I’m not exactly your main target audience, I’m a 22 year old man. But I’ve been watching you since I was 15/16 and I just wanted to say that I’m so happy for you and so proud to be an OG fan. You look so great and your daughter is off the wall adorable. Even if I don’t watch a _ton_ of your content I always gotta make time to see what’s up in your life and it always cheers me up. Since high school, every time a female friend has asked about lifting weights, talked about their physique and any insecurities etc. I’ve sent them your page. You’re a blessing!
I really appreciated this. I’m a mother struggling with having my entire routine thrown off by a change in work schedule AND summer break with a 7 year old. I considered my gym time to be my me-time and losing half of my routine was terrible. No one thinks mothers need time to themselves. And there is this guilt from the rest of the world about wanting to make time for YOU when you have children, but a miserable mother can’t raise a happy child. I figured if I had to lie about a dr appt, overtime, etc to get an hour and a half to myself to be able to workout, or sit down at the Starbucks and read a book, then that’s just what the hell i have to do for my own peace of mind.
I’m 10 months postpartum during a pretty intense promotion at work- Meg spoke to my soul in the beginning of the video. Having someone validate that awful guilt for not being the one to take care of her is such a huge catharsis.
I'm not close at all to wanting to have children, but I love how informative, educational, and honest this video was! Reproductive health is SO misunderstood and a lot of misinformation is spread and it's awful how most people don't come to learn about the post partum changes and journey until theyre already there- its something we should be able to talk about openly before we're even ready to have children (if that's what we want). Thank you for such a great video Meg!
it's so comforting hearing the way that you talk about your body/weight, even as someone who hasn't been pregnant yet. i gained a lot of weight during the last two years (a lot of it was healthy and needed) and i'm just now starting to feel ok with the changes i've seen, and learning to avoid wanting to lose weight as a motivator to work out. my motivation is for my health, mental and physical, and for just the fun of testing my body and my limits. it's just always refreshing to hear another woman have a healthy relationship with her body and her fitness.
For folks who have had or are going to have a cesarean, my experience is that I did get my flat tummy back. Will confess that it's hiding under a roll of fat but I can feel that under the fat, that everything is completely flat. My baby was an oblique transverse lay. The muscles in my abdomen split too. Didn't have surgery and it came back together with exercise. Can't guarantee that you will get the same results but thought folks might like to know it's possible. Didn't have a personal trainer and didn't go the gym.
I’m 36 and recently found out I’m pregnant!! Thank you for this video, it definitely was helpful and I completely agree with the “I don’t want to give up my gains/body” however I’ve wanted a baby for so long that honestly I could care less at this point how much my body is going to change. Love your videos!!
This video has solidified my decision to not have kids. I like the idea of being a mother, but the amount of sacrifices involving time, money, energy, body changes etc are things I don't want to give up. Love your videos!
Don't be upset with your decision. I think it's better to be honest with yourself than make a permanent mistake. My wife and I knew if we had kids of course we would love them but deep in the back of our minds their would be some resentments and that's not fair to the child.
Thank you! I think thats fair. Def check out Part 2 that should be posted today. The first response I have when people ask me how I like motherhood is, "I'm 110% happier." But I really wanted kids, felt ready for the trade offs, and was in a place in my life where I was able to take time off work and transition to a new lifestyle. For a good few years there was nothing I wanted more than a baby. It's a complicated decision and one that I likely would not have made without my partner and current lifestyle! The beauty is IT IS UP TO YOU (for the most part).
Having a kid is serious and it's great to see people like Meg really committing and making the sacrifices for the life and family they want. I feel like you do, a kid wouldn't be the right commitment of energy for me, and it's better that none of us decide to have kids despite knowing it's not what our lives need.
I do agree. I admire people who do this all without regret. But when I watch videos like this it just strengthens my resolved because I know I would have regret
@@mikereynolds2313 But you change. Kids change you. They make your heart bigger. They teach you the meaning of love. Its not easy. But it is the most beautiful thing. No one else could have had my kids. Every day, I have to face the ways I didn't live up to my ideals of motherhood. But every morning is a new fresh start. There is so much love, even in the imperfectness, even in my stumblings. I pray that one day my kids will forgive all my stumblings, all my selfishness, all the times I missed the mark. But hearing their peals of laughter as they play, I am so glad they exist, even with an imperfect mother.
I love how thoroughly you have covered this topic. I'm not pregnant nor do I plan to become a parent ever. I still found this interesting and look forward to part 2! Also thank you for being transparent(?) With body image stuff, I'm sure its not easy to put it on the internet🙏 its helpful to a shy person 😅
I started Plus+1 about a year ago while TTC and I’m currently pregnant, 38w5d, and getting ready to birth this little babe whenever they are ready to come and I can’t thank you enough for everything in this program and your TY videos Meg. You have been an amazing resource for me over the last year and will continue once I enter the postpartum phase. I can admit I was very scared of what pregnancy would do to my body but with your guidance and the help of great healthcare professionals I’m so excited for the future. I really loved your take on “sacrifice”. Each phase has brought new fears and anxieties but I really loved hearing your perspective on “this is just what I do” vs “this is what I have to do”. I resonate a lot with that. I know not everyone will since each woman and pregnancy are different. I have been blessed to continue to eat healthy and workout pretty consistently doing your program 2-4x a week depending on every levels and other symptoms, pain, etc. All my Drs, PTs etc have been very impressed with my knowledge and overall shape and well being through this pregnancy and while yes I was the one who did the work I couldn’t have done it without your program and videos teaching me so much. So I just wanted to thank you. I’m intimidated by what the future brings but I know I’m as best prepared as I can be.
