Kayla Itsines Shares The First Picture Of Her Postpartum Body

Aussie fitness star Kayla Itsines has shared the first picture of her postpartum body, just over a week after the birth of her daughter Arna.

The 27-year-old took to Instagram to share side-by-side images showing her body before giving birth and one week after.

"If I am honest, it is with great trepidation that I share with you this very personal image," the Sweat trainer wrote.

In the caption she points out that every woman's experience of pregnancy, birth and recovery is different, and that our personal relationship with our body is unique. But despite these differences, she wanted to remind her followers the appreciate the incredible things their bodies can do, whether they've given birth or not.

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MY FIRST POST BIRTH RECOVERY PHOTO!!! (last photo before giving birth vs one week after birth). If I am honest, it is with great trepidation that I share with you this very personal image. Every woman's journey through life but especially pregnancy, birth and healing post-birth is unique. While each journey has a common thread that connects us as women, our personal experience, our relationship with ourselves and our body will always be our own. For me, regardless of how my body healed post-birth, I felt it was really important for me personally to embrace, appreciate and celebrate my body the same way that I tell all the women in this community to celebrate their body. For me right now, I celebrate my body for all it has been through and the absolute joy it has brought into my life with Arna. As a personal trainer, all I can hope for you ladies is that you feel encouraged to do the same regardless of whether you have just given birth or not, celebrate your body and the gift that it is. No matter what journey you have been on with your body, the ways in which it heals, supports, strengthens and adapts to take us through life is truly incredible. www.kaylaitsines.com/app

"For me, regardless of how my body healed post-birth, I felt it was really important for me personally to embrace, appreciate and celebrate my body the same way that I tell all the women in this community to celebrate their body," Kayla says.

"I celebrate my body for all it has been through and the absolute joy it has brought into my life with Arna. As a personal trainer, all I can hope for you ladies is that you feel encouraged to do the same regardless of whether you have just given birth or not, celebrate your body and the gift that it is."

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Kayla revealed that she delivered her daughter via cesarean – as recommended by her doctor – and is recovering well.

"I was a little bit sore, but after a couple of days I was generally fine, just no lifting other than Arna," she says. "Now, I just need to rest, eat good food, drink lots of water and I’ll be okay!⁣⁣"

She also previously opened up about how pregnancy has affected her body and mind.

“There is so much uncertainty with pregnancy, especially if it’s your first time and for me this is thinking ‘What will my body feel like AFTER I give birth?’ ‘When will I be able to train again and feel comfortable?’ ‘Will everything be ok?’.”

And while she embraced the changes in her body, Kayla said the journey had been a “mentally, physically and emotionally challenging”.

“Am I excited to get back to training the way I love? As soon as I have clearance from my doctor, YES absolutely,” she added. “Not only for my sake but to give my baby girl a STRONG, FIT and HEALTHY role model from day one.”

Lauren Williamson

Lauren Williamson is a digital writer, editor and social media fiend who's a huge fan of tackling new wellness trends, eating her way through foreign countries and getting worked up over politics.