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Yes, you can compete shortly after having a baby!!
Greetings new moms! Wanted to post my BodyProud story, and how it all began!
I was always into fitness and working out--known as a health nut. I danced most of my life was pretty lucky to be able to stay fairly thin most of my life. But I had never really been into weight training, I did mostly kickboxing, aerobics, pilates etc. Before having a baby, I had a flat stomach, but never had abs to speak of, and like many women, I didn't mind how I looked from the front--but please--never take a picture of me from the back!!
Much to my husbands and my joy, I became pregnant in December 2007. I tried to get into good shape pre-pregnancy--and I was--for me anyway. I ate healthy and worked out 5 days a week--but just mostly running on the treadmill. I tried to remain as active as I could while I was pregnant---but I had REALLY bad morning sickness for 4 months, and when that was done, the intense sciatica kicked in. I ended up at the chiropractor and massage therapy every week because of the pain. I thought I would never be the same again! Walking up the stairs and rolling over in bed became painful---this pregnancy stuff was not fun at all I thought!
But I perservered, and our little angel Sienna was born on July 30, 2008. 3 weeks early, 6 pounds 6 ounces. I managed to give birth drug free....so I was very happy about that!
Then, after a few months, I starting thinking (as all moms do)---- is my body ever going to be the same again??? I have 10+ lbs to lose, but now I have this pooch! Whats up with that?? Maybe I'll just have to settle for this new body. That statement alone scared me so much that I decided it might be a good idea to see a trainer for a few sessions.
The workouts were going very well, she definitely kicked my butt. It didn't take long and I was slowly starting to feel more confident. My friend who also was working with the same trainer told me she was thinking about competing. WOW, I said...I don't think I could do that (this friend was further ahead than me in terms of fitness)...I didn't think I would do well at all.
But, it got my mind thinking---maybe I could do it?? My trainer, who is a long time figure competitor warmed me up to the idea---and gave me a lot of confidence and said I could do awesome! Ok, maybe I'll give it a try! I started out only entering into the bikini category---no way I'd be able to get 'ripped'to do Fitness Model. So my serious training began in Jan '09. I would wake up at 6am to get to the gym before baby woke up. My hubby would get up with her. Then, I had dumbells at home to do weights. We decided to invest in a treadmill, so I did that in the afternoons while she napped. Sundays I was always prepping food for the upcoming week---while my husband was home so I could fire off a ton of chicken breasts with no interruption!
With the diet and workouts, I couldn't believe how my body was transforming! I'd never looked like this before! Then March came--the month I was to compete at Fame Regionals in Vancouver. I was so nervous, but confident. I came a lot farther than I thought I would so I entered Fitness Model---was I doing the right thing? I hoped so!
The last few weeks of training was tough. Sienna was 7 months old by then, teething, so there were nights I was not getting much sleep, and of course I was very carb depleted and cranky on top of that! By the last week I was done, but excited! Home stretch! The day before was great---got my spray tan and mentally prepared for the day ahead.
Saturday--show day. Woke up so excited. Rushed off to get my hair and makeup done and make it to the theatre for pre-judging. All my hard work was paying off. Sunday morning posing practice every week, days and days of chicken and green beans! Being so exhauseted yet still taking care of a baby. I was so proud of myself. I'm 28, and I was standing beside girls in their early 20's that have never had a baby.
And how did it all end?? I came in 4th place in Fitness Model---the category I never thought I would do well at in a million years!
I LOVED the experience and being on stage at FAME---brought me back to my years of dancing. The next month I then competed again at WBFF and came 6th place in Fitness Model (out of 35) and 8th in Bikini! I've found my passion---it keeps me motivated. Looking forward to the future and getting my Pro Card in Fitness Model! I've also been inspired to continue courses to become a Personal Trainer (I had always thought about doing it). Now, everything will be more of a challenge as I prepare to go back to work full time, compete, and juggle having a husband, 1 year old and a social life! It can be done!! Coffee has become my new best friend! HA!
Yours in Health,
Kristine
I was always into fitness and working out--known as a health nut. I danced most of my life was pretty lucky to be able to stay fairly thin most of my life. But I had never really been into weight training, I did mostly kickboxing, aerobics, pilates etc. Before having a baby, I had a flat stomach, but never had abs to speak of, and like many women, I didn't mind how I looked from the front--but please--never take a picture of me from the back!!
Much to my husbands and my joy, I became pregnant in December 2007. I tried to get into good shape pre-pregnancy--and I was--for me anyway. I ate healthy and worked out 5 days a week--but just mostly running on the treadmill. I tried to remain as active as I could while I was pregnant---but I had REALLY bad morning sickness for 4 months, and when that was done, the intense sciatica kicked in. I ended up at the chiropractor and massage therapy every week because of the pain. I thought I would never be the same again! Walking up the stairs and rolling over in bed became painful---this pregnancy stuff was not fun at all I thought!
But I perservered, and our little angel Sienna was born on July 30, 2008. 3 weeks early, 6 pounds 6 ounces. I managed to give birth drug free....so I was very happy about that!
Then, after a few months, I starting thinking (as all moms do)---- is my body ever going to be the same again??? I have 10+ lbs to lose, but now I have this pooch! Whats up with that?? Maybe I'll just have to settle for this new body. That statement alone scared me so much that I decided it might be a good idea to see a trainer for a few sessions.
The workouts were going very well, she definitely kicked my butt. It didn't take long and I was slowly starting to feel more confident. My friend who also was working with the same trainer told me she was thinking about competing. WOW, I said...I don't think I could do that (this friend was further ahead than me in terms of fitness)...I didn't think I would do well at all.
