Post by @movementwithjulie

It doesn’t feel like it’s working until…it is. 🥹💪🏼 But the changes didn’t start the day I finally noticed them. They were happening through the ordinary workouts, the walks, and the weeks I wondered if any of it was making a difference. I’ve lost 42 lbs since July 2025, and nothing I did was extreme. Here are 10 things I kept doing, even when I couldn’t see changes yet ⬇️ 1️⃣ Strength trained with ONLY dumbbells 3–5 times a week. At home. With the time I actually had. 2️⃣ Followed my structured weekly workout plan. I knew what to do when I picked up my dumbbells. 3️⃣ Tracked the weights I used so I could build on what I’d done instead of guessing every workout. 4️⃣ Focused on getting stronger. When I could finish my reps with good form and had several more left, I tried a heavier weight. 5️⃣ Walked 10–12k steps most days. Movement outside my workouts became part of my routine. 6️⃣ Ate balanced meals with protein, carbs and fats. I didn’t cut out any of my favorite foods. I focused on building meals that supported my goals and still included foods I love. 7️⃣ Paid attention to fiber and water, too. The basics deserve more credit than we give them. 8️⃣ Took rest days and prioritized sleep as much as life with a little one allowed. 9️⃣ Let shorter workouts count. Having 30 minutes didn’t mean I had to wait for a day when I had 60. 🔟 Came back after the imperfect days. A missed workout or a busy weekend didn’t need to turn into starting over next Monday. That last one is a big reason I’m here. You don’t need to take this list and change your entire life tomorrow. Pick a few things you can realistically repeat. Give yourself time to get better at them. And while you’re waiting to SEE a difference, notice what else is changing. More reps. Better control. A weight that feels lighter. A routine that takes less convincing to start. Those count, too. The after video is one moment. These habits were the months behind it. 🫡 #workoutmotivation #homeworkout #dumbbellworkout #postpartum