6 weeks post partum - some questions from fit BTDT moms

Before I got pregnant, I was very fit, was a size 4-6, worked out either daily or almost every day - cardio and weights...

During my pregnancy, I stopped working out for the most part because I had really bad morning sickness

Now I'm 6 wks post partum - I gained 40 pounds, lost 20 in the 1st week, and now am holding on to the last 20

Right now, I have just been going on long walks and doing short weight workl outs a few times a week - it is nothing like my previous work0out schedule, so I know I'm not going to feel fit again with this... Also, a lot of the time I get no sleep at night from my baby waking me up, so I'm not as energetic. I still go for long walks on most days with no sleep...

I am eating normally.

I am going to start my kickboxing classes again in September - in the summer I hike and do my workouts outdoors...

I would like to hear from moms who DID get back into pre-preggo shape - or better.

what types of workouts did you do? Any other tips? I need to hear I will get back into my clothes again. I am getting depressed...

Also, how long did it take?

TIA ladies!

Re: 6 weeks post partum - some questions from fit BTDT moms

I started getting back into working out at probably 5 weeks PP. I started out doing some light weight lifting and walking. I gradually lifted heavier as the weeks progressed.

It took me about 6 weeks to lose 15 lbs. (but it wasn't until about another month later that my hips finally shrunk back down to size). So at around 6 months PP I had lost the weight and was back to my normal size.

You're doing all the right things, so just be patient
Just keep eating right, focus on lifting light for now but gradually lifting heavier as you get stronger, and do interval training with your cardio (a period of high intensity followed by a period of lower intensity and going back and forth).

Be careful with kickboxing - relaxin, the hormone that loosens the ligaments, stays in the body for months after giving birth (even longer if you're BF'ing). I hurt my ankle just by turning it out slightly and wound up having to go to a Physical Therapist.

Message edited 5/16/2007 3:07:11 PM.

Re: 6 weeks post partum - some questions from fit BTDT moms

I have one piece of advice, ease back into it (which it sounds like you are doing). I started working out like a mad woman, running on my treadmill every night trying to pick up where I left off and I wound up with a stress fracture in my foot from doing too much too soon. Now I cant do anything (for about 6 weeks) including take care of or carry my twins.

Re: 6 weeks post partum - some questions from fit BTDT moms

Thanks ladies! Yes, I actually twisted my ankle on my due date walking, and was in pain with EVERYTHING after I gave birth - swollen ankle included - so I DO want to take it easy....

I feel like my hips are so wide and thats part of the problem fitting into clothing - I hope they get back to normal as well!!!

looking forward to posting on here more!

Re: 6 weeks post partum - some questions from fit BTDT moms

Well, I did Atkins (so that won't work for you as you are a vegan...hee). That helped A LOT, it also taught me about portion control....something that I never had to worry about before. I also bought this tape at Target, it had 3-10 minute workouts. One was more cardio/general, one was more weights oriented and one was more ab oriented. It took a while to be able to do all 3 workouts at once...for 10 minutes, it was TOUGH. eventually, I added weights to parts that didn't take weights just for the resistance.

I also found walking the mall a few times a week was A-helpful and B-motivation to get in shape for the new fashions! I had my first just as the waistlines on pants dropped from true waist to hips, so I wanted new stuff.

I pretty much waited until my 6 weeks were up to begin any of this. And I'm one of those ones who got back a "better" body! I think I will attempt something similar this time around...and maybe actually focus on my abs this time as well! BUT, it's best to be open-minded, some weeks weight will fall off, other weeks it will not.

Re: 6 weeks post partum - some questions from fit BTDT moms