Marli is turning one in mid-March and I am absolutely determined to get back into shape by then. I underestimated how challenging it would be…silly naive girl. It will be tough, but I can’t wait to see my results! I will documenting my progress each week and also sharing some of my workouts with you. I saw these quotes (1|2) and had to share it with you:
PRE-BABY: I’ve always led a pretty active lifestyle. I played sports, exercised 4-5 times a week, and ate (fairly) healthy. Once in a while, I would fall off the workout routine or slip up on my diet for a month or so, but I always found my way back. I was younger then and my metabolism was MUCH better than it is now. These images are from our last vacation in the Caribbean right before we found out I was expecting (June 2012). I worked my ass off to get in shape. We hadn’t had a vacation in almost 2 years so this was definitely motivation to get back into shape. Eating clean, lifting heavy, and doing HIIT (high intensity interval training) were my best friends. :) I was 5’8”, 130lbs, and about 12% body fat. (Later, you’ll see how differently 130lbs can look.)
DURING PREGNANCY: My pregnancy went pretty well. I was extremely tired the 1st month, had lingering nausea during month #2, and the typical back aches later in the last trimester, but Marli was very kind to me otherwise. All in all, I gained 30 lbs during my pregnancy. I walked 20-30 minutes 5 times a week and staying on my feet at work helped a lot to keep me active and moving. I honestly think the exercise helped move the baby along during labor. Here are a few shots of my growing belly. By the 8th month, I was laying or sitting every chance I could. Waddling was in full effect!
POST-BABY: So, I had this crazy and completely naive idea that once the baby arrived, my body would go back to “normal” within a couple weeks and I could resume life (i.e. working out) as normal. WRONG! I didn’t take any photos right after the baby was born (which I now regret), but these photos are from month 1, 2, and 3.
* * *Fun fact: Guess what my weight for Month 1, 2, and 3 were. I was 130lbs (pre-baby weight), but look how different my body looks each month! Crazy right? My point in stressing this is simple – don’t just goal for being thin/slim. Strive for a healthy, strong, and fit body! Your body will love you for it.* * *
- Month One: I was back to my pre-baby weight (130lbs), but I could not fit into my jeans for the life of me. What the hell? Then, I realized that my body had changed – my thighs were bigger, I had a belly, and I grew these hips that came out of nowhere. During my 1st week of working out, I think I cried at least once or twice from being so weak. My endurance sucked and I literally had to start at ground zero. But, I knew that progress, however little, was still progress and I was patient with myself.
- Month Two: I continued eating 5-6 balanced, healthy meals a day to fuel my body. Eating clean is key!!! I lifted weights, did some interval training, and incorporated workouts to fire my abdominal muscles every chance I got. I started seeing my abs again (amen!) and my thighs were beginning to tone up. PROGRESS baby!
- Month Three: Right before I went back to work, I posted these two images on my Instagram. I was so proud of myself. Since then, I have yet to get a consistent workout routine in place. Boo. Any new mothers in the same boat as me? I think finding TIME is the hardest factor, but like they say “if it’s important to you, you will find time.”
HERE & NOW: Now that the holidays are over and it’s the beginning of a new year, I am starting with a clean slate. My goal is to gain a leaner, toner, stronger body. It’s not about just being skinny or slim!! All of that means nothing to me if I can’t be strong and fit. I snapped a couple images before bed last night so sorry for the poor quality. Mama was very tired. My belly is slowly growing again, my once perky butt is no more, and I have lost a TON of muscle in my legs. Remember my 2014 GOALS list? I need to beef up these arms so I can do some real push-ups. Do you have any great workouts you do? Please share! I am always looking for new and fun ways to sweat it out. I am currently 5’8”, 137 lbs and at about 24% body fat. Here’s to Day 1 – a RAWR in training. Let’s go!
Hi Linh! Just found your blog and so happy I did. I’m a new mommy too and I am still trying to get back in shape. You are so right – it’s tough when there aren’t enough hours in the day! Can’t wait to see your progress and workout tips.
-Grace
OMG Linh! So glad you started blogging again. I was wondering where you’ve been. Wow. So much has happened and congrats on your beautiful family and baby. Love this post. You still look great and good luck on “bringing sexy back.” Haha PS-Let’s collaborate! I’ll message you.
Hi! Just found your blog. Love this post. I am a personal trainer and I cannot emphasize how important it is to be strong and fit not to be skinny. So, thank you for mentioning this. You were really fit and I am sure you will bounce right back now that the holidays are over. Be patient and be consistent. Keep your body guessing. Would love to see some of your meal plans. Thanks for sharing this! -MJ
Whoa. You just motivated me to get back into the gym. Do you have a training/nutrition background? It’s nice to know that even a fit woman can struggle with getting back into shape after having a baby. My sister was the same way so this is humbling of you to post. Love the quotes – so true!
So inspiring! You go girl!!
oh wow im so inspired seeing this! thanks for sharing!
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Linh! you look amazing & didnt know you had a baby! welcome back & thanks for stopping by!