226: Returning to Competition After Motherhood with Bethany Flores

In this episode, I sit down with Bethany Flores, a seven-time CrossFit Games athlete and new mom, to talk about her journey through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and returning to high-level competition.   We dive into what it really looks like to balance athletic goals with motherhood, and how Bethany has learned to navigate the physical and mental challenges that come with this transition. From training during pregnancy to rebuilding strength postpartum, this conversation highlights the importance of listening to your body, honoring your intuition, and embracing a slower, more intentional approach to recovery.   Bethany also shares honest insight into the mental side of this journey—body image, resilience, and the pressure to return to performance. Together, we explore how redefining expectations and focusing on long-term athleticism can support both performance and overall well-being.   This episode is a reminder that postpartum recovery isn't a race—it's a process. And when approached with patience and self-awareness, it can become a powerful foundation for growth as both an athlete and a mother.   Connect with Bethany: IG: @bethanycf  YouTube: @bethany_flores   Want to better support pregnant and postpartum athletes? Get on the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course so you're the first to hear when doors open. 👉 Sign up here: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/waitlist   MORE ABOUT THE SHOW: The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood. You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing. Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too! Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!