Goal for It: Get your Pre-mom Figure Back

Goal # 1: Get your Pre-mom Figure Back

Every pregnant woman’s biggest fear is never getting her prenatal shape back - or worse, still looking pregnant even after having given birth months (or years!) after. Make this year the year you stop worrying about strangers asking you how far along you are!

January: Own the decision…
Andrea Mercado Miguel, New York-certified Romana’s Pilates instructor and certified TRX instructor, and Jon Garcia, personal trainer, agree that the first step to getting in shape is to decide you really want to do it.
“You have to be mentally prepared and physically determined,” says Garcia. Miguel adds that you have to commit to yourself. “You have to find that motivation within. For some, it’s plain vanity and that can be a huge motivator.” 

...and get clearance from your OB.
When women who have just given birth approach Miguel for a consultation, she always asks them to get clearance first from their obstetrician-gynecologist. “Especially if they delivered via CS,” she adds. “If they want to start six months after giving birth, that’s usually okay, but two to three months after birth requires clearance.” 

February: Do research.
If you’re determined to stick to a fitness program, Miguel suggests finding something you really enjoy. That way, it won’t be as much of a struggle. “If you can’t decide between yoga and pilates, for example, take a trial class and decide which one you prefer,” she suggests. It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you choose. “You just have to move.
Find something you really like that works for you, so you keep doing it.” Make a list of the different fitness programs that interest you, and try them all this month!

March: Sign up...
Miguel says it’s important to check your trainer’s credentials. “Ask for their qualifications because they’re dealing with your body and your well-being.” And make sure you’re comfortable with your teacher. If you aren’t, it can sabotage your best efforts.  

...and start!
“Take that first step,” Miguel encourages. “That’s usually the hardest step.” Even after you’ve motivated yourself, bought all the gym outfits, and signed up for the classes, none of that would matter if you don’t show up on your first day.

Although there are many different ways of working out, Garcia advises, “Start with cardio training combined with weight-training or lifting, much like a circuit workout.” Your program will depend on your body and your trainer. On the other hand, Miguel says, “