I was just sitting in bed, holding my sleeping 8 month old boy,while watching your video. The part where you talked about the way you feel, when you drop your little princess off at the Nanny's, made me nod my head so hard that my baby almost woke up. I really felt that! Whenever I give my son to my mom or dad for like an hour, to be able to workout or just do sth for myself, I cognitively know it's okay to do so. But my feeling tells me that I am being incredibly selfish and I just hurry my way through whatever I am doing at that moment. Husband is deployed, so that is not an option unfortunately. It is exactly as you say, nobody better takes care of my baby than myself. I would have never thought that I would be one of those moms, who feel bad about just wanting to do sth for herself from time to time lol. Great video!
I have a 6 and 9 year old. I'm in better shape now than I was in my 20s and I look better too. Yes your body changes but it doesn't last forever. I think 4 years pp was about as long as it took to get my body back. It might sound like a long time but nothing beats bike rides with your kids and being active with them. This was a great video but I wanted to give a longer view on post partum. It's hard to see past the life changing parts of babyhood to the easier fun part of bring a mom and finding yourself again.
Thanks for the video! I look forward to watching the next one. I’m two years postpartum after my second child (and honestly don’t think of myself as postpartum at all at this point). I didn’t even begin to get back into fitness until almost a year postpartum. Thanks, in general, for all of your content. I’m a runner who just recently started lifting as I realized how important building muscle is at my age (almost 40). Your videos have been incredibly informative and helpful in terms of getting into some aspects of lifting (like using a barbell) that I wouldn’t have even considered before.
Thank you so much for sharing that. My main goal is to get a barbell in the hands of more and more women so it really makes me happy that I've helped you in that journey.
I'm personally unable to have children and frankly okay with it but I have SO much respect for you and anyone who does because it seem like such a scary yet rewarding path in life. I still enjoy watching your videos because you make fitness feel accessible and you seem like you're taking to motherhood like a champ. Hope you're doing well!
Yeah my butt disappeared post partum. The 6 week healing period was also the 6 week muscle going away period lol. Breastfeeding nonstop in the beginning my butt would get sore from being stuck sitting so much too. I remember just feeling my butt in the shower once, and it’s never been so squishy. Once I was cleared for exercise tho, I found my strength came back pretty quickly.
❤ you're so awesome! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and journey as a woman and mother. Women's health is soo important and misunderstood. Your honesty and frankness is motivating and helps us all remember to be kind to ourselves.
Hi megan! i've been following you since you use to live in New York, so its been a while. And I can say I have never seen you look this good, and glowy, and confident, then ever before. I am so glad that you're shining a light to motherhood, it makes me excited to be there one day. God bless you and your family :)
I am 36, married 13 years and we have wanted to become parents foreeever. However, I spent the last 10 years putting off becoming a mom because I felt I had to achieve 100% of my body comp goals before entering that phase of my life (because I couldn't possibly ever achieve them after, right? 🤦🏼♀️) It wasn't until I heard you speak on this and your mindset on IG that a lightbulb went off. While we are still not *actively* trying, we gave ourselves through the end of the year to hit some strength and financial goals, and will begin actively trying Jan 2023. Thank you for being so open about this! And keeping the focus on healthy baby and healthy recovery!!
I think that guilt you described at the beginning of the vid is commonly shared by all working moms. When my son was born I was working crazy long hours and going to school. My hubby really stepped in to support me but I felt super guilty and for a long time thought I was a horrible parent. Try not to beat yourself up. You’re doing great!
ya, the first year the late nights feel like it's just something you have to do, and you're prepared for it. Once you get to the 2-4 year late night random wakeups and not wanting to go to sleep when it's definitely not a need to eat or diaper change, it's a completely different story.
i’m so happy you’re back. honestly i lost interest when you were pregnant as a non mom but i see that was misguided. you’re definitely one of the best youtubers.
Thank you so much Meg for making this video! I was running your Plus 1 program until about 20 weeks when I learned my baby has some umbilical cord issues and my doctor told me to stop all lifting and anything that can create intra-abdominal pressure. It’s just walking for me here on out for the remainder of my pregnancy. I missing training but more importantly I hope everything will be ok for baby.
