Body After Baby: The Workouts

I want to begin by saying that I had very unrealistic expectations about my body after baby. Think Heidi Klum walking the Victoria's Secret runway in her undies 6 weeks after giving birth to her fourth child. The human body is no rubber band; it doesn't just bounce back into shape after 9 months of stretching in all directions. Although I was informed of this well in advance, it definitely sunk in when I didn't leave the hospital with a perfectly flat tummy. In fact, I still looked at least 6 months pregnant. Lesson learned. Now, back to reality.

I took my doctor's advice and waited the suggested 6 weeks before beginning "Operation Lose Baby Weight". And what a long 6 weeks it was! I kept up my running regimen while pregnant for the first 7 months and switched to walking after that was no longer comfortable for me. So, doing nothing exercise-wise for that long was definitely a challenge for me. However, during that time, I began planning my comeback strategy. I knew that without a plan of action I would have a difficult time finding the motivation to meet my goals: getting back into shape, developing healthier eating habits, and losing pounds gained during my pregnancy. I also knew that I would need to enlist the help of some friends because accountability is crucial to success of this kind.

I'm no fitness and nutrition expert, so I can only share my experiences and what worked for me; and the key for me was and always will be variety. To stay on track I needed variety in the realm of physical activities as well as diet to keep the process interesting and fun. What follows is my journey of toning, sculpting, conditioning, and shrinking my body after baby.

Because this might run a little long, I'll have follow-up blog posts about diet, useful apps, etc. I want to dedicate this entire post to...


- THE WORKOUTS -

My friend Christi and I getting in a 5K the morning of my wedding

RUNNING 

I know what you're thinking...but I don't run...I'm not a runner. Well, that wasn't true for me, and it isn't true for you. I didn't start running until I was 26 years old. My husband, JT, helped me and the rest of my family start running. We all (even my dog) started with the Couch to 5K program, which is great for any couch potato who has never run a mile in their life. This simple program got me started, and I'm still running! But, running isn't one of those things that you fall in love with immediately. I can honestly say that it took me a year and one half marathon (10-week half marathon training schedule) under my belt to feel that I could call myself a real runner much less admit that I had fallen for the sport.

What I love about running:

It's an activity you can start at any age! My mom didn't start running until she was in her late 40's, and she has completed 3 half marathons. Along with me, she caught the running bug.


It's a social activity! Contrary to popular belief, you CAN talk and run at the same time. In fact, our running group has met several days a week pretty consistently for the past couple of years for a time of exercise and chit chat. We have a predetermined meeting place, usually Carpe Diem in Springhill, from which we begin and end our run. Each run culminates with a relaxing cup of coffee, some water, and a little girl talk. Running with a group is a great way to have accountability but also to have a fun way to pass the time and the miles. We kill two birds with one stone: friendly conversation and a great calorie burn.


It's an event! When I first heard the word "race," I was so intimidated. Although some people sign up for races to win, I sign up for the experience. A race doesn't have to be about pace, and that's a good thing because I'm definitely more of a tortoise than a hare. Waking up on a Saturday morning for a race has so many perks: the calorie burn, the cardio, the time spent with friends and other runners, the swag (race tech shirts and other goodies), the food, the music, and the bling (race medal).



It takes you places! Once you start logging more miles, you may decide to run a little farther, a half marathon (13.1 miles) perhaps, maybe even a full (26.2 miles). This is where running gets really exciting! After I started running races, I found out pretty quickly that running is big all over the United States, and organized races of all lengths are held in every state. For my first half marathon, my running group and I travelled to Seaside, Florida; for our second, to Las Vegas, Nevada; for our third, to Nashville, Tennessee. We are headed to Chicago, Illinois, this summer for our fourth half marathon. Running races in other places is a great reason to travel!

It's good for you! Running is one of the best exercises you can do to improve your cardiovascular health, but it can also help prevent disease. It's good for maintaining weight and boosting those emotions. In a bad mood? Go for a run! Personally, I credit running with keeping the "baby blues" (post-partum depression) away. Women's Health also lists 6 great reasons for giving running a try.

It's cheap! Other than an initial investment in a pair of good shoes, shorts, and moisture-wicking shirts, running is a relatively inexpensive sport. So, what have you go to lose?

Running after baby:

Two months after having Charlie, a race was looming - the Mobile Azalea Trail Run - and training or no training, I was NOT going to miss it! So, on that muggy Saturday morning in March with barely any post-baby miles logged, I ran a 6-mile race. Because I'm so hard-headed, I finished without ever having to stop and walk; but that doesn't mean I wasn't hurting. Although it wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done, I had to prove to myself that I still had "it", that I hadn't lost all those years of exercise and cardio in 9 months. Point (painfully) proven, but I realized I had a long way to go in terms of getting my pace, my muscle definition, and my saggy skin back into shape.

