Ditch the toxic bounce back culture!

January 13, 2025

Let’s get real for a second—how long will it really take your postpartum body to fully recover? If you’ve recently had a baby, or you’re about to, you’ve probably found yourself wondering this exact question. And, honestly? The pressure to “bounce back” is everywhere—from social media to well-meaning friends and family. But let's put that myth to rest right now: your postpartum journey is NOT about bouncing back. It’s about healing, reconnecting with your body, and embracing the incredible transformation you've just gone through.



You’ve just grown and birthed a human. That is nothing short of miraculous. And trust us, your body is NOT in a race to go back to “normal”—because normal is already behind you. You are a new version of yourself, and that’s something to celebrate!

So, Let’s Talk About What to Expect Postpartum

(Because It's a Journey, Not a Sprint)

As a personal trainer specializing in prenatal and postnatal fitness, I work with tons of amazing moms who want to feel like themselves again—like, yesterday. But here’s the thing: getting back to your best self isn’t about rushing. It’s about taking things one step at a time, nurturing your body, and respecting its pace.



For my postpartum clients, I know you want to feel good again—ASAP. But after going through such a major life event (hello, childbirth!), it’s totally normal to feel like you’ve lost that connection to your body. Here’s how I like to frame the postpartum experience: let's think of it in trimesters, but this time, we’re going to focus on the 4th, 5th, and 6th trimesters—yep, that’s right, postpartum is a new chapter in your journey that takes its own time.

Trimester 4: The First Few Months - Healing and Reconnecting

You’ve just had your baby. Whether it was a vaginal delivery or a c-section, this is your time to heal. Your body has just gone through one of the most intense experiences imaginable, and the last thing you should be doing is stressing about losing that baby weight or jumping right back into your pre-baby workout routine. Postpartum is about rest, recovery, and reconnecting with your body.

For the first few months, it’s all about:

  • Breathing deeply and consciously (yes, breathe with intention, mama!).
  • Posture—learn how to hold yourself in a way that supports your body while you heal.
  • And, don’t worry if your core feels like it’s completely “gone.” It’s normal, and you’ll rebuild that connection with time.

Pro Tip: Taking the baby out for a walk can be a wonderful opportunity to practice, while enjoying gentle, healing movement. As soon as your doctor gives you the green light to start exercising, go slow—don’t rush. It’s not about toning; it’s about reconnecting with your body.

Trimester 5: 3-6 Months Postpartum - Time to Start Strengthening

Okay, mama, if you’re in the 3-6 month range, this is when things might start to feel like they’re coming back together. But remember, no two journeys are the same, and you still need to focus on getting your pelvic floor and core muscles back into working order.



If you’re struggling to reconnect with your core muscles, consider working with a postpartum fitness specialist (we’re here for you!). A pelvic floor physiotherapist can also be a great resource if you’re feeling like your body still isn’t quite functioning the way it used to. Don’t rush into high-impact activities (like running or jumping) just yet—your pelvic floor might not be ready for that.


At this stage, it’s about listening to your body and gently reintroducing movement. Some discomfort is normal, but pain or incontinence shouldn’t be part of the deal—so work on strengthening those pelvic floor muscles!

Trimester 6: 6-12 Months Postpartum - Reconnecting with Your New Self

Here’s the thing: by now, you’ve likely worked hard to regain strength, improve posture, and reconnect with your pelvic floor and core. You’re starting to feel more like your new self—not the pre-baby version (that’s not what we’re aiming for), but a stronger, more resilient, empowered version of YOU.


If you’ve been working on deep breathing, strengthening your pelvic floor, and slowly rebuilding your core strength, this is when you’ll really start to feel like you’ve reached a solid recovery. But let’s be real here: "fully recovered" doesn’t mean going back to your old self.


Your body did something amazing—it created and birthed a human. That’s no small feat, and it's going to take time for your body to heal and adjust. But don’t worry—with the right support and consistency, your body will regain strength, confidence, and balance. This journey can take a year to 18 months to feel fully recovered, and that’s okay.

Let’s Say Goodbye to the "Bounce Back" Myth

Let’s ditch the idea that you should be rushing to bounce back after birth. Your body is incredible, and the process of recovering and reconnecting will take time. Every mom’s journey is different, and that’s okay.


Focus on the fundamentals:

  • Healing your body and honoring its needs.
  • Rebuilding your core and pelvic floor strength.
  • Nourishing yourself with healthy food, rest, and love.


Be kind to yourself. It took nine months to grow a human—give yourself at least that long (if not longer) to fully recover.


At ABC Fit, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Virtual Gym is designed to help you reconnect with your body safely and effectively, and our personalized programs focus on alignment, breath, and core—because those three pillars are key to rebuilding strength and confidence post-baby.

Embrace Your Postpartum Journey

So, let’s get one thing straight: your postpartum journey is YOURS. There’s no pressure to bounce back. There’s no timeline that matters except for yours. Focus on reconnecting with your body, nurturing your health, and embracing this new chapter as the powerful mama you are. And remember, we’re here for you—whether you’re in your 4th, 5th, or 6th trimester, ABC Fit is ready to guide you through every step.


Ready to ditch the bounce-back myth and focus on your own journey? Schedule a 1:1 virtual training session, and let’s talk about how we can support you in your postpartum fitness journey.

Connect With Us On Social!


Share This Post!

