But on the other hand, I kind of want to document how hard getting back into shape was/is, so future me will not take this lightly.
Ahh the summer before I got pregnant. I was the fittest I had ever been. That summer I completed one round of the Insanity DVD workout program, and as we began the 2012-2013 school year I was in the middle of my second round. I had tons of energy and I felt strong.
When I found out I was pregnant, I had every intention of staying fit and active throughout my 40 weeks. I thought I would gain the minimum amount of weight recommended, and the pounds would just fall off post baby. I think I forgot about how hard I had worked over the years to get to the fitness level I had reached in 2012. I forgot that I was not naturally that small. I also did not account for a miserable first trimester of nausea, exhaustion, headaches, and a stomach that only wanted bland carbs like crackers, toast, and cereal.
Unfortunately, I was unprepared and uninformed about fitness during pregnancy. Instead of pushing through the nausea and fatigue, I allowed myself to lay on the couch for hours on end, barely summoning the energy to pour a bowl of cereal. Now I know that working out regularly would have helped to reduce those symptoms, but at the time I probably wouldn't have even cared to do anything about it even if I did know.
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24 weeks pregnant |
Pippa's head poking out! Writing thank you notes just days before giving birth. |
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On our way out the door to have the C-Section! |
Now that we're done nursing, and Pippa is on a pretty good napping schedule, I have recommitted myself to working out at least 4 days per week. I have started the Insanity program again, and am reminded how good it feels to start my day with a good sweat session. I feel more energetic, cheerful, crave healthier foods, and it doesn't hurt that I'm starting to see muscle tone again!
Honestly, it was a blow to my motivation when I saw women all over the internet claiming the weight just melted off, or bragging about how they were down 10 pounds from their pre-pregnancy weight 3 months after having the baby. I know women like that exist, but I was definitely not one of them, and that kind of talk just made me feel inadequate that I actually had to do some work to get rid of the weight. On the other hand, I got so annoyed when I saw posts or articles about women who were proud to give up their figures for the sake of their children. What? I mean, I know it takes a lot of work and time, but come on! I wanna look good (oh yeah, and be strong and fit), not to mention set a good example for my child.
I have come to accept the reality that I need stop comparing myself to other women, and realize that losing weight is hard work - for me at least. So if you need me, I'll be up in the gym just workin' on my fitness (or in my living room sweating it out with Shaun T and the rest of the crew).
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