I read this thread and it really summed up how I've been feeling lately which was very reassuring. Page 5 | I used to be attractive, how has this happened? | Mumsnet
After birth I rapidly lost weight because of breastfeeding, walking everywhere so baby would nap and not having time to make food.
Since stopping breastfeeding last year, I have gradually put on weight, and realised a few months ago I was 11 stone. Historically I've been between 9.5-10.5 which has always felt good. I also appear to have shrunk, I was previously 5ft10 and now I'm more like 5ft9 or 5ft9.5 if I stand really straight. It's depressing! I'm gradually losing the weight with more attention to my diet and some days of 16/8 type intermittent fasting, but I want to get my strength back. I had an emergency c section and pre covid/baby I used to do bouldering and walk everywhere and felt really strong and powerful. I always used to be able to eat anything and remain slim without deliberately exercising or anything, I just naturally led a very active lifestyle.
Now my posture is terrible from the years of breastfeeding/bending down for my child and I also now work at a computer whereas before I was a teacher. I really think regaining my strength and improving my posture is the thing that will make me feel better, more than losing the flab.
I don't really have time for bouldering any more. I have another hobby which is creative and more of a personal priority than fitness. I cycle to work, have done for years, I try to walk as much as possible but I'm also trying to train my son out of the pushchair so it means we're often going slowly. I have been trying to do planks whenever I remember but can only hold them for about 20/30 seconds. Is that good or bad? I do a front one and the sides. Is there anything else I could do to improve my strength/general fitness which could easily slot into my lifestyle.