Divas blogs

I think the most important thing to acknowledge here is that you just had a WHOLE BABY! I am not here to discuss methods of delivery, pregnancy issues or anything like that as I believe that in doing that I would have to make this blog longer than an ancient scroll. So, therefore, let us simply congratulate ourselves on literally creating and sustaining life, you are amazing. Motherhood changes us in many different ways and it’s vital that we reflect and consider that as we step into anything after the experience, rather than feeling a step behind or held back I found great strength and inspiration in using the time and opportunity to have a look at my life and decide what I wanted to pursue and what I would leave behind me. You’ve done so much growing in your journey to motherhood, why not let that spread elsewhere too? 

So, because we could chat about this forever I decided to aim to be succinct and list five things I’ve learnt or followed on my own journey back to pole after becoming a mum. 

1. Let’s normalise restarting, slowing down, or taking your time

 Everyone’s recovery is different. I will shout that at you once because it is of course the overarching theme of all things postpartum. Moving on, before you start back at Pole take a moment to talk yourself OFF that “I am no good anymore” ledge, ok? I am the type of person to lead with those thoughts but when I really talked myself through everything that I had been through it seemed so completely fine to take it slow and start at a place that for me felt doable first. So identify what that is for you. Take yourself back a couple of grades, do a grading if you’re unsure, start just with some flex and gentle pole dance classes, be sure to add in some cross-training, and just simply focus on movement and getting yourself going again! Don’t worry about starting slow, getting started is the point. Be sure to clear yourself with a medical professional to start pole again and I believe that it can often be helpful to connect to the areas of your body that might need more support returning to pole work such as the pelvic floor, core, and back. 

2. Identify a short-term goal

Furthering on from the first point, because I was taking a solid step back with my pole and fitness I found myself massively motivated by setting short-term goals. When you have a little one depending on you and you’re attempting a relatively fresh start with your movement it can be really helpful to have goalposts. I recommend starting super small, for example, my first goal was to simply move my body for me three times that week (jog, home Pilates, and a little pole base dance), and to achieve that was to give myself a big tick and boost my confidence into my next little goal, and so it continues. Here are some suggestions for you: inverts, dance for an entire song with a combo, complete a grading from a lower level, and get to your class three weeks in a row. 

3. Reward your efforts! 

As new mums our attention and time are so given to others that we can sometimes feel a sense of guilt when making time for “our things”. YOU CANNOT POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP! In general, I want you to write that on your bathroom mirror. So therefore, reward yourself for taking the time to work on your pole and caring for yourself, I promise it is the best for you and your baby. For me, these rewards came simply in acknowledging that I did the thing that made me feel like myself again which encouraged me to do more of that. It’s simple I know, but positivity promotes positivity. 

4. Be organised

This is a huge one. As much as you possibly can, aim to schedule in your training. Things will change so a plan A and a plan B is also good idea. We also want to work with quality over quantity seeing as we most likely have less time now. So, may I suggest that before you begin each session you know what your time limit is and you know what you are doing IN that session. Perhaps it’s hitting up 1-2 classes at the studio, is it an online class or Divas On Demand session (these can be great because you can do a couple of short videos, so if baby wakes up, etc you can pick up where you left off) or is it a split stretch or pole conditioning? Outline it so you can maximise your time. Choose your times too if training at home, I like to do my workout in baby’s first nap although she always wakes when I am about halfway through, I know this and set her up a little play area BEFORE I start so that when she wakes up I throw her in there whilst I finish. 

5. Just go for it. 

Returning to pole and movement after baby can be so daunting and then for this reason is really easy to put off for longer than you’d like. Don’t make it scarier and bigger than it needs to be. Start slow, have a plan, celebrate each moment, lean into your companions, and encourage yourself! I’m right here with you! 

Look at all you have already achieved! 
Diva, You’re amazing.
Gracie xx