I have been a mum now for almost four years and after bringing two beautiful boys into the world it is safe to say my body is totally different to what it once was. I have struggled with body confidence on and off throughout my whole life, I have never felt completely comfortable in my skin and have spent a lot of time unhappy with how I look. I have noticed a shift in how I feel about my body since having children though. I may have stretch marks on my thighs and bum now, my boobs may be pretty much ruined thanks to breastfeeding and it is a struggle to locate a single muscle in my stomach amongst the skin that was stretched to it’s limit – twice – during pregnancy BUT I like my body more now than I ever have. My body is amazing, it grew two tiny humans and brought them into this world through the miracle that is birth. I definitely have a new found respect for my body but that doesn’t stop me wanting to get fit and into a bit better shape too. I am not one for faddy diets or the gym, I can never stick at it and always end up feeling deflated when I inevitably fail. Over the last few months I have been trying out a new fitness programme, specifically designed for busy mums and I am so excited to tell you all about Lean Mums and how, at the age of 26, I finally feel happy and comfortable in my skin.
Getting fit with Lean Mums
What is Lean Mums?
Lean Mums is a membership website set up by Newcastle based personal trainer Robbie Thompson. For a small monthly fee Lean Mums members are given access to a large variety of healthy recipes and lots of workout videos, all targeted to help mums get fitter and can be done from home with little to no equipment. There is also a chat forum where members can get to know each other, chat with Robbie and keep themselves on track and a blog full of tips and motivation.
This is not a restrictive, calorie counting diet. Lean Mums is all about doing what you can, when you can. By combining the healthy recipes with Robbie’s workouts, loosing your baby weight and getting into shape after pregnancy really couldn’t be easier.
Lean Mums and me.
For the last few months I have been attempting to follow the Lean Mums programme and I am pleased to report it has been going really well. I can’t actually believe the results I have noticed in such a short space of time. Not only can I feel my physical fitness improving, I can actually see muscles starting to show on my belly and, thanks to the 5 minute glute blast workout, I have a got myself a booty to be proud of!
I have been trying my best to do atleast 10 minutes exercise every single day. My favourites are the glute blast, the 15 minute fitness booster, the level 2 core and abs and the 5 minute HIT workout. All these workouts and designed for mums and even if you are unfit there are lots of gentle workouts that can help ease you into the world of exercise. I have been able to progress from level 1 workouts to level 2 in just a small amount of time, I love that workouts I found challenging to start with now feel easy, it just shows that being committed and doing a bit of exercise every day really works.
As well as the workouts, the Lean Mums website also has lots of yummy healthy recipes available to help you get your body looking amazing. There are lots of different options for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as ideas for healthy snacks too. I have been trying to have 1 or 2 meals based on a Lean Mums recipe per day, I usually have these meals at breakfast and lunch and then eat a family dinner in the evening with my boys. I am really enjoying swapping sandwiches at lunch with an omelette or pancakes and having a smoothie for breakfast has been a great way for me to get some extra fruit and veg in and it is easy to drink while sorting the boys out.
I am not going to lie to you, I haven’t stuck to the plan religiously, there have been days I have eaten way too many biscuits and evenings where I have eaten a whole pizza to myself. I don’t feel guilty about the times I accidently over indulge though because, for the most part, I am eating the healthiest I have in my life and these foods have now become a treat instead of a daily occurrence. If I told myself I could never have any chocolate or a glass of Prossecco ever again then I would fail before I even started as I can’t follow something that restricting. I am really enjoying eating a more varied diet and by cutting back on the junk I feel like I have more energy which is very much needed when running around after my two small people all day.
Should you join?
If you are a Mum (or just a woman looking to get fit) and you can’t make it to the gym but want all the benefits of having your very own personal trainer then for £4.99 a month you can have just that. The workouts are easy to follow, the recipes are easy to make and taste great and with a bit of dedication you can start seeing results really quickly. For the first time in my life I can honestly say that I enjoy doing exercise and Lean Mums has helped me replace unhealthy eating habits with a new appreciation for healthy living. Robbie is really friendly and is amazing at keeping you motivated through your workouts. Alex is now almost 8 months old, Leo is almost 4, and I am finally in a place where I can say I love my post baby body.
Join now – If you want to become a member of Lean Mums you can sign up via the website here.
Are you trying to lose weight after having a baby? How are you finding getting back into exercise? Do you love your body more now you are a mum? I would love to hear what you think of Lean Mums and your thoughts on learning to love your post partum body.
Disclaimer: I have been given a free membership to Lean Mums for a limited period in exchange for this honest review. All words and opinions are my own.
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If you enjoyed this post you may also like to read –
How to get body confident after pregnancy – expert tips from a personal trainer
How to make exercise something you actually enjoy (tips from a former exercise hater)
5 quick and easy workouts for busy mums
Hi Wendy! How would you compare the lean mums program to something like Kayla Itsines BBG? A bunch of mothers on instagram seem to be trying it and I thought i’d ask around for more opinions :). I found a review at http://www.thebbgreview.com that looks kinda worrying. it seems really expensive. Do you have any input on it to share with me? Thanks!! Marrissa xx
This sounds like a great way to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your daily routine without it feeling punishing or like you’re missing out. I think there is a lot of pressure (or at least an expectation) on mothers to ‘bounce back’ after having a baby, but the reality is our bodies and, in my case at least, our priorities have completely changed. For the last few months I have been doing Slimming World, not religiously, but enough to feel that I am eating a more balanced, nutritious diet, and shifting some of the baby weight has given me the energy to move a little more. I haven’t attempted actual exercise though – that still feels a little ambitious! #DreamTeam
OOoo this is a GREAT idea!! I was paying £32 a month for just a gym!! Sadly due to slipped and eroded discs I cant do what I used to! I’m going to look into Lean mums for sure! Thanks. #triumphanttales
kerry recently posted…My mummy, daddy and Alice.
