Ditch the toxic bounce back culture!

Kritie Alicea • 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.

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