Why 'Bouncing Back' After Pregnancy is So Last Year: A Personal Trainer’s Surprising Journey

Posted on 29 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 4 min

Forget the 'Bounce Back' Myth: Meet Emily Ricketts, the Personal Trainer Who Gained 50+ Pounds and Found Strength in Self-Kindness.

If you've ever felt the pressure to 'snap back' into your pre-pregnancy body, you’re not alone. The cultural narrative around postpartum fitness often screams 'bounce back' as if pregnancy is a detour from the fast lane of life. But what if the real secret to postpartum fitness isn’t about rushing back but about embracing where you are — at the beginner stage?

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer featured in a recent Business Insider article, shares a refreshing take. She gained over 50 pounds while pregnant — and rather than race to lose it, she treated it as an opportunity to start fresh, learning patience and self-compassion. Her mindset shift made getting fit again feel less like a battle and more like a journey.

So, why is this beginner mindset such a game-changer?

It lowers the pressure: You’re not expected to perform at past levels immediately.
It encourages self-kindness: Recognizing that growth — physical and mental — takes time.
It builds resilience: By focusing on gradual progress, setbacks don’t feel disastrous.

This approach contrasts sharply with common societal expectations that often leave new mothers feeling like they've failed if their bodies don’t 'bounce back' overnight.

What does this mean for those trying to conceive or starting their fertility journey?

Whether you’re navigating conception naturally or using innovative tools, such as at-home insemination kits, the emotional rollercoaster is very real. Sites like MakeAMom have been revolutionizing early fertility efforts by offering discreet, cost-effective, and reusable insemination kits tailored to different needs — from low motility sperm to conditions like vaginismus. This empowerment in fertility technology echoes Emily’s message: patience and self-care can yield better results than pressure and perfectionism.

The emotional connection between fertility and postpartum wellness

Just as Emily had to redefine strength on her postpartum journey, many individuals and couples experience mental ups and downs during conception. The temptation to rush — to force results — often leads to burnout.

How can we apply Emily’s beginner mindset here?

Celebrate small victories: Every step closer to conception or postpartum recovery is progress.
Normalize feelings: It’s okay to feel frustration and hope simultaneously.
Build supportive communities: Sharing stories and resources helps combat isolation.

Breaking down postpartum myths — and what science says

There’s a popular misconception that pregnancy weight is something you can just ‘snap off’ with enough willpower. However, research highlights that hormonal changes, metabolic shifts, and psychological factors all play a huge role in how women recover postpartum.

Taking a balanced, kind approach is supported by experts who advocate for holistic health rather than strict dieting or punishing workouts.

Practical tips inspired by Emily’s story to embrace your postpartum or conception journey

Set realistic goals: Think incremental, not instant.
Listen to your body: Rest when needed and celebrate its strength.
Use helpful tools: Whether it’s fertility kits from trusted providers like MakeAMom or gentle fitness routines.
Seek support: From professionals, friends, and online communities.

The Takeaway: Redefining Strength and Success

The ultimate lesson here is that strength comes in many forms — not just physical. Being kind to yourself postpartum or during fertility treatment is a radical act of self-love, and it paves the way to genuine wellness.

Emily Ricketts’ story reminds us that sometimes, feeling like a beginner isn’t a setback; it’s the first step forward.

So, are you ready to ditch the pressure and embrace your unique journey with compassion? Share your thoughts and stories below — and if you’re exploring options for conception, check out how MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits might support your personal path.

The road to parenthood isn't always linear, but it becomes a lot more joyful when kindness leads the way.