Omg Megan I feel your struggle. I’m a mom of 2 kids 9&12yrs old and when they are on school summer vacation my time in the gym is limited. I also like to get it out the way in the morning which is impossible most of the time. I have weights, resistance bands and a bench at home I work our in my house for most of the time!! But I give it to you girl!!!!! Women power!!💪💪💪🫶🏽🥰👩👧
Thank you so much for this video. Super insightful. This is exactly what I was looking for. I’m off the fence, looking at getting women’s experience regarding their body / how they went back to shape if ever… again, thanks a lot ❤❤❤
Meg, you are killing it, life looks to be treating you Very well, you are an Awesome beautiful mother, keep up your Inspirational content, you are Impowering others to find their way to your level.
Your child is beautiful! My wife and I had our first, a girl, who's now 15 months and my wife and I are trying to get back into shape. This video was nice to give perspective from others doing the same!
I have to say that your comment about "the best person to take care of your kid is you" really was a light bulb moment for me. I have always felt that deep down but couldn't pin point why I have a hard time doing things for myself. I'm still working on doing that (because I know when I'm mentally refreshed I'm a better mom) but now I can let go of the guilt I have about feeling guilty! 😂💕
The PULL is SO true. I find myself wondering if the guilt of taking time for me/work will ever go away…While I don’t think it will, I think we can work on the perspective we have on it and thinking our time away as time used to build something for our family. It’s the hardest most rewarding job in the world-thanks for sharing your experience with us! It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one who feels this way!
You are amazing and I’m so grateful I found you when I felt not so good not just for being a mom and not feeling so great with the changes that come with being a mom but other health issues. Since I started following and doing your program I feel so good about myself and I gained so much confidence. I love how you turn the focus so much on the weight and so on but other factor that have influenced how you feel about yourself and your body now you are a mom and life comes with different challenges
time goes SO fast holy shit!! i remember when you announced your pregnancy and it's already been A YEAR?? damn!! been subbed for so many years now, thanks for the inspo over all this time. I really have appreciated you over the years, from fitness to mental health, seeing you work hard and seeing your results inspires me to transform myself too.
I liked your first little bit talking about lifestyle. The consistently changing routine of children is super difficult to work around. I workout only at home and usually with my (5) kids around. I aim for consistent frequency over perfection in each workout . We only have adjustable dumbbells for weights so I can't work at strength quite as much as I would like to but it's a season and one day I will have the time to work on those goals. For the time being I'm usually happy to get anything in at all!
This video is such high quality and shows how much integrity you have. Honestly, thank you for sharing! So informative and I can’t think of anyone else in this over saturated industry who is making content this good and honest.
This was a great video Meg! I look forward to part 2. I remember feeling similar about my body after pregnancy. Its kind of just an acceptance - it is what it is and some changes will be permanent and out of your control so you just have to go with it. Having my child just put everything else in life into perspective. 👍
I agree with Meg 1000% the things you think you’ll worry about BEFORE baby just don’t matter once you have your baby. I am / was a huge workout gal and I had to do a few round of IVF and it ended up in pregnancy and now my son is five months, I haven’t felt like myself for actual years now…. Though I want to get back to feeling strong and fit I’m fine with being slow and steady because I have my baby and nothing else matters more than he does and I’m not saying that to be like preaching you just literally don’t care about things like how you look and what not as much when you have your baby. Idk hard to explain but you just don’t care as much about looking perfect.
You are totally right, the best itinerary as a mom is working out first thing in the morning (5 am) and then attacking the rest of the daily tasks. It is the only thing that help me keep my sanity, hahahahahah ; )
Thanks for all of that, just hearing the realities laid out were very reassuring. Bub looks like she is growing well while you get fit again, what you're doing is clearly working.
Great content! I am almost 29 weeks with baby number 2 and staying active and motivated, much more than with my first pregnancy. I am curious how it will be with a 3.5 year old and newborn at home with me in a couple months.
Can’t wait for the next video! I’m 2 weeks postpartum and this is much needed content to watch. I also feel the same way, this is my first baby and I’m currently living in her world. I also wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! 💞
Hey, I really have no clue about how parenting works, and I really don't mean to be rude, but I was just wondering, why are fathers not equally well suited to take care of the baby? Why does everyone seem to think the mother is better suited than the father? Thank you for the great content, always!
Meg, I've always thought you were beautiful. Absolutely, beautiful. However, I gotta say...you are more beautiful NOW, than EVER! :) Having a child, has given you a glow all over your body, that is quite indescribable...and I love it! I'm very happy for you and your partner. Your baby is absolutely gorgeous, and I have been a fan of yours for a long time and will continue to support your channel in the future. Keep up the great work. All my best...peace. :)
Ugh, thanks for sharing. My wife will be 37 in a couple of weeks and she's hyper anxious about this. The bounce back you get earlier was not something we considered, you almost don't get it until you get older
I love you Meg!!! I think this comment that “there is no one better suited to take care of your child than you” might be a Western cultural worldview. Black, indigenous and women of color have long histories of believing in and practicing communal forms of care for children, the elderly and the differently abled. I would highly recommend feminist Angela Garbes’ work to inspire mothers to shift their mindset about care. Her new book is titled “Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change.” As a mother myself, we need to shift our consciousness around 1) what it means to mother and 2) the focus on individuals rather than communities.
