I have never EVER posted a transformation picture that showed more than just my face but here goes nothing.
My fitness focus (pre-baby) used to be on the weight I wanted to lose and what pants I wanted to be able to fit into. I failed to look at the things I want to gain. Through my pregnancy and postpartum journey, I gained increased confidence and appreciation for my body.
Pregnancy Fitness
My body (with God leading it all) transformed so much through my pregnancy and the months following my son’s birth. While pregnant I was cleared by my doctor to continue the same workout routine I had been following for many years (Read: My Fitness Story). My body was working overtime to create my perfect baby boy and moving it each day helped me feel my best. There definitely were lots of modifications and the pace was slowed down dramatically.
During this time, I focused on eating healthy and keeping active (all with my doctor’s approval of course- I mean I saw the doctor ALL the time so it was perfect to be able to ask him all the questions I had to make sure what I was doing was safe for me and the baby.) Was I perfect? No! Did I give in to pregnancy cravings? Yes! I am human.
Throughout my entire pregnancy, I had gained 45 lbs. (Note: This number is not something I have emotion tied to. It was not something to be proud of or disappointed about. It was just the number that this pregnancy resulted in and what my body did in order to have my little man.)
Birth & Six Weeks Postpartum
Caleb Andrew was born on September 1st, 2019. After his birth, I took a period of rest. My body needed time to recover and I needed sleep any chance I could get it.
Postpartum Fitness Transformation
About 6 weeks after Caleb was born, and with clearance from my doctor, I jumped back into my fitness routine. I started slowly. My body was definitely going to take time to rebuild strength and muscle tone. I found myself being so grateful for all my body could do! I chose to be consistent but take it slow and give myself grace through it all.
My goal through this was not to “bounce back” after the baby. The way I viewed and respected my body had evolved. My goals were to continue to :
- Eat healthy so that I could produce healthy milk for him and increased energy for me (because we all know I was not getting the sleep I needed).
- Move my body to rebuild muscle tone and gain strength so that I could carry around this ever-growing baby, play with him, and be present with him.
I committed to a 100-workout program with each workout being 20-30 minutes long. Some days I would do 2 workouts, others none. I completed the program in 93 days. In this time period, I lost 10 lbs, 2.5 inches around my waist, 2.5 inches around my hips, and 1 inch around each thigh. (Note: This does not include the natural weight loss that occurs with delivery and the 6 weeks postpartum.)
Lifelong Fitness
Health and fitness is a lifelong process. Sometimes the goal is to gain weight, other times it’s to lose weight. Sometimes it is to gain mental clarity or confidence. Sometimes it is to feel confident about yourself. Sometimes it is to set a good example for your children by showing them what to eat to maintain a balanced diet. While my goals have changed through life’s twists and turns, my lifelong plan is to live a healthy lifestyle through it all!
Your Turn
Join us in the Virtual Fit Club. Link arms with other incredible women to do life together. Workouts, meal plans, and community are all part of it. I’ll be right beside you and walk with you through everything. Join us in this journey and let’s crush our goals together.
Consult your physician and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program and nutrition plan.
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