Immediately, I began searching the Internet for a half marathon that was 10-12 weeks away (the duration of most recommended training schedules). I knew that without a definite run event on the horizon I might not find the motivation to get off the couch and brave the heat and humidity of a Mobile, Alabama, summer. Then, I had to get my husband, mom and sister-in-law, Kelsey, on board. Like I've said before, it's no fun training for a half marathon alone. We met one day and decided to run the Rock n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon this summer on July 21st, my birthday weekend. Once the race entry fees were paid and the trip planned, we set to work and have been running ever since. The marathon is 3 weeks away, and I feel ready. While my pace hasn't recovered as quickly as I had hoped, my heart and body are in fighting shape and ready to tackle another 13.1 miles!


Charlie enjoys his ride in the stroller much more than I enjoy pushing it!

About the jogging stroller:

My first time out with the jogging stroller was hellacious to say the least. But if at first you don't succeed, stroll, stroll again. Just like any other physical activity, running with a stroller requires practice and training. Don't give up if the first time feels like you are pushing a wheelbarrow full of bricks with flat tires! The first day with the stroller I had to stop every half mile on my 3-mile run to walk and catch my breath and massage my aching arms. Now, I can run 4 miles without stopping, although I do have to repeatedly adjust my arm positioning. I have found that it's best to run with one arm pumping like normal while the other pushes the stroller and then switch every so often. While my pace is slower than usual while jogging with stroller, Charlie loves it, and that makes all the extra effort worth it to me. Plus, a nice bonus is that a jog in the stroller makes him drowsy; so after a run, I get to enjoy a nice, hot shower while Charlie naps.



Credits: circleppurebarrelogo








Lift . Tone . Burn
"Pure Barre is a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs and burns fat in record-breaking time. Utilizing the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to fantastic music, Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective, yet safest way to change your body. Students see results in just 10 classes."                        
- from Pure Barre FAQs (Visit the PB website for more information.
One of the things that makes a person a better runner is cross training. Doing something to make your body stronger helps to prevent running injuries but also gives you more endurance to sustain you on longer runs. A few years ago, I tried CrossFit, but it wasn't for me. I didn't like the atmosphere, and I didn't like the way it made me look. I'm only 5'2" and the type of muscle I was building made me look incredibly bulky and unfeminine. I was in shape, but I had outgrown my clothes! My thighs would no longer fit in my shorts or pants. What woman wants to get in shape but outgrow her clothes? Not this one.

Then, I found Pure Barre.

I have been practicing Pure Barre for over a year and a half now, and I am hooked.

Why I'm obsessed with Pure Barre:

Can't beat the atmosphere: the ladies, the workout, the music! I've never been a gym person. I don't enjoy working out with men (for various reasons). I don't like the trapped feeling I get when signing a contract for 2-3 years. And, I usually don't enjoy the smells or atmosphere of judgment (despite being advertised as otherwise).

Pure Barre is different. Let me paint you a picture...

You walk into the lobby where you are greeted by a friendly barre-tender. If it's your first time, then she will tell you all you need to know about the socks, the equipment, and what to expect. Oh yeah...and your first class is FREE! The studio is carpeted, lined with ballet barres and mirrors, and equipped with an amazing sound system. As you prepare for class, you will notice that you are surrounded by all women dressed in black tights of some sort, black socks, and tasteful but trendy workout tops (no bare midriffs or butt cheeks hanging out anywhere!). Here, you feel at ease. Although PB welcomes men too, it tends to be a woman thing with the exception of "Bring Your Man to the Barre" day.

The instructor puts on her headset and lets you know that class is beginning. She starts the music, and you're off! She leads the class through a total body workout that begins with a warm-up followed by a series of arms thigh, seat, and abs blasting exercises all choreographed to high intensity music. Between each series you will stretch and prepare your body for the next one. A total body stretch set to a relaxing song ends the 55-minute class. Throughout the class, your instructor is teaching you the technique, encouraging you to push through the pain (by name...it's nice to get an uplifting shout out during class), and motivating you to get your body into bikini ready, skinny jean shape! It's hard work, but it's fun at the same time.

See results quickly! The Pure Barre website states (quote located above) that you can see results after 10 classes. I, for one, can say that is true. I was running with my friends one Saturday, and they commented on my thinner-looking thighs and legs as well as my firmer seat (and they didn't know I was taking PB classes). Nothing feels better than working hard and having someone, especially your friends, notice the fruits of your labor! 


Exciting classes and events! Pure Barre keeps the overall experience exciting by offering monthly challenges. If you complete a challenge, you get the next month at a considerable discount. Pure Barre celebrates special days - 80's Day - and holidays - St. Patrick's Day - by offering prizes to those who come dressed in costume. The music is also tailored to the theme that day! Pure Barre also hosts special events like "Beauty at the Barre" where clients can sample beauty products and receive spa treatments such as facials. Clients who have completed 100 PB classes are treated to a special night of wine, horderves, and fellowship in order to celebrate their accomplishment. I have 20 more classes to go before I join the "100 Club." Currently, the Pure Barre where I practice is hosting a "PB Vacation Photo" contest. The winner gets 10 free classes. See my entry below from Niagara Falls!