I love you so much for doing this video, thank you 🥹 I gave birth two years ago and I’m still battling with postpartum and with my body it seems like. I’ve watched you before, during, and after my pregnancy, and you’ve helped me so much mentally in realizing I’m okay, I will be okay, and loving my body again will take time. Thank you for unknowingly helping me in my journey. I’m using stronger by the day to hopefully get jacked like you one day ;) Congrats again on being a mama to a beautiful baby girl 🥰
thoroughly incredible content! an in depth report with no fluff. Saving this vid and the next one , hoping to be pregnant in the next 5 years... sprinkle some of that magic baby dust over here! I live for Long-form content btw so don't worry about the length of the vid. For this topic I don't want to miss out, any detail could help in the future lol
my baby is 2 years and 4 months, the whole time up to we transferred her to her bed, she was waking up all night, we were sleep deprived, so i couldnt have waking up at five, she needed someone to sleep next to her. Even now, she sleeps in her be, (she refused the crip) someone has to sleep next to her. I guess its by the baby, if there are parents whos baby is not sleeping through the night its hard for them to work out.
Love you Meg !! I’ve been on StrongerByTheDay for almost a year now and I’ve been consistent with the gym life for the past 5 years. I’m 6 months pregnant and I’ve been modifying the StrongerByTheDay workouts, should I continue to do that ? Or should I switch to the Plus1 program ? 🧐🧐
Now that you’ve had a child and understand what matters most, do you believe strict diet & exercise is adequate or even normal to maintain a normal and happy life. Will you go back to being just as hardcore?
Thank you! I've always wanted kids, haha. All the moms I know with 5+ kids always look great and it's because you are always running around with them so it helps get some physical work into your day for sure. I can't wait to use your program for pre and post natal once I start having kids (hopefully within the next 2 years) :).
This is a completely RANDOM question, but what bra are you wearing during the part when you are weighing yourself. It looks so comfy! I recently had some health stuff and I am struggling with finding comfortable bras again
As a 50-something man, I wanted to make 2 points. The first and most important is that I think this is very important content and your presentation is powerful and well done. The second is that men can also suffer from Diastasis rectii. I'd love some exercises to help with that. I enjoy your channel and I think you're going to crush that Army test. Best of luck to you.
here is the unrequested male opinion. Ladies- your bodies are absolutely gorgeous when you are pregnant! What is more feminine!? Postpartum- the after effects on your body- the stretch marks, the saggy breast- are beautiful! These are battle scars and they are beautiful! Will your body resemble the one you had before the baby? Maybe not! Who cares! The challenges of taking care of the baby can seem unbeatable! It becomes easy to not try and squeak some time to take a walk or fix good food. These are real challenges! Yes, it can be overwhelming! Do your best to take care of yourself! Self care means you will be a better momma in the long run! Ladies- you can do it!
I’m not exactly your main target audience, I’m a 22 year old man. But I’ve been watching you since I was 15/16 and I just wanted to say that I’m so happy for you and so proud to be an OG fan. You look so great and your daughter is off the wall adorable. Even if I don’t watch a _ton_ of your content I always gotta make time to see what’s up in your life and it always cheers me up. Since high school, every time a female friend has asked about lifting weights, talked about their physique and any insecurities etc. I’ve sent them your page. You’re a blessing!
This!🤌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
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Aweee💕💕💕 that was very sweet!
Awe that's really nice
That’s so sweet! Thanks for spreading sunshine 🙏🏼🤩
Of all the people on the planet, you talk to yourself more than anyone… make sure you’re saying the right things.
A *YEAR* since you gave birth??? That's insane! Time flies! You're such an inspiration to this only slightly strong friend 🥰 much love! 🖤🖤🖤
It goes by so fast!!
@@Megsquats your daughter chose well when her soul selected you! Stunning, strong momma & daughter, blessings to you both.
I really appreciated this. I’m a mother struggling with having my entire routine thrown off by a change in work schedule AND summer break with a 7 year old. I considered my gym time to be my me-time and losing half of my routine was terrible. No one thinks mothers need time to themselves. And there is this guilt from the rest of the world about wanting to make time for YOU when you have children, but a miserable mother can’t raise a happy child.
I figured if I had to lie about a dr appt, overtime, etc to get an hour and a half to myself to be able to workout, or sit down at the Starbucks and read a book, then that’s just what the hell i have to do for my own peace of mind.
I’m 10 months postpartum during a pretty intense promotion at work- Meg spoke to my soul in the beginning of the video. Having someone validate that awful guilt for not being the one to take care of her is such a huge catharsis.
I'm not close at all to wanting to have children, but I love how informative, educational, and honest this video was! Reproductive health is SO misunderstood and a lot of misinformation is spread and it's awful how most people don't come to learn about the post partum changes and journey until theyre already there- its something we should be able to talk about openly before we're even ready to have children (if that's what we want). Thank you for such a great video Meg!
it's so comforting hearing the way that you talk about your body/weight, even as someone who hasn't been pregnant yet. i gained a lot of weight during the last two years (a lot of it was healthy and needed) and i'm just now starting to feel ok with the changes i've seen, and learning to avoid wanting to lose weight as a motivator to work out. my motivation is for my health, mental and physical, and for just the fun of testing my body and my limits. it's just always refreshing to hear another woman have a healthy relationship with her body and her fitness.
