"DWTS" Alum Lindsay Arnold Launched an Anti-Bounce-Back Postpartum Workout Program

When it comes to postpartum content on social media, news feeds are often filled with posts focusing on "snapping back," or getting into shape after having a baby, leaving many parents overwhelmed and vulnerable to self-criticism or pressure around working out. In fact, research shows that when new moms compared themselves to others online, they experienced higher rates of postpartum depression. In reality, postpartum fitness (and all fitness, really) is a very individual journey, says "Dancing With the Stars" alum Lindsay Arnold.

"I think if you are the kind of person who can have a baby and get back into [a workout routine] six weeks postpartum, and you're running and you're doing all things, like that's amazing, good for you," Arnold tells POPSUGAR. But, she says, it should be "equally celebrated" if someone isn't ready to hit the gym the moment their doctor gives them clearance to do so.

That's a crucial reason the mother of two launched her postpartum program for The Movement Club, Arnold's on-demand fitness platform, in September.

"I filmed this postpartum program in real time with my own postpartum journey. That was important to me, because I want my members to know that I'm going through it with them — I am there every step of the way," Arnold says, emphasizing that movement during postpartum is not meant to look perfect. "It's not always going to be consistent. It's going to be a bit hectic — it's gonna be crazy," she says.

Taking the realities of new-mom life — namely, the very limited time parents of newborns often have to themselves — into account, workout videos in Arnold's postpartum program range from as short as 10 minutes to 27 minutes. And some even feature her own children. "I actually include my baby June in a couple of the videos in this program, because I want moms to know that it's OK if your baby has to join your workout. It's OK if you have to take a break to breastfeed — that's life," Arnold says.

The movements in the program aren't about "bouncing back," either — a phrase Arnold says she dislikes. Instead, much of the series focuses on pelvic floor and deep core work, which can be helpful in addressing common postpartum side effects, including pelvic pain or dysfunction as well incontinence or diastasis recti.

"Whether, like me, you had a C-section or you had vaginal birth, our bodies go through so much trauma [during the birthing process], and this program is really meant to just heal, repair, and then strengthen," Arnold says.

The best part, Arnold says, is that "this program can be started at six weeks postpartum or six years postpartum. It doesn't matter when you start it, it's just about starting."

Arnold also hopes that in letting her daughters be a part of her fitness journey, they'll learn the value in taking time for themselves and the beauty of imperfection.

"I used to think, I've got to work out before the girls wake up. They can't be involved. If my girls are running around, it wasn't a good workout. But now I'm like, no, this is great. I can get a workout in and I can be spending time with my daughters. They can see me taking time for myself, which I think is so important," Arnold tells POPSUGAR.

And on the days that she isn't able to squeeze in a sweat session, Arnold knows there's a lesson in that, too. "I want to emphasize to [my daughters], whatever you can give to yourself, you should be proud of," Arnold says.