Never miss an opportunity to lift, tone and burn!

Pure Barre after baby

I wish that I had measured myself before I began my 3-month "Baby Bounce Back" program at Pure Barre because I know that I have lost some serious inches! At the end of those three months, I was sliding on my favorite pair of pre-baby skinny "Minnie" pants from J.Crew. I will always remember that moment; the smile that came over my face and the sense of accomplishment I felt are unforgettable. 
Because Pure Barre is a combination of yoga, pilates, ballet, and other exercises that use body weight to create resistance, my body appears longer and leaner, and my muscles aren't bulky. After practicing at Pure Barre, I look and feel fit, but I also look and feel feminine. I also find the hour spent in the studio to be therapeutic. Because Pure Barre is workout that involves the mind just as much as it involves the body, I am forced to think only about what muscle I'm working at that moment. I don't have time to think about dishes or laundry or baby duties. Giving my mind a rest from these things and having some "me" time is wonderful. For that and many other reasons, Pure Barre is a great outlet for stress relief!


YOGA


Before baby, I had never attempted yoga. I thought it was a waste of time because I wouldn't sweat, burn enough calories, or be challenged. I was wrong, and I'm happy to be so, because I needed a fall back plan for days when I didn't have a run on the schedule or a sitter for Charlie while I went to Pure Barre. For the perfect at-home workout, I needed to look no further than You Tube. Using Apple tv, I project YouTube on my television screen and tune in to the BeFit channel. This channel is the host to fitness gurus like Jillian Michaels, Denise Austin, and many others. I love Jillian Michaels' 6-week 6-pack video, but my favorite is her Yoga Meltdown (both are free). You can search either one on YouTube and get in a great 30-35 minute workout while baby is napping. Even if Charlie isn't napping, I'll put him in his exersaucer and let him watch me while I practice yoga. I guess he thinks I look silly because he giggles the whole time. It's okay; let him laugh. I'm happy to provide him with entertainment while I get in a fabulous but intense yoga session with the fit queen herself, Jillian Michaels. 



Bike riding in Nashville, TN. the weekend of the Country Music 1/2 Marathon


BIKE RIDING

I know this list of different workouts seems like a lot to handle, but remember what I said about variety. Having multiple activities in your wheelhouse keeps you from getting bored and giving up. Bike riding is the perfect activity to help shake things up in your fitness routine. Don't feel like running, attending a class, or practicing yoga? That's okay. Go for a bike ride! One of my favorite things about bikes is that they are portable and are a great activity that the whole family can enjoy together. My family will load up our bikes and take them on vacation to Florida for a cruise along 30A, to Chickasabogue Park for some hilly trail riding, or to the Gulf for a ride through the state park. We also enjoy Sunday afternoon rides around the Springhill and downtown areas of Mobile. When you have this many options, there are  simply no excuses for sitting on your rear!


If none of the above work for you, then try swimming, walking, rock climbing, walking the dog, etc. Just don't give up until you find something that you truly enjoy that will help you get fit and stay fit for life. 



THE SUPPORT TEAM
(Trust me, you cannot do this alone!)

Before I bring this rather long blog post to a close, I wanted to say some thank yous! Getting in shape after having a baby would have been impossible had it not been for the encouragement and support from my husband, my family, and my friends. My sweet husband gives up his lunch break many a day so that I can attend a Pure Barre class or get a couple of miles in. He is constantly encouraging me, and I'm glad we can share some of the aforementioned activities together. My mom, my sister-in-law (Kelsey), and my friends Morgan, Julie, Christi, Cindy, Becky, and Margaret have run many miles with me and have kept me motivated and entertained the whole way. It's been fun running with and accomplishing goals with each one of you! A big thank you goes out to JT, mom, Kelsey, and Morgan for helping me push Charlie in his running stroller when I couldn't push him another step. An enormous thank you goes out to my dad and to JT for babysitting Charlie while "the girls" go for our long Saturday morning runs (and for picking us up and bringing us Vitamin waters and towels when we're finished). Finally, thank you to my dog, Moose. A more faithful running buddy cannot be found. 


My pit bull "Moose." Great for pulling me uphill!
After finishing the "Run the Strip at Night" Las Vegas 1/2 marathon
Our largest running group at the Country Music Marathon Expo

And don't forget to support yourself! Don't accept the lies that you don't have the time, the strength, or the ability to get back in shape (or in shape for the first time) after having a baby. It couldn't be farther from the truth, but it is hard work. You will never have the time to workout; you have to make the time!  Put workouts on your calendar and stick to them. Getting in shape is good for your body and your mind. Even though I haven't accomplished all of my post-baby fitness goals, I have accomplished one very important thing: feeling good about myself (and that doesn't happen if you sit on your butt). 

Happy Sweating!

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