![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-546062868.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
SAN JOSE, CA – JULY 10: MyKayla Skinner competes on the uneven bars during Day 2 of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials at SAP Center on July 10, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-546062868.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
SAN JOSE, CA – JULY 10: MyKayla Skinner competes on the uneven bars during Day 2 of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials at SAP Center on July 10, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
MyKayla Skinner, a renowned American gymnast known for her incredible feats on the mat, embarked on a new journey this year: motherhood. Once talking about the difficulties she encountered in her pregnancy Skinner said, “I really thought I was going to work out during this pregnancy, and I just really can’t.” She had no idea that the postpartum period would present its own set of challenges.
Skinner was open about the challenges she faced in the first few weeks of motherhood sharing how her daughter needed constant care and attention. Now, after a few months, Skinner went back to the exercise machines, determined to return to her pre-pregnancy levels of fitness.
Mykayla Skinner documents her recovery period
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The Olympic silver medalist decided to take control of her health. Skinner was seen making progress in an update shared by her coach. The new mommy worked with post-natal fitness professional and nutritionist Cassidy Lance McWherter to outline her exercise regimen which she then shared in a video. In the video, Skinner looked confident and happy, as though she had never left the gym.
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Both gym girls introduced themselves only for Skinner to continue her workout with weights. Her exercises included crunches, ball throw on high wall, triceps dips, shoulder touches, cycling and other high intensity cardio exercises. The gymnast ended the video with glimpse of her squat and finally lay on the gym floor-tired. Cassidy captioned the post, “So excited to have had @mykaylaskinner2016 go through Bump to Baby & get her back to working out!” The Tokyo Olympics silver medalist not only showed the way back to her second home aka gym but also updated her fans with life post-childbirth.
A glimpse of the gymnast navigating through motherhood
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Even after making a comeback to the gym, Skinner didn’t sugarcoat the difficulties that come with being a mother. She emphasized the difficulties associated with frequent feedings, the sleepless nights, and the emotional roller coaster that accompany becoming a new mother. In an earlier admission she said, “I cried so much“ during the trying first few weeks, but she took comfort in her husband’s company and in their growing relationship with their daughter.
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Her path to motherhood is an inspiration for others, showing how it’s common to embrace the highs and lows of the postpartum phase. Through her candor and tenacity, Skinner not only navigated through a big life change but also came out stronger demonstrating that the path to regaining one’s health following childbirth is a worthwhile personal accomplishment.
Watch this story From Olympic Gymnast to Feeding Baby: The Life of a Coveted Gymnastics Champion as Mother