A week has past since our beautiful baby girl was born. On one hand, I can’t believe it’s already
been a week since she was born, and yet, on the other hand, I cannot believe I’m
holding a little human being who is 7 days old….absolutely amazing! For her birth, I was able to have my second
fully natural, drug-free delivery; something that was extremely important to
me. And although I know that all women
can do this, I truly believe that my training in the martial arts
(bringing me mental and emotional focus
and control) along with my continued exercise throughout my pregnancy (which
kept my body fit and strong), allowed me to have the natural childbirth with
more ease. In fact, this time around, my
husband, midwife, doula, and I told jokes and stories until the last critical moments;
it was truly a joyous experience.
Okay, so
where are we at for the first week?
Total
pregnancy weight gain: 35 lbs.
Weight loss
after first week: 15 lbs.
Being that
new moms really aren’t supposed to do much of anything for at least the first 2
weeks postpartum (our internal bodies need time to heal), I do not have any
type of exercise routine started yet. In
fact, I probably won’t have one started for until after week 6 (once my fabulous
midwife gives me the a-okay). However,
as my body heals, I will be able to walk, play with my son, and move more and
more…slowly strengthening my body back up.
What I’m
going to be looking for in myself during the months ahead is getting back the
full-body muscle tone I had before the pregnancy. I also will be counting down the pant sizes
as my hips and body return to their pre-pregnancy state. I know many people are all about counting the
pounds, but to me, there is so much change that my body will continue to go
through over the next week (hello milk!), that I think muscle tone and clothing
size will be a more accurate judge of getting back to where I want to be physically
(back to pre-pregnancy shape). For those
of you out there wanting to lose weight, I would encourage you to try this
method as well. Checking your weight
daily can be discouraging…instead, look for a looser waist in your pants or increased
definition in your arms or core; then weight in every few weeks to see where
you’re at.
Until next
week…
The Booty Blaster!
Begin on your hands and knees with your knees under your
hips. Stagger your hands so that your
right hand is in front of you and your left hand in under your left armpit;
this position will help you twist your hips to get your leg up higher. As always, pull your belly in to support your
lower back, open your chest, and keep your head lifted. Now comes the fun part. Lift your left knee up as high as you can,
trying to pull it up toward your shoulder while keeping your foot pulled in
tight; you should instantly feel this in your left core and derriere (booty)
muscles. Keeping the knee in this
position, you are going to extend your foot out until your leg is straight;
hold for a count of 5 and then pull your foot back in. Repeat 3 more times slow, and then go for a
speed round, going as fast as you can for 30 seconds-1 minute. Repeat on the right side. To perk up that backside, do 2-3 rounds,
alternating sides at least 3 times each week.