Happy to hear this was comforting to you. The next part has a large section about body image specifically so be sure to watch that one as well.
For folks who have had or are going to have a cesarean, my experience is that I did get my flat tummy back. Will confess that it's hiding under a roll of fat but I can feel that under the fat, that everything is completely flat. My baby was an oblique transverse lay. The muscles in my abdomen split too. Didn't have surgery and it came back together with exercise. Can't guarantee that you will get the same results but thought folks might like to know it's possible. Didn't have a personal trainer and didn't go the gym.
I’m 36 and recently found out I’m pregnant!! Thank you for this video, it definitely was helpful and I completely agree with the “I don’t want to give up my gains/body” however I’ve wanted a baby for so long that honestly I could care less at this point how much my body is going to change. Love your videos!!
This video has solidified my decision to not have kids. I like the idea of being a mother, but the amount of sacrifices involving time, money, energy, body changes etc are things I don't want to give up. Love your videos!
Don't be upset with your decision. I think it's better to be honest with yourself than make a permanent mistake. My wife and I knew if we had kids of course we would love them but deep in the back of our minds their would be some resentments and that's not fair to the child.
Thank you! I think thats fair. Def check out Part 2 that should be posted today. The first response I have when people ask me how I like motherhood is, "I'm 110% happier." But I really wanted kids, felt ready for the trade offs, and was in a place in my life where I was able to take time off work and transition to a new lifestyle. For a good few years there was nothing I wanted more than a baby.
It's a complicated decision and one that I likely would not have made without my partner and current lifestyle! The beauty is IT IS UP TO YOU (for the most part).
Having a kid is serious and it's great to see people like Meg really committing and making the sacrifices for the life and family they want. I feel like you do, a kid wouldn't be the right commitment of energy for me, and it's better that none of us decide to have kids despite knowing it's not what our lives need.
I do agree. I admire people who do this all without regret. But when I watch videos like this it just strengthens my resolved because I know I would have regret
@@mikereynolds2313 But you change. Kids change you. They make your heart bigger. They teach you the meaning of love. Its not easy. But it is the most beautiful thing. No one else could have had my kids. Every day, I have to face the ways I didn't live up to my ideals of motherhood. But every morning is a new fresh start. There is so much love, even in the imperfectness, even in my stumblings. I pray that one day my kids will forgive all my stumblings, all my selfishness, all the times I missed the mark. But hearing their peals of laughter as they play, I am so glad they exist, even with an imperfect mother.
I love how thoroughly you have covered this topic. I'm not pregnant nor do I plan to become a parent ever. I still found this interesting and look forward to part 2! Also thank you for being transparent(?) With body image stuff, I'm sure its not easy to put it on the internet🙏 its helpful to a shy person 😅
I started Plus+1 about a year ago while TTC and I’m currently pregnant, 38w5d, and getting ready to birth this little babe whenever they are ready to come and I can’t thank you enough for everything in this program and your TY videos Meg. You have been an amazing resource for me over the last year and will continue once I enter the postpartum phase.
I can admit I was very scared of what pregnancy would do to my body but with your guidance and the help of great healthcare professionals I’m so excited for the future. I really loved your take on “sacrifice”. Each phase has brought new fears and anxieties but I really loved hearing your perspective on “this is just what I do” vs “this is what I have to do”. I resonate a lot with that. I know not everyone will since each woman and pregnancy are different.
I have been blessed to continue to eat healthy and workout pretty consistently doing your program 2-4x a week depending on every levels and other symptoms, pain, etc. All my Drs, PTs etc have been very impressed with my knowledge and overall shape and well being through this pregnancy and while yes I was the one who did the work I couldn’t have done it without your program and videos teaching me so much. So I just wanted to thank you. I’m intimidated by what the future brings but I know I’m as best prepared as I can be.
I was just sitting in bed, holding my sleeping 8 month old boy,while watching your video. The part where you talked about the way you feel, when you drop your little princess off at the Nanny's, made me nod my head so hard that my baby almost woke up. I really felt that! Whenever I give my son to my mom or dad for like an hour, to be able to workout or just do sth for myself, I cognitively know it's okay to do so. But my feeling tells me that I am being incredibly selfish and I just hurry my way through whatever I am doing at that moment. Husband is deployed, so that is not an option unfortunately. It is exactly as you say, nobody better takes care of my baby than myself. I would have never thought that I would be one of those moms, who feel bad about just wanting to do sth for herself from time to time lol.
Great video!
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I have a 6 and 9 year old. I'm in better shape now than I was in my 20s and I look better too. Yes your body changes but it doesn't last forever. I think 4 years pp was about as long as it took to get my body back. It might sound like a long time but nothing beats bike rides with your kids and being active with them. This was a great video but I wanted to give a longer view on post partum. It's hard to see past the life changing parts of babyhood to the easier fun part of bring a mom and finding yourself again.
