It's hard on the body having a baby.
It's hard on the body after having a baby, too. It truly takes a long time for a woman's body to go back to normal, and I'm not sure it ever really does. It needs a lot of help, that's for sure.
I ran my first (and hopefully last) half marathon when TJ was 10 months old. I worked out when Julia was in my belly, up until the week before I had her, and started again when she turned 8 weeks old and I could take her to the daycare at the gym. I am by no means a fitness freak, I am in ok - not great - shape but I love going to the gym for the social aspect, as well as the physical feelingI get from being there. Plus it helps negate my beer and chocolate habits. I like to think so anyway.
Back at the gym today for the first time in a long time, due to vacation, family obligations, etc. Walk with the kids into the daycare so I could go work out. Another mom brings in her little baby - he looked like a king, the way his hat was perched on top of his head. Of course, being the chit-chatty thing that I am, I comment on it and this led to a conversation. It turns out he is only three months old.
I end up on a treadmill next to her finishing 15 minutes on the elliptical and 20 on the bike. "How long does it take to get back in shape?" she asks me. I have to laugh, because I don't feel like I am in shape. "Oh you look great," she tells me. Thanks! Just the ego boost I need. She can't see the numbers on my scale, thank goodness.
Poor thing is probably sorry she asked me, because she got all the advice I have on working out. I read the magazines and the websites, so it's all in my brain. Do I follow it? No. Well, sometimes.
Here is what I told her. This is the Anne Method, which is in no means, form, or way sanctioned by any official fitness regulation group. Take it for what's it worth.
#1. Mix things up. Take classes. Don't do 30 minutes on the treadmill, the elliptical or the bike every time you go to the gym. Take an hour long spin class, or a weight class. It will be hard, but so what? So was having a baby.
#2. Try intervals. Go fast for one minute, slow down for one or two. It gives you a burst that you wouldn't normally get, and it certainly gets your heart rate up. I'm convinced this boosts your metabolism as well.
#3. Use weights, especially on your problem areas. Every woman has an area that they don't like, they can be 5'10" and weigh 130, they still think they have a big (pick one) butt, thighs, belly. Ridiculous? Yes. True? Yes. Getting strong through using weights is one of the easiest way to build self-esteem at the gym.
#4. Be gentle to yourself. You may not lose any weight at first. But stick with it, people will start to notice, even if your scale is not reflecting weight loss. Post-partum, your body may change and you may need to go up a size in jeans, but if you are rocking a pair of cute jeans, looking toned, it doesn't matter what size they are.