Ashley Graham And Fitness Routine After Becoming A Mother

Ever since becoming a mom to a four-year-old and twin toddlers, model and entrepreneur Ashley Graham has seen her fitness regimen transform significantly.

“Now, I can carry all three of my children simultaneously—one on my back and two in my arms,” Graham shares. “Even with one trying to choke me, I can dash down the corridor and stairs to the kitchen without anyone falling. That’s like a race on its own.”

Graham’s philosophy and approach to exercise have shifted as well. It’s about balancing her desires and necessities in the precious moments she gets to engage in physical activity, as well as adjusting her ambitions.

“Pre-motherhood, I was hitting the gym four or five days a week, concentrating on muscle building and staying vigorous,” Graham recalls. “But now, as a mom of three with businesses to run and a constantly full schedule, the gym is my sanctuary.”

Transitioning from rigorous rope workouts to playful times on the mat, here are the modifications Graham has adopted for her workout routine since becoming a parent.

1. Listening to Her Body’s Signals

Graham prioritizes both her immediate physical requirements and her long-term fitness goals when she works out. Some days she pushes her limits, while others are about healing and rejuvenation.

“The gym is a place I can come to and say, ‘I want to feel mighty today, so let’s lift heavy,'” says Graham. “Just this morning, I shared a concern with my trainer about a peculiar sensation in my knee, and so we opted for foam rolling and resistance band exercises instead.”

2. Embracing a Flexible Mindset

Being attentive to her needs often means deviating from the day’s scheduled workout plan. This adaptability has been essential in managing her strength training—previously guided by strict progressive overload regimes—alongside the unpredictability of parenting and professional life.

“Some weeks I’m up at six in the morning before anyone else, trying to get a session in. Other times, we all head to the gym in the early evening,” Graham explains.

3. Prioritizing Joy in Movement

Mixing family time with exercise typically implies a departure from structured workouts towards more playful activities. When her children join her in the gym, they might engage with a bouncy ball or mimic her with miniature weights. “It’s just delightful,” Graham enthuses.

Fun is also a key component during workouts with her trainer. They recently created a fitness challenge inspired by the Olympics, utilizing Meta AI to design a competitive relay race, which Graham joyfully showcased on Instagram.

4. Unleashing Creativity

Outside of traditional gym settings, Graham and her trainer encourage creativity. For the relay race, they used the Meta AI tool to devise a challenge that incorporated common household and backyard items.

“We ended up using things from my backyard that my kids play with,” Graham says. “It was immensely enjoyable, especially because I won.”

This creative approach isn’t just fun; it can enhance motivation and potentially improve workout efficacy by providing variety and preventing monotony.

5. Focusing on Long-lasting Strength

The lively exercise routines Graham engages in aren’t just for entertainment; they’re also about investing in her future. She understands that muscle maintenance is critical for longevity and quality of life, especially as one ages.

“I’ve observed many people in their 70s who’ve experienced significant muscle decay,” Graham notes. “Though I’m still in my 30s, I’m already mindful of this because my goal is to stay as fit as possible for as long as possible.”