You look amazing! Flaunt that body girl, if i looked like that in a bikini I’d be over the moon!
#TwinklyTuesday
Glad you found something that works. I do Cody App and pay a one off fee that lasts a lifetime, it’s really good value. It’s great to be able to access online and do something that makes you feel good when you get time. #TriumphantTales
Mama Grace recently posted…Burned Alive
This sounds like a great idea and it’s not too expensive.
I’m glad you have found something which works for you!
#bestandworst
Kim Carberry recently posted…Stand Up To Bullying!
Really well done to you and may I just say the food pictures have made me hungry, they look so yummy. I love the idea of this and it obviously works because you are looking fab #bestandworst x
I am so pleased it is working for you and you look amazing wish I looked like that before my children #bloggerclubuk
You look fab! Sounds like a great idea. #bestandworst
Kelly | and Jacob makes three recently posted…Surviving pregnancy in a heatwave
You look amazing! I am just trying to eat less junk and going to the gym a few times a week.
#TriumphantTales
Ali Duke recently posted…A Day In London and A Preview Screening
I think you look fabulous in that shot hun. Wouldn’t know you ever had kids! I like the sound of lean mums as gives you support and can be done at home. Glad you feel so good 🙂 Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst x
Sarah Howe recently posted…Best and Worst Week #99
You look great! That sounds like a great plan and for a great price! Sadly i just love food too much food is genuinely one of my hobbies as i cook and menu plan lots so for me i need to be doing serious workouts to combat it. So glad you’ve found something that works for you and has given such great body confidence i wish more women felt like you do! X
pam lorimer recently posted…Top tips for travelling with small children!
#blogcrush
pam lorimer recently posted…Top tips for travelling with small children!
Mama- your body is banging!
#bestandworst
You rock Mama!!! #BlogCrush
Heather Keet recently posted…Poll Tuesday week 15…
You look great! Sounds like a fab idea #blogcrush
The meals certainly look delicious! Sounds like a great plan!
#BlogCrush
I was thinking the other day how amazing you looked on IG! Well done you. I’ve just started the Body Boss and I’m really enjoying it. I can fit it in around the children even when they are watching, wondering what on earth I’m doing so there’s no excuse really! Finally feel like I can shift that second baby weight. #blogcrush xx
Kristie – Mammaprada recently posted…Language learning for children with One Third Stories!
Wow, those meals actually looks amazing, I’m quite surprised. #blogcrush
You look amazing!
Two things i have learnt in my 40’s is that firstly, you will never look as good as you do now…..and secondly, you gave birth to 2 humans….2 humans!! xxx #blogcrush
oldhouseintheshires recently posted…Tips for New Bloggers
It’s great that you’ve found something that suits you and you feel happier in your body as a result. #bestandworst
Helena recently posted…How to Make Your Very Own Cloud Dough
Popping back in from #blogcrush
kristin mccarthy recently posted…Why I Don’t Prefer To “Count My Blessings”
You look amazing!! I’ll be checking this out for sure – I need new recipes to help my healthy eating #dreamteam
Muffin top mummy blog recently posted…A new mother’s guide to mummy etiquette
This sounds like a brilliant idea Wendy. I’ve also been trying to get a bit fitter and healthier this last few months and I’m feeling so much better for it. I’m with you in that restrictive regimes just don’t work for me and I end up rebelling! I think we mums should be proud of our battle scars but it’s great to take a bit of time for ourselves to feel better too. My glutes could definitely do with a blast haha! Thanks for hosting #blogcrush x
Rhyming with Wine recently posted…How To Pack For A Family Holiday*.
You are one gorgeous mama! Go out in the world, loud and proud! #BlogCrush <3
Lisa Pomerantz recently posted…My faith in humanity is restored!
You look AMAZING!!! If I went into the sea in a bikini, I’d scare the fish!! Definitely need this in my life and it’s affordable too!! #blogcrush
This is the first time that I have heard of lean mums. It does sound like a lovely thing to get involved in, especially if it gets you motivated towards your own goals. Well done on following the plan, and what’s a biscuit or two between friends 🙂 #Dreamteam x
Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…#DreamTeam Linky 60
Great that this programme is working for you! I need to shift about a stone…it’s coming off very, very slowly! Thanks for you review.
#twinklytuesday
This is such a good idea and a great price! #BlogCrush
daydreams of a mum recently posted…My children do not come from a broken home
This sounds like a really flexible way to incorporate exercise and healthy eating into everyday life! Great idea! #blogcrush
Lucy At Home recently posted…Blogcrush Week 19 – 23rd June 2017
You look amazing in these pics! I haven’t braved a bikini since having Littlest B in February – the thought makes me feel slightly sick!! #twinklytuesday
Crummy Mummy recently posted…10 things all mums should do on maternity leave
This looks fantastic! Well done – you look incredible! I need to look into this! Sorry for the late comment, better late than never! Thanks for joining #TriumphantTales.
You look amazing. I wish I had your body that’s for sure!
I’m also a mum (have 2 girls) and no the struggles haha. Keep embracing your body hun you look great in a bikini.
Love your post! That looks like a cool program. I might sign up in the future.
You look stunning to be honest. I would do anything for a body like yours.
I am a mom of 2 handsome little boys who always keep me busy. I need a bikini body but i have little time for the gym. Can you recommend any workout program that i can do at home?
And by the way, you look amazing in that bikini. Keep rocking
You look amazing. I wish I had your body that’s for sure!
I’m also a mum (have 2 girls) and no the struggles haha. Keep embracing your body hun you look great in a bikini.