Mom-ME! Fitness Club

by Maria Kang.

I officially became a mother on January 8, 2009. My son Christian was born a healthy 7lbs and 14oz with a full head of hair! Throughout my pregnancy I monitored my food intake in a journal, I performed light-resistant workouts 3-4 times a week and I supplemented daily with prenatal vitamins and protein shakes. As a result, I gained a healthy 35lbs and didn’t experience water retention or excessive stretch marks.

Two weeks post-labor I lost 20lbs. Four weeks later I lost an additional 10lbs. Now, I’m working on those last five pounds to get to my pre-pregnancy weight. My belly has flattened, my hips are tightening and my body confidence is rising again. While it feels empowering to regain a body that was not ‘mine’ for ten months, getting my physique back still comes with varying emotions of frustration, dissatisfaction and fatigue.

Since my son’s birth, I haven’t been able to sleep through one night without him crying in need of food or a diaper change. My entire schedule revolves around his feedings and what I call his ‘fussy moments’. In addition to the baby, I have laundry, meals, dishes, articles, work and working out to complete on a daily basis. Life has definitely changed, however, with these changes comes a stronger need to focus on my physical goals even though time is often scarce.

For many mothers, exercising can be seen as a ‘selfish act’, a time they could be spending finishing chores or spending with their children. However, I’ve always viewed exercise as an essential daily act, for in order to be strong mentally, physically and spiritually for everyone around you, you must strengthen and maintain the temple your soul exists inside: your body.

I workout every morning around 6am after I nurse Christian. During my 1.5 hour session I perform approximately 45 minutes of weight training and anywhere between 30-45 minutes of cardio. It’s a dedicated act that requires a lot of personal motivation. However, once it’s done, it’s done! Then you can focus on all the other priorities you have for the day, including caring for your little children.

Here are my top 6 tips to becoming fit fast after having a baby:

1) Breastfeed! It will contract and shrink your uterus.

2) Plan to be fit before you become pregnant.

3) Write down everything you eat in a food journal. Do this during pregnancy and post-labor.

4) Do not focus on strict dieting. Focus on nourishing your body with healthy foods for your baby.

5) Go on high intensity, run/walks with your baby outside when you can.

6) Take your supplements. I personally consistently consumed my multivitamin, calcium, EFA’s, and protein shake throughout my whole pregnancy and post-labor.

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