Body After Baby #2

Some of what I'm about to write may be an echo of things I said about my exercise experience after the birth of my first son, Charlie, in January of 2013; but I believe it's worth repeating. Plus, I've had an even better post-baby experience this time around, so I'm excited to share that with you too. I hope you are encouraged by the results that a normal, busy mom can achieve with a little commitment, a lot of sweat, and daily support from friends and family who work out, live, and eat right along beside me.

Me and family on vacation in Destin, FL. at 6 1/2 months pregnant.

Here are the facts (as fairytale-ish as they may seem)...

Without any dieting or exercise, I was back to my "fighting weight" (as my husband would call it) three weeks after giving birth to James Tyler (I'm 5'2" and weigh 122 pounds on average). With Charlie, it took me 5 1/2 months to reach my pre-baby weight, but I was more disciplined and determined throughout this pregnancy. Believe me, I was just as shocked standing on the scale that day as you probably are reading this. I knew I felt good, but now I felt great! That positive moment on the scale (and those moments are few and far between...let's face it) was just the hopeful motivation I needed to embark on my journey of getting back in shape. I say that because the weight loss really wasn't my goal, although it was nice. My long-term goal is and always will be being healthy, fit, and strong. I can give or take the number on the scale, but I know that a toned 122 pounds doesn't look like the 122 pounds that's been on vacation the last couple of months...just saying.

All of the following photos were taken 4 days postpartum. 

Sorry for brutal photographic honesty. Just trying to keep it real!

   

I credit my initial success in shedding the "dreaded by women everywhere" baby weight with the following:

• Eating what I wanted in moderation, which means NOT eating for two or indulging in every pregnancy craving that strikes. (Using the MyFitnessPal app was a huge help in this area.

• God blessing me with a strong, healthy body and a good, healthy pregnancy. 

• Commitment to exercise (a.k.a hard word). Both cardio and strength training. 

• My 19-month-old son, Charlie. Because of him, I haven't sat down or taken a nap or eaten a full meal in months. 

All of the following photos were taken at 3 weeks postpartum. 

Again, just keeping it real. Even at my goal weight, 

I still need exercise to tone and shape up my post-baby body!

As for exercising while pregnant, I HIGHLY recommend it. Even though I rarely felt like exercising through the nausea, fatigue, and weight accumulation, I did it anyway. And believe me, I do not regret it. Plus, there are lots of benefits associated with an active pregnancy. Read the Top Ten Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise from WhatToExpect.com. I personally experienced them all, especially numbers 8, 9, and 10. 

So...for cardio during pregnancy, I ran (and am running still). 

I've been a runner for over 4 years now, which is something I never thought I'd say about myself. But the sport has become such a big part of my life (thanks to my husband) and daily routine that I was able to run a half marathon at 3 months pregnant (And yes, my doctor approved!). I will forever be proud of that accomplishment. Running, even at my slower than slow pregnancy pace and with pretty severe morning sickness for the first 5 months, was a great way for me to get outside, breathe some fresh air, shake off the yucky feelings associated with nausea, cultivate a healthy heart, improve my circulation, and prepare my body for the rigors of childbirth. I was able to run up to my 7 1/2 month of pregnancy, and after that I continued walking up until my due date. And because I kept myself as well-coniditoned as possible, I was able to run my first 5K (3.11 miles) this week, 5 weeks post-baby. Not only that, but I've already started training for another half marathon - the Rock n' Roll Savannah - that will take place in early November of 2014. 

Finished the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in New Orleans at 3 months pregnant! (That's me on the left.)

For strength training, I did Pure Barre (and still do). 

It's no secret how much I love and believe in Pure Barre (just check out my Facebook timeline). I've tried other forms of cross training, but this is still my favorite. 

Here's WHY I love Pure Barre: it's close to my house (haha); the environment is fun but high-energy and motivating at the same time; the instructors are amazing in that they are both challenging and encouraging; and it empowers women and teaches us to see our bodies as beautiful and powerful. If you leave a Pure Barre studio without a smile on your face and without feeling better about yourself (even though you're sore and sweaty), then you probably weren't in a Pure Barre studio to begin with. 

Here's WHY I believe in Pure Barre: because I see results. I did Pure Barre about a year and a half before I got pregnant with my first child and continued after I found out I was pregnant. During my first pregnancy, I still attended Pure Barre but mistakenly slacked off too soon. I told myself that I wouldn't make the same mistake the next time I got pregnant, and I didn't. With my recent pregnancy, I continued participating in Pure Barre an average of 3 times per week up until my 8th month and am so glad I did. I firmly believe that I owe my quick and easy deliveries to a strong, toned core courtesy of Pure Barre. In addition, I believe that Pure Barre kept me slimmed down inch-wise this pregnancy. My legs, thighs, waist, backside, and arms stayed trim, which allowed me to slip on my pre-baby clothes without a problem (and without the assistance of Crisco) the day I came home from the hospital. Pure Barre has a 3-month program called "Mommy Bounce Back" for a good reason; my body literally bounced back into shape. I will be participating in this program for the second time (this time as an ambassador for PB) because, while I'm in good shape in terms of my health and at my pre-baby weight, I'm counting on Pure Barre to help me shape up and to have fun while doing it. 

Remember, I'm no doctor. I can only share my personal experience with you and hope you are encouraged and motivated by what I've written. I don't have a personal chef or nutritionist or have the luxury of working out for hours each day. I have 2 boys under 2 for crying out loud. But I can make healthy choices on a daily basis that will help me reach my fitness goals. I love this quote by Mark Batterson:

"You are only ONE defining decision away from a totally different life."

Both running and especially continuing Pure Barre throughout my pregnancy led to the following very positive outcomes for me: no swelling, no stretch marks, a maintained level of fitness conditioning, minimal weight gain, self-confidence in my growing body, faster recovery time after a quick and easy delivery, and an overall sense of well being. So, start laying a healthy foundation now and incorporating cardio and strength workouts into your daily routine.

Me and my new family of 4 at 4 1/2 weeks postpartum. 

The best way to bounce back after having a baby is to start exercising and 

making healthy choices before you ever get pregnant! 

First training run, a 5K, at 5 weeks postpartum with both my boys: Charlie (sleeping) and James (screaming). 

*Stay tuned for results and "after" photos!*