Athlete of the Month Autumn Ingham
“I once took working out all the time for granted, but now I understand what a gift it is to be able to do this.”
Autumn Ingram
What keeps you motivated to continue working out after having your second child?
-Well first, my kids ain’t light and they are active little boys! I want to keep up with them! And as hard as it can be to squeeze in time, I need it for my brain more than anything.
How has staying active helped you physically and mentally during postpartum recovery?
-it’s made me feel a sense of normalcy while everything in life seems to be changing. It’s allowed me to achieve a daily/weekly goal for myself and it’s given me something to look forward to, it’s a time to just do and not think too much.
What challenges have you faced balancing motherhood and fitness, and how have you overcome them?
-1 to 2 kids has been a big adjustment and getting to the gym feels next to impossible. But a huge shoutout to my husband. He is an incredible dad and cares about helping me do something for myself. Also, shoutout to the coaches and other athletes who have helped push the stroller or watch my youngest as I workout.
What advice would you give to other moms who want to stay consistent with their workouts after having a baby?
-First I would say keep working out while pregnant. Modify what your body tells you to modify but keep moving. It makes coming back to workout so much easier. When you enter PP working out will feel hard and your body has changed. That is okay! It’s actually beautiful. You carried a human in you for 9 months than birthed that baby. You’re amazing. Don’t be quick to rush into all the movements, your body is in recovery and rehabilitation (you have a placenta size wound in you!). Be kind to your body and be safe in your recovery. You will get stronger and faster and learn new skills again. Just keep showing up with what you have that day, sleep deprived and all :)
What’s your favorite part about training at CrossFitBound?
-The community and coaches are awesome. I never feel pressured to do anything I don’t feel comfortable with but always feel encouraged and challenged to give it my best. Everyone wants to see you succeed. CF bound and its people are a gift.
What are your current fitness goals, and how do you stay focused on them?
-My current fitness goal is truly making it in 3x a week while working full time and with two kids. I want to come every day but this isn’t that season, it will be again one day!
But when I show up my goal is giving those workouts my best, minimal complaining and having a heart of gratitude. I once took working out all the time for granted, but now I understand what a gift it is to be able to do this.
How has the CrossFitBound community supported you on your journey as a mom and athlete?
-They have pushed a stroller, encouraged me, help me modify workouts to an appropriate scale for where I’m at and also just ask how I’m doing and how my family is. It’s the little things that make me feel so supported.
I’m so grateful.
