It works in everyday life
Marielle has been on that journey that many people recognize - several times over. Pregnancy, postpartum, toddlerhood, back to strength... and then another pregnancy.
Here she shares what actually worked: physically, mentally and practically - and how she made Bodily work in an everyday life that can't always be planned.
Marielle is 32, a mother of three - and in the middle of life.
She is a primary school teacher and lives with her husband and three children in a small town in Småland. The children Ines 4.5, Melker 2 and Siri is a newborn.
This is how she describes herself:
I have always been active and before my daughter Ines came into the world, the gym was the place my husband and I spent much of our free time. But when our daughter arrived, the time we had for ourselves changed.
Pregnancy
- when your body changes every week
During pregnancy, your day can change rapidly. Some days your body feels strong, other days it feels heavy and tired. For Marielle, the key was to let go of the idea of 'exercising as usual' - and instead make exercise a support.
She chose workouts that energized her, strengthened her posture and reduced tension. Better short and regular than long and infrequent.
The goal was never to push - the goal was to feel stable.
- back in a gentle way
After giving birth, for Marielle it was all about starting again gently: contact, control and gradual build-up. Small steps were not 'too little' - they were just right.
The key was to create a base that held: breathing, core stability, seat and pelvic floor. When she did this consistently, her body became stronger and everyday life easier.
- the training that actually happened
Life with young children requires simplicity. Marielle found a routine where exercise could be short and flexible - and yet it made a big difference.
She stopped waiting for the 'right moment' and started building in movement wherever it could fit. Exercise became a safe space: not a project, but a part of life.
- What did she do differently?
When Marielle got pregnant again, she brought something invaluable with her: experience. She knew that it's not about sticking to a plan at all costs - it's about having a plan that can be adjusted.
She dared to listen to her body earlier, to choose gentler workouts when needed and still maintain continuity. It became less "all or nothing" and more "little but often".
- Lower the bar - raise the bar of consistency.
- Choose workouts that energize, not de-energize.
- Build base first: posture, core stability, seat, pelvic floor.
- Keep it simple with food - regularity beats perfection.
- Ask for support at home. Recovery is a team effort.
Marielle says
For Marielle, it was about choosing the right level at the right stage. During pregnancy, she often opted for calmer and more adapted workouts. Postpartum, she started with safe basic strength - and in toddler life, she appreciated workouts that were easy to do.
- During pregnancy: ROPE / BODY WORK(adapted according to week and daily form)
- Postpartum: BODY WORK as a safe start
- Toddler life: KETTLEBELL when the body is ready - BALANCE or REP when the body is stronger
It is individual how quickly the body is ready for exercise but always equally important to be physically active.
Are you ready to try?
Want to read the full guide? Go back to the Exercise pregnant & toddler page.
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