When Baby Complicates Weight Loss Goals – What’s a Mom to Do?
Today, we introduce you to Kelly, a teacher and lover of sweet treats. Like many women, she struggled with weight. In 2007, she made a commitment to health and began working with a trainer. She lost weight, and began running, and even began racing! Then, not yet at her goal weight and just as she was registering for a half-marathon (you go!), she discovered she was pregnant. She found herself sick and lethargic for the first few months- we can relate! While her joy was growing, her fitness plans were turned upside down. We are privileged to have her here, documenting her last weeks of pregnancy and her return to fitness after her baby arrives. Can’t wait to see how it goes!
Fitness has always been something that I struggled with. In high school I played soccer, mostly for fun and to spend time with my friends. In college, I had to take gym classes, but I was afraid of getting in a swimsuit in front of 25 other people, especially since my college was 75% male. Or playing a sport that was extremely competitive. So I took bowling and a wellness class. I got most of my exercise from waitressing and walking to campus.
I got engaged before I graduated and as soon as school was over I knew something had to change. I immediately checked out a gym in the city I was moving too and signed up. I also got a package with a few personal trainer sessions.
This is what I looked like when I started training, 2007.
I worked hard on my fitness and eating and was happy with where I was going. I started entering 5K’s and adding different types of fitness in to my regimen.
This is what I looked like at my wedding in 2008.
In the summer of 2010, I entered my first difficult race, the Spartan Race. While my race time may not be ideal for many, I completed the race and that is more than a lot of people can say. I decided after that race that I wanted to increase my running and strength training and set new and harder goals for myself.
Then everything changed. I was all ready to register for a half-marathon for the spring of 2011 when I found out I was pregnant. I am more than ecstatic to be a mom, but it really threw my fitness for a loop. I was not at my goal weight yet, and still had many milestones I wanted to meet.
For the first 5 months of my pregnancy, I did light strength workouts with my trainer and some jogging and walking on my own. I was very very sick for those 5 months, so my energy was low and I had a hard time really working out.
Eventually, everything came to a head. I was sick, I was sore, I was worried about my baby, even though I knew he was okay, and I was constantly exhausted. I struggled with working out, and mostly just walked a lot and did a lot of stretching.
When I started to get my energy back was when I started gaining a baby bump. Then I took a big fall, just while walking mind you, and I realized I just needed to take it easy for the next 2 months. I struggle with not being able to be as active, but I know I can get back into my fitness once I have the baby and my doctor clears me for workouts. I don’t ever want to get back to where I was in 2007! Look for me on this blog to read about my last weeks of pregnancy, and my postpartum fitness struggles and successes.
Follow Kelly on Twitter and check out her blog Cupcake Kelly’s!
So, what’s your take? What should a mom-to-be do when trying to balance weight loss goals and pregnancy?
The post When Baby Complicates Weight Loss Goals – What’s a Mom to Do? appeared first on Fit Pregnancy Starts Here - The For Two Fitness Blog.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in The Motherhood- The Blog
How To: Getting Nutrition During Pregnancy: The Alphas and Omegas
Do you ever worry that you’re not getting enough nutrients from real food during pregnancy? Are you familiar with the Alphas and Omegas of pregnancy? Read the “nutrition during pregnancy” basics as it relates to alphas and omegas from fit mom and wellness expert, Kasey Shuler.
Alphas and Omegas. What are they and what do you need to know about how they impact nutrition during pregnancy?..
Put on Your Maternity Workout Clothes and Enjoy a Fit Pregnancy
Having trouble finding the motivation to get off of the sofa and to the gym? You’re not alone: many mamas-to-be struggle with decreased energy levels, increased aches and pains, and other deterrents which can interfere with staying active. However, fitness is an important part of enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are some things you can do to stay motivated...
Did you know? : 5 Fabulous Reasons to Give Maternity Yoga a Go
Maternity yoga, or yoga done during the course of your pregnancy, is a safe way to exercise and can actually help prepare the body for childbirth. If you’re looking for a way to stay fit or to increase your fitness level safely during pregnancy, read on for some great reasons to give maternity yoga a try...
For Two Fitness
Author