Getting Back into Shape After Pregnancy

Shedding the extra pounds after pregnancy is a challenge for most women. After having endured nine months of pregnancy, going back to your normal size takes time, patience and hard work. So how do you do it? How can you lose the extra weight and gain back your old shape?

Here are some real advice from the Pros on how they got back into shape after pregnancy:

“My experience was tough post pregnancy. Little known to anyone I was actually a size 14 six weeks after having my son from a size 4. I DID NOT pop right back into my skinny jeans and cute tops. I was still wearing my maternity clothing 3 months after!! Do not get discouraged… my saying on this is, ‘It took 9 months to put the weight on and it may 9 months to get it off.’ If you can only imagine the mental aspect of being a size 14, when you have NEVER had to worry about your weight it is emotionally difficult.

The biggest lesson I learned was to not be so hard on yourself. Take it one day at a time and focus on getting yourself into a good routine. If you are breast feeding, DO NOT cut your calories to low or you will not be able to produce enough breast milk and this can compromise your babies health and nutrition that is vital. It is better to sacrifice this short period of time in your life for their health… trust me it is only temporary. Before you blink they will be walking and talking and you will wish you had those moments back. “

Model Universe Champion Melissa Cary, Mother of 2

“I had gained so much weight during my pregnancy. I took a liking to Oreos and milk every night. It took me about 9 months to get it all back off. I set a goal for myself to compete in my first competition that’s what drove me to get my pounds off. I feel like at that moment it was like a crossroads, I could have gone either path in my life. I know I wanted to better myself and feel good about my body again so I worked my tail off getting there. It was HARD work, but the feeling of accomplishment afterward was worth every bit of sweat, growling stomach and sore muscle that I felt during those 9 months.”

Fitness Model/Fitness Competitor Ashley Horner, Mother of 2

“With my first baby I gained 50 pounds. I had “kankels!” I felt for the first time what it was like to be overweight and I remember feeling down about it. It was hard on me. I worked on getting back into the gym and eating better. But, this was years before I was training as a fitness competitor. Perhaps it would have happened faster if I had known then what I know now. I know it would have!

As you know, the loose abdominal skin and extra 20+lbs on the frame can be very discouraging. I absolutely understand! And, I believe with the right diet along with exercise you can get your body back or better than before. It is a true commitment on the diet front. The diet is the magic. I also think women do not do enough weight resistance.

They often fear they will get too much muscle. For me, I think weight training is the “Fountain of Youth!” That is how you sculpt your body. With more muscle, you burn more fat naturally. I see a lot of women who just “run” for their exercise regimen. Ladies, lift those weights! It adds curves in all the right places, it tightens, lifts, and tones, and it’s good for your bones!”

WBFF Competitor Jessica Lamoureaux Barnard, Mother of 3