Thanks for the video! I look forward to watching the next one. I’m two years postpartum after my second child (and honestly don’t think of myself as postpartum at all at this point). I didn’t even begin to get back into fitness until almost a year postpartum. Thanks, in general, for all of your content. I’m a runner who just recently started lifting as I realized how important building muscle is at my age (almost 40). Your videos have been incredibly informative and helpful in terms of getting into some aspects of lifting (like using a barbell) that I wouldn’t have even considered before.
Thank you so much for sharing that. My main goal is to get a barbell in the hands of more and more women so it really makes me happy that I've helped you in that journey.
I'm personally unable to have children and frankly okay with it but I have SO much respect for you and anyone who does because it seem like such a scary yet rewarding path in life. I still enjoy watching your videos because you make fitness feel accessible and you seem like you're taking to motherhood like a champ. Hope you're doing well!
I really appreciate how intentional you are when discussing weight…it’s very kind. That’s why I fux with buff 🐥 heavy
Yeah my butt disappeared post partum. The 6 week healing period was also the 6 week muscle going away period lol. Breastfeeding nonstop in the beginning my butt would get sore from being stuck sitting so much too. I remember just feeling my butt in the shower once, and it’s never been so squishy. Once I was cleared for exercise tho, I found my strength came back pretty quickly.
I am so thankful for your channel. It has helped me tremendously in this new season of life. Thank you for being so open, honest, and real!!
❤ you're so awesome! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and journey as a woman and mother. Women's health is soo important and misunderstood. Your honesty and frankness is motivating and helps us all remember to be kind to ourselves.
No babies.
I just love your videos.
You are a great motivation and I great mom .
Keep going my strong strong friend 💪 ❤️
Hi megan! i've been following you since you use to live in New York, so its been a while. And I can say I have never seen you look this good, and glowy, and confident, then ever before. I am so glad that you're shining a light to motherhood, it makes me excited to be there one day. God bless you and your family :)
I am 36, married 13 years and we have wanted to become parents foreeever. However, I spent the last 10 years putting off becoming a mom because I felt I had to achieve 100% of my body comp goals before entering that phase of my life (because I couldn't possibly ever achieve them after, right? 🤦🏼♀️) It wasn't until I heard you speak on this and your mindset on IG that a lightbulb went off. While we are still not *actively* trying, we gave ourselves through the end of the year to hit some strength and financial goals, and will begin actively trying Jan 2023. Thank you for being so open about this! And keeping the focus on healthy baby and healthy recovery!!
I think that guilt you described at the beginning of the vid is commonly shared by all working moms. When my son was born I was working crazy long hours and going to school. My hubby really stepped in to support me but I felt super guilty and for a long time thought I was a horrible parent. Try not to beat yourself up. You’re doing great!
ya, the first year the late nights feel like it's just something you have to do, and you're prepared for it. Once you get to the 2-4 year late night random wakeups and not wanting to go to sleep when it's definitely not a need to eat or diaper change, it's a completely different story.
i’m so happy you’re back. honestly i lost interest when you were pregnant as a non mom but i see that was misguided. you’re definitely one of the best youtubers.
Thank you so much Meg for making this video! I was running your Plus 1 program until about 20 weeks when I learned my baby has some umbilical cord issues and my doctor told me to stop all lifting and anything that can create intra-abdominal pressure. It’s just walking for me here on out for the remainder of my pregnancy. I missing training but more importantly I hope everything will be ok for baby.
Omg Megan I feel your struggle. I’m a mom of 2 kids 9&12yrs old and when they are on school summer vacation my time in the gym is limited. I also like to get it out the way in the morning which is impossible most of the time. I have weights, resistance bands and a bench at home I work our in my house for most of the time!! But I give it to you girl!!!!! Women power!!💪💪💪🫶🏽🥰👩👧
3.5 months postpartum and trying to fit in workouts. You describing the "pull" you feel is so on point 👌
Thank you so much for this video. Super insightful. This is exactly what I was looking for. I’m off the fence, looking at getting women’s experience regarding their body / how they went back to shape if ever… again, thanks a lot ❤❤❤
Meg, you are killing it, life looks to be treating you Very well, you are an Awesome beautiful mother, keep up your Inspirational content, you are Impowering others to find their way to your level.
I’m 3 months postpartum with my third. The chaos is real 😂 LOVED this video. I’m gonna check out your course as I’m ready to start training again!
DEF sacrificed my boobs to motherhood 😂 willingly! But like yes that’s relatable
Your child is beautiful! My wife and I had our first, a girl, who's now 15 months and my wife and I are trying to get back into shape. This video was nice to give perspective from others doing the same!
I have to say that your comment about "the best person to take care of your kid is you" really was a light bulb moment for me. I have always felt that deep down but couldn't pin point why I have a hard time doing things for myself. I'm still working on doing that (because I know when I'm mentally refreshed I'm a better mom) but now I can let go of the guilt I have about feeling guilty! 😂💕
The PULL is SO true. I find myself wondering if the guilt of taking time for me/work will ever go away…While I don’t think it will, I think we can work on the perspective we have on it and thinking our time away as time used to build something for our family. It’s the hardest most rewarding job in the world-thanks for sharing your experience with us! It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one who feels this way!
