When Shay Mitchell was pregnant with her daughter Atlas in 2019, she revealed to Women’s Health that she dealt with depression. And after she gave birth, she didn’t feel like herself. “I’m very grateful for my body, and that it gave life, but I’m still allowed to express that I don’t feel like myself,” she told the magazine.
So, in a partnership with Openfit, Mitchell committed to five-day-a-week workouts for four weeks, and said not only did she feel strong again, but it also gave her more energy. As part of her 20-day program, Mitchell performed a mix of cardio and strength workouts including HIIT and EMOM. Mitchell’s favourite move? Deadlifts: she was proud of herself when she got up to 50 pounds. In addition to her structured workouts, the actress also jumped rope and went hiking in Vancouver where she was staying with her parents.
Although Mitchell faced some backlash on Instagram when she posted a before and after photo after her four weeks was up, she emphasised that her transformation wasn’t for vanity. “I was strong before I had Atlas, and I wanted to feel that way after,” she said. “We celebrate our bodies before we’re pregnant; we celebrate our bodies with bumps. We should also celebrate our bodies at whatever point we feel our best again.” Cheers to that.
