My Plan for Getting Back into Fitness

I am currently writing this at 1 1/2 weeks postpartum and am already thinking about starting up exercise again when the time comes and I am cleared by my doctor. I had a great birth and only had minor recovery so I think that by the time my six week appointment comes, I will be ready to get back into some fitness. Today, I want to share all about the new Bowflex Max 8 Trainer and how I plan to use it to increase my fitness after baby.

Checking out the new Max 8 at 39 weeks pregnant

I was lucky to be able to stay quite active during my pregnancy. I ran until I was 21 weeks pregnant running 5-7 miles twice a week. I loved this but had to stop due to discomfort. I walked through the pregnancy and did some simple prenatal strength workouts. Exercising is part of who I am and I do it for mental health, for some "me time" and to feel my best. I do not exercise to lose weight and my reason for starting up exercise is certainly not to try to drop the pregnancy weight- that will come with time.



I was recently sent a Bowflex Max 8 Trainer to try out and I am so, so excited to use it! My dad has the Max 6 and absolutely LOVES it. He has been working out with it for a couple of years and when I had the change to try one myself, I was totally up for the workout! I have used my dad's machine before and wow, it is quite the workout.

I have trouble getting motivated for more intense workouts but know that they are important for heart health so this machine is the perfect thing to get me motivated! We don't have tons of space in our basement so I was a little worried that it may not fit well but considering what a great workout the machine helps you get, it doesn't take up much space at all. I am not a fan of giant machines so I was thrilled with how compact the Max Trainer is.


It is similar to an elliptical machine but you also work your upper body muscles as well. It helps to motivate you by giving you activity level targets to work towards hitting.

As a busy mom of three, I don't have the time to go to the gym (or the desire to spend money on a membership monthly) so home workouts are the way to go for me. My favorite thing to do is to getup before the kids, get my exercise in and then carry on with my dad. Having the Max Trainer ready to go in the basement is so perfect for my currently busy mom life!


The M8 has LCD/LED screens, 20 different resistance levels that you can use and a media rack to put your phone. How the M8 works is by having you do short bursts of high effort followed by longer bursts of less effort. This workout machine is no joke! If you want a good workout where you truly work hard, you will get it with the M8.

Troy loves the Max Trainer too!

The M8 saves time by having you workout hard for shorter periods of time. It is low impact on your body which I really like because I have a history of knee injuries from exercise.

I truly look forward to using the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 and increasing my fitness levels slowly!

Disclosure: I was provided the Bowflex as a sample to try out and share my experience. All opinions are my own.