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Thank you for being you, Meg.
I'm not pregnant, physically cannot get pregnant, and do not want to get pregnant, but this is still super interesting to me. You are superhuman!
You are amazing and I’m so grateful I found you when I felt not so good not just for being a mom and not feeling so great with the changes that come with being a mom but other health issues. Since I started following and doing your program I feel so good about myself and I gained so much confidence. I love how you turn the focus so much on the weight and so on but other factor that have influenced how you feel about yourself and your body now you are a mom and life comes with different challenges
I been watching your videos for about 3 yrs now You are my inspiration!!! 💪🏻 such strong women!
time goes SO fast holy shit!! i remember when you announced your pregnancy and it's already been A YEAR?? damn!! been subbed for so many years now, thanks for the inspo over all this time. I really have appreciated you over the years, from fitness to mental health, seeing you work hard and seeing your results inspires me to transform myself too.
So glad I found your channel! My girly is 1 year and I feel you on every level! 5am is the only time that works for me too!
aweee I haven't seen you in so long! baby is beautiful like momma!!
Freaking amazing 🤩 after one year!!! For me it's taken six years lol I'm finally back to my normal weight and looking the best I ever have.
I liked your first little bit talking about lifestyle. The consistently changing routine of children is super difficult to work around.
I workout only at home and usually with my (5) kids around. I aim for consistent frequency over perfection in each workout . We only have adjustable dumbbells for weights so I can't work at strength quite as much as I would like to but it's a season and one day I will have the time to work on those goals. For the time being I'm usually happy to get anything in at all!
This video is such high quality and shows how much integrity you have. Honestly, thank you for sharing! So informative and I can’t think of anyone else in this over saturated industry who is making content this good and honest.
This was a great video Meg! I look forward to part 2. I remember feeling similar about my body after pregnancy. Its kind of just an acceptance - it is what it is and some changes will be permanent and out of your control so you just have to go with it. Having my child just put everything else in life into perspective. 👍
So many women will appreciate this video. Absolutely a needed video full of valuable information, thank you for sharing your experience so openly.
I agree with Meg 1000% the things you think you’ll worry about BEFORE baby just don’t matter once you have your baby. I am / was a huge workout gal and I had to do a few round of IVF and it ended up in pregnancy and now my son is five months, I haven’t felt like myself for actual years now…. Though I want to get back to feeling strong and fit I’m fine with being slow and steady because I have my baby and nothing else matters more than he does and I’m not saying that to be like preaching you just literally don’t care about things like how you look and what not as much when you have your baby. Idk hard to explain but you just don’t care as much about looking perfect.
Wow...yes it's all such a delicate balance...seems like you just have to go with the waves...love and support your way Meg
You look great 👍🏽 my kids are 21 & 19 and I’m still trying to get my pre pregnancy body back 😂
once postpartum always postpartum
You are totally right, the best itinerary as a mom is working out first thing in the morning (5 am) and then attacking the rest of the daily tasks. It is the only thing that help me keep my sanity, hahahahahah ; )
Thanks for all of that, just hearing the realities laid out were very reassuring.
Bub looks like she is growing well while you get fit again, what you're doing is clearly working.
Great content! I am almost 29 weeks with baby number 2 and staying active and motivated, much more than with my first pregnancy. I am curious how it will be with a 3.5 year old and newborn at home with me in a couple months.
I love all of this information. If I ever decide I want kids this is a big comfort knowing you have programs that help tailor to that
Thank you for this video!
Honest information is always the best. People will learn more from this.
Can’t wait for the next video!
I’m 2 weeks postpartum and this is much needed content to watch.
I also feel the same way, this is my first baby and I’m currently living in her world. I also wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! 💞
Based on what my wife has felt postpartum, this was a great honest explanation for mothers-to-be.
You are beautiful inside and out! This information is SO helpful. Keep the videos coming!
Thanks so much for making this and answering my questions!! Great content as always.
This is so so helpful! Thank you Meg! Did your supply dip at all when you incorporated more exercises? I am hoping to nurse for a year.
I have to say your post partum bod is insane🔥
Hey, I really have no clue about how parenting works, and I really don't mean to be rude, but I was just wondering, why are fathers not equally well suited to take care of the baby? Why does everyone seem to think the mother is better suited than the father? Thank you for the great content, always!
Super honest video. Thanks Meg for keeping it real!
You are so amazing and real!
QUEEN MEG!!! 🙌👑 Thank you!
Meg, I've always thought you were beautiful. Absolutely, beautiful. However, I gotta say...you are more beautiful NOW, than EVER! :) Having a child, has given you a glow all over your body, that is quite indescribable...and I love it! I'm very happy for you and your partner. Your baby is absolutely gorgeous, and I have been a fan of yours for a long time and will continue to support your channel in the future. Keep up the great work. All my best...peace. :)
I had a baby at 41, never looked the same again. Destroyed my body! DESTROYED! But God I love that kid!!!