Woman squatting with baby on shoulders in a park, both smiling, wearing pink activewear.
By Kritie Alicea November 30, 2025
You're standing in your bedroom, staring at your workout clothes that have been gathering dust for months. Your baby is finally napping, and for the first time in what feels like forever, you have a moment to yourself. You think, "Maybe today's the day I start working out again."  But then the questions flood in. Is it too soon? Will it hurt? What if I make something worse? What if my body just... can't do this anymore? Should I just jump back into workouts I did pre-pregnancy? Mama, if you've had these thoughts, you're not alone. The journey back to fitness for moms after having a baby is filled with uncertainty, fear, and a whole lot of conflicting advice. One person tells you to wait six weeks. Another says you should be "bouncing back" immediately. Your body is telling you something completely different. We've worked with over 300 pregnant and postpartum mamas, and here's what we know for sure: there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a path forward that honors your body, respects your recovery, and helps you feel strong again. Let's talk about what that first workout after baby really looks like, and how to start your postnatal fitness journey safely and confidently.
Woman in red tank top doing a plank on a pink mat with another person in the background.
By Kritie Alicea November 23, 2025
If you’ve been eyeing your running shoes and wondering when you’ll feel ready to hit the pavement again, you’re not alone. Getting back to running postpartum isn’t just about time, it’s about rebuilding strength, stability, and connection from the inside out. During pregnancy, your core, pelvic floor, and hips go through massive changes. Before you return to impact (like running), it’s key to rebuild your foundation. Think: reconnecting to your breath , realigning your posture , and reactivating the muscles that support every stride.  At ABC Fit Collective , we focus on three pillars: Alignment, Breath, and Core. These are the foundation for every move you make, especially when it comes to getting back into high-impact exercise safely and confidently.
By Kritie Alicea November 17, 2025
Can we be real for a second? Black Friday is usually about running around looking for the perfect gifts for everyone else on your list. The kids. Your partner. That friend who's impossible to shop for. But here's a question we want you to ask yourself this year: What about YOU, mama?  When was the last time you actually put yourself on your own shopping list? When did you last invest in something that supports your wellness, your fitness for moms journey, or just makes you feel good? If you're drawing a blank or feeling that familiar twinge of guilt, we get it. We've seen it in the faces of the over 300 pregnant and postpartum mamas we've worked with. This Black Friday, we're flipping the script. We're here to remind you that investing in yourself isn't selfish. It's necessary. And with all the incredible deals happening right now, there's never been a better time to prioritize your health, happiness, and self-care. Because when you take care of yourself, you show up better for everyone else too.
By Kritie Alicea October 26, 2025
Hey mama. Let us guess: you’ve got your kid’s Halloween costume picked out, the snacks packed, the calendar color-coded… and your own well-being? Somewhere buried under a pile of laundry and crushed Goldfish. We see you. And we know you’re juggling a lot. Maybe you’re feeling touched out, burned out, and wondering how everyone else seems to have their life together and a solid workout routine. (Spoiler: they don’t.) But here’s the truth—you don’t need to do it all. You just need to start treating your own needs like they matter.  Because they do. That’s why we’re here to remind you that fitness isn’t another thing to check off your to-do list. It’s your ticket back to you . It’s your reset button. It’s self-care that lasts way longer than a bubble bath. (Though we’re pro those, too.)
By Kritie Alicea October 19, 2025
Let’s just get it out there: leaking pee during jumping jacks, sneezes, or surprise laughs is incredibly common after having a baby. And if it’s happened to you, you’re definitely not alone. But here's the deal, mama: common doesn’t mean normal.  We hear from mamas all the time who feel embarrassed, confused, or even resigned to living with it forever. They’re told it’s "just part of motherhood," or to "do more Kegels" and hope for the best. Spoiler: there's more to the story. Let’s break it down together — with zero shame, total honesty, and a whole lot of support.
By Kritie Alicea October 12, 2025
If the word "core" immediately makes you think of crunches, planks, and chasing a six-pack… we get it. That’s what most fitness culture has taught us. But mama, we’re here to blow the lid off that outdated definition.  Your core is not just your abs and it's definitely not something to "snap back" or flatten after baby. Your core is a deep, powerful system of muscles that stabilize your entire body, support your spine and pelvis, and connect your upper and lower halves. And for moms? It’s mission critical. Let’s dive into what your core really is, why it matters so much in motherhood, and how to rebuild it smarter (not harder).
By Kritie Alicea October 5, 2025
Let’s take a deep breath together, mama. No really. Inhale… and exhale.  Feel that? That breath you just took isn’t just relaxing - it’s powerful. And in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, breath isn’t just a tool. It’s a superpower. Breath is the "B" in our ABC Method for a reason. It connects your mind to your body, helps regulate your nervous system, supports your core and pelvic floor, and prepares you for one of the most intense physical events of your life: birth. Let’s talk about why breath matters so much, and how to start using it as your secret weapon.
By Kritie Alicea September 28, 2025
Let’s talk about something unsexy but totally game-changing when it comes to feeling good in your body again: alignment. You know that achy lower back that kicks in halfway through the day? Or the neck and shoulder tension that magically appears after wrangling your toddler into a car seat? That’s not just motherhood, mama. That’s misalignment. Postpartum bodies are incredible, but they’re also navigating big changes - from shifting organs and weakened cores to the daily circus act of holding a baby on one hip, pushing a stroller with one hand, and trying to drink cold coffee with the other. It’s no wonder your body feels like it’s yelling at you.  The good news? You can absolutely do something about it. And it starts with understanding alignment.
Woman doing bicycle crunches on a mat outdoors. Wearing a sports bra, shorts and sneakers.
September 21, 2025
Let’s just say it: if postpartum recovery had a blooper reel, crunches would be the star.
By Kritie Alicea September 16, 2025
You just saw those two pink lines, or maybe you’re a few months into pregnancy and staring at your sneakers wondering: Should I even be working out right now? Is it safe? Will it hurt the baby? Shouldn’t I be resting instead?
Show More