But, it got my mind thinking---maybe I could do it?? My trainer, who is a long time figure competitor warmed me up to the idea---and gave me a lot of confidence and said I could do awesome! Ok, maybe I'll give it a try! I started out only entering into the bikini category---no way I'd be able to get 'ripped'to do Fitness Model. So my serious training began in Jan '09. I would wake up at 6am to get to the gym before baby woke up. My hubby would get up with her. Then, I had dumbells at home to do weights. We decided to invest in a treadmill, so I did that in the afternoons while she napped. Sundays I was always prepping food for the upcoming week---while my husband was home so I could fire off a ton of chicken breasts with no interruption!
With the diet and workouts, I couldn't believe how my body was transforming! I'd never looked like this before! Then March came--the month I was to compete at Fame Regionals in Vancouver. I was so nervous, but confident. I came a lot farther than I thought I would so I entered Fitness Model---was I doing the right thing? I hoped so!
The last few weeks of training was tough. Sienna was 7 months old by then, teething, so there were nights I was not getting much sleep, and of course I was very carb depleted and cranky on top of that! By the last week I was done, but excited! Home stretch! The day before was great---got my spray tan and mentally prepared for the day ahead.
Saturday--show day. Woke up so excited. Rushed off to get my hair and makeup done and make it to the theatre for pre-judging. All my hard work was paying off. Sunday morning posing practice every week, days and days of chicken and green beans! Being so exhauseted yet still taking care of a baby. I was so proud of myself. I'm 28, and I was standing beside girls in their early 20's that have never had a baby.
And how did it all end?? I came in 4th place in Fitness Model---the category I never thought I would do well at in a million years!
I LOVED the experience and being on stage at FAME---brought me back to my years of dancing. The next month I then competed again at WBFF and came 6th place in Fitness Model (out of 35) and 8th in Bikini! I've found my passion---it keeps me motivated. Looking forward to the future and getting my Pro Card in Fitness Model! I've also been inspired to continue courses to become a Personal Trainer (I had always thought about doing it). Now, everything will be more of a challenge as I prepare to go back to work full time, compete, and juggle having a husband, 1 year old and a social life! It can be done!! Coffee has become my new best friend! HA!
Yours in Health,
Kristine
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Marilyse on -
wow what an inspirational story =) you look fantastic and congratulations on Sienna and your placing !
I had a baby in 2007 as well, and I competed in FAME West 2008 and to my surprise..took 1st in Fitness Model! I just had another baby boy May 25th, 09 and am prepping to compete in April 2010.. its tough.. ! Finding the time with a toddler (2.5 yr old) and a new baby.. (he was 10 weeks early!).. motivation sometimes is lacking.. i love to hear stories of other moms in the same boat..you go girl!
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Permalink Reply by Kristine Fretwell on -
Just wanted to see how your doing Marilyse!! How are your little ones??? I can imagine its gotten a lot busier with two!! Hopefully your 2.5 year old likes to 'help' with the baby ;)
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Permalink Reply by Kristine Fretwell on
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Gloria, WOW! You've got a great base to work with! Pregnancy sure suited you-----all belly! Too cute!!! You could definitely hit that stage and show all the other moms what it takes to be body proud! Really, its all in the planning and preparation when it comes to competing! Hope you decide to give it a try sometime! At times its definitely tough to balance it all---but it sure is an amazing accomplishment!!!
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Permalink Reply by Roxanne McCleary on -
I had a baby girl just over 2 weeks ago, and I'm eager to get back in shape (I was very, VERY lazy through this pregnancy, gained 50 lbs. and I'm trying not to get too discouraged about how far I need to go). Anyway, my question to all of you is in regards to dieting and nursing. Should I be eating a regular fitness competitor's diet, or do I need to eat a bit more to fuel the breastfeeding? Any help with this is much appreciated!
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Permalink Reply by Lori Chinnery on -
Hey Roxanne and all you other fit and fab moms out there!
I am also a proud and fit mother of 2 beautiful children and training for my first competion this April. I plan on doing 4 shows this season and I can say that finding time train, eat, and spend time with my family can be a big challenge somedays but totally worth it.
In regards to your question about breast feeding and dieting I would strong advise you NOT to be following a competion diet plan at this stage in your baby's development. As your baby is only getting all her nutritional needs met thru your nursing cutting calories and restricting specific foods will comprimise your milk supply. You can make sure to eat clean and healthy foods, but you need lots of calcium, iron and folate in your diet right now. Once your baby is on a mixture of solids and milk then I think its a much safer and wiser time to tighten up your diet if you wanted.
I started my diet for this show when my son was 9 months old so he was eating plently of solids at that time. I nursed him up untill his 1 year birthday but I have stopped now. I don't think I could function on the diet and nursing at the same time, plus I eat little to no dairy or red meat so it would really tap my supplies. Anyways hope that helps you out, best of luck with your future in competiting!
Hot and Fit moms RULE!!!!
Lori
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Permalink Reply by Kristine Fretwell on
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Lori, you are definitely right. I also would not recommend a 'contest prep diet' when breastfeeding. I started my more intense training/diet when I was unable to breastfeed any longer....
Stay Healthy & Body Proud to my fellow Mom's!!!
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Permalink Reply by Roxanne McCleary on
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Thanks, ladies, for your prompt replies! I kind of figured I needed to eat more "normally", but you'd be surprised how hard it is to find info on this! Anyway, it's kind of a relief to not worry so much about food - I'd forgotten how much work a newborn can be, especially when they don't sleep! Right now, I will just concentrate on getting my strength and cardio levels back up.
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Permalink Reply by Kristine Fretwell on
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That sounds like a great plan Roxanne. Just listen to your body, feed it healthy foods and don't worry as much about calories etc. right now. Even just going for long walks with the stroller is great cardio and will build up your endurance slowly. Then once you are ready for more, it will be easier! Take care and enjoy your sleep (when you get it that is! ha!)
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