Let’s just start with the stone-cold truth, there is no such thing as a “mom bod,” or “dad bod” for that matter. I know that everyone is into embracing every body type right now, and I am all for that. If you are comfortable in your skin, at whatever size, then that’s great. But a lot of people aren’t comfortable in their own skin. I know after having both of my boys, I certainly wasn’t. The aftermath of having a baby is super hard on a woman. You just birthed a human being, and it’s awesome! But you are exhausted, and all of a sudden you have this new body that you don’t even recognize in the mirror.
Post-pregnancy recovery is something that is specific to each person and each situation. Some women bounce back really quickly and some don’t. Let me tell you a bit about my pregnancies so you have an idea of where I am coming from.
I am unable to deliver a child through natural childbirth. My pelvis is not wide enough for a baby to pass through (believe me, I went through 12 hours of unmedicated labor with my first). Because of this, I have to deliver via c-section. This makes post-pregnancy recovery all the more difficult for me. 6 weeks of limited activity is not good for the moral. So, here’s my secret to a quicker bounce-back: workout through your pregnancy. Find a workout you can do at home, something low impact. I did P90X3 at the very beginning of my pregnancy, and then I switched to Cize toward the end, but there are all kinds of great workouts geared just for pregnant woman. I was able to do both of these programs with very little modification. Then, post-baby, begin a workout program ASAP. For me, that was 6 weeks after both deliveries. The most important thing when you are trying to get back into shape is CONSISTENCY. This is why I feel like workout programs work best for me. They give me a schedule to follow, and if I have a schedule to follow I am more likely to be accountable. Plus, I can do them at home! The after photo in this post is a product of Insanity Max:30, P90X3, and T25. I love these workouts. They are all a great combination of high intensity interval training and strength building. By no means are at home works the “best” option for everyone, but my experience is that they are just as effective, if not more effective, than going to the gym. If you feel like you can be more accountable and get good results if you go to the gym. Do what works best for you!
You just birthed a human being, and it’s awesome! But you are exhausted, and all of a sudden you have this new body that you don’t even recognize in the mirror.
Now let’s talk food. I am not a nutritionist, but I know what works for me and what doesn’t. I am a big proponent of “eat all the things” (in moderation, of course). I follow the 80/20 rule. 80% healthy food, 20% fun food. Now, while you are pregnant or breastfeeding you need to take in extra calories. Let your body be your guide. If you are hungry, eat. If you want a cookie, eat the cookie, just don’t eat the whole box. Here is what doesn’t work for me: limiting my calories to an unreasonable amount. If I lower my calories below 2,000, I will NOT lose fat. Why? Because my body goes into safe mode. This is super dangerous. If you are starved of calories your body will start taking those calories from other places, and while some people will lose weight initially with this method, once you start eating more calories you will gain that weight back, but some. So please, for your own sake, do not starve yourself fat. Also, I listen to my cravings. If I want something sweet, I have it. Because if I don’t I am more likely to binge.
Here’s why all this matters: being healthy isn’t just for you, it’s for your family and your friends. Exercise isn’t only about losing weight, it’s about getting your body healthy. The better your body works, the longer it will last.
So there you have it, my secrets to getting back into shape. And remember, it takes a couple of weeks to build up a habit. Make that habit a good one! Schedule in a workout 4-5 times per week. Do it the same time every day, if possible. Before you know it it will be part of your routine and you won’t want to miss it.
If you are interested in buying any Beachbody products, just shoot me a message and I will be happy to hook you up. I am also an Independent Beachbody Coach (because I can’t get enough of their programs), so I would love to help you on your road to fitness.