pace.
Heel Lifts: Lift both heels off of the ground at the same time keeping ankles stable.
Knee Bends: Heels down, spine tall (lift from feet through to top of head towards the sky),
When we are too busy trying to change or fix ourselves, we can miss our gifts and true beauty. Trying to be grateful for and accepting of changes in our bodies, (which can be very hard!) can help us to appreciate all the different types of beauty which surrounds us all day from your child’s laugh to your strong, comforting arms, to wind blowing in the trees.
Have you had a similar experience? I invite you to consider what you appreciate about yourself physically as well as emotionally. Let’s connect on this journey!
Instagram: @thekindlyaligned
Email: [email protected]
Teacher Biography
Hi! I’m Kimberley Webb-Gilbert. I am a movement teacher who has been specializing in a whole person approach to fitness since 2013 when I completed my first yoga teacher training. In the years since, I have completed training and certification in Pilates mat, group fitness, barre, and strength training, with specialization in the pre and post natal period.
Using the tools of breath work, alignment, and connection, we can build sustainability into your movement practice either in private sessions or group classes. We can work to prepare you mentally, emotionally, and physically for the demands of life whether they are pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, parenthood or beyond. Let’s help you become an expert in what you need to gain strength and resilience!
What are your values around exercise and movement? Let’s figure it out so you can do more of what brings you joy! Full disclaimer though… I am anti diet culture so no talk of shredding abs, getting your pre baby body back, or fixing you happens around here. Let’s go on this journey together and train for the event of a lifetime and a lifetime of events!