In January 2025, I joined the OrangeTheory Fitness Transformation Challenge post-surgery, aiming to regain muscle. Surprisingly, I gained 3 pounds, earning me the title of winner. Six months later, despite being in great shape, I’ve struggled with the mindf**k of the number on the scale.
If I had to sum up my postpartum experience in one word, it would be humbling.
It’s easy, I think, from the outside looking in for someone to simply see an eight-month-pregnant chick hopping on the spin bike or doing kettlebell swings and feel a sense of “well, if they can, I can” but the truth is this: that workout was years in the making.
Just like in my workouts, I adjusted my breathing and my mentality to get through it, reset, and prepare for the next part of the session.
Over the years, I’ve treated my body poorly – like an abusive partner, really. Demeaning. Degrading. Withholding and then asking for more and more and more.
imashleymi.com 