Ugh, thanks for sharing. My wife will be 37 in a couple of weeks and she's hyper anxious about this. The bounce back you get earlier was not something we considered, you almost don't get it until you get older
@@StatzGee Hope you and. your wife are doing well x
I love you Meg!!! I think this comment that “there is no one better suited to take care of your child than you” might be a Western cultural worldview. Black, indigenous and women of color have long histories of believing in and practicing communal forms of care for children, the elderly and the differently abled. I would highly recommend feminist Angela Garbes’ work to inspire mothers to shift their mindset about care. Her new book is titled “Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change.” As a mother myself, we need to shift our consciousness around 1) what it means to mother and 2) the focus on individuals rather than communities.
Thank you for this amazing informational video ❤️
I love you so much for doing this video, thank you 🥹 I gave birth two years ago and I’m still battling with postpartum and with my body it seems like. I’ve watched you before, during, and after my pregnancy, and you’ve helped me so much mentally in realizing I’m okay, I will be okay, and loving my body again will take time. Thank you for unknowingly helping me in my journey. I’m using stronger by the day to hopefully get jacked like you one day ;) Congrats again on being a mama to a beautiful baby girl 🥰
Thank you so much for making this
thoroughly incredible content! an in depth report with no fluff. Saving this vid and the next one , hoping to be pregnant in the next 5 years... sprinkle some of that magic baby dust over here! I live for Long-form content btw so don't worry about the length of the vid. For this topic I don't want to miss out, any detail could help in the future lol
my baby is 2 years and 4 months, the whole time up to we transferred her to her bed, she was waking up all night, we were sleep deprived, so i couldnt have waking up at five, she needed someone to sleep next to her. Even now, she sleeps in her be, (she refused the crip) someone has to sleep next to her. I guess its by the baby, if there are parents whos baby is not sleeping through the night its hard for them to work out.
This video was SO HELPFUL! Thank you 🙏🏼
When do you start lotioning? As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, specific trimester, post partum?
very informative! Feeling better abt one day soon (hopefully!) being a mom.
You are an amazing mommy and your little one is so beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️. You rock you postbaby body.
Once mine hit 2 she started sleeping in later. So working out at 6 became a thing but i had to wait a long time.
Thankful for the discord updates 🤲
Yay! Love our discord community!
Thank you so much for sharing! Is it possible to workout at home only and gain body Recomposition?
Nice, Mate. You doin good :)
Great video.
It’s been 8 years since my last child and I pee when I jump, run, even blow a whistle. What exercises do you recommend? Thank you!
You look AMAZING!!!
Love you Meg !! I’ve been on StrongerByTheDay for almost a year now and I’ve been consistent with the gym life for the past 5 years. I’m 6 months pregnant and I’ve been modifying the StrongerByTheDay workouts, should I continue to do that ? Or should I switch to the Plus1 program ? 🧐🧐
Now that you’ve had a child and understand what matters most, do you believe strict diet & exercise is adequate or even normal to maintain a normal and happy life. Will you go back to being just as hardcore?
I haven’t followed a strict diet since bodybuilding about 8-9 years ago. Ill talk about nutrition in Part 2!
I have to get it in at 5 . It’s doesn’t get easier as they get older either.
Thank you! I've always wanted kids, haha. All the moms I know with 5+ kids always look great and it's because you are always running around with them so it helps get some physical work into your day for sure. I can't wait to use your program for pre and post natal once I start having kids (hopefully within the next 2 years) :).
This is a completely RANDOM question, but what bra are you wearing during the part when you are weighing yourself. It looks so comfy! I recently had some health stuff and I am struggling with finding comfortable bras again
Your daughter is beautiful!!
I'm not pregnant, I don't want to become pregnant, and I'm not postpartum, and yet I'm watching this anyway for some reason. 😂
😂😅😆right lmao 😂
As a 50-something man, I wanted to make 2 points. The first and most important is that I think this is very important content and your presentation is powerful and well done. The second is that men can also suffer from Diastasis rectii. I'd love some exercises to help with that. I enjoy your channel and I think you're going to crush that Army test. Best of luck to you.
Your little daughter is so cute .
Liked 18 secs after it got uploaded 😅
6:15 none of the above 😂
just wanted to watch your video
If you do have diastasis recti, does it have any negative implications other than hwo it may look?
here is the unrequested male opinion. Ladies- your bodies are absolutely gorgeous when you are pregnant! What is more feminine!?
Postpartum- the after effects on your body- the stretch marks, the saggy breast- are beautiful! These are battle scars and they are beautiful! Will your body resemble the one you had before the baby? Maybe not! Who cares! The challenges of taking care of the baby can seem unbeatable! It becomes easy to not try and squeak some time to take a walk or fix good food. These are real challenges! Yes, it can be overwhelming!
Do your best to take care of yourself! Self care means you will be a better momma in the long run!
Ladies- you can do it!
My mom had me at the age of 33. I was her last child. I'm thinking about have my first child at 27. How tall are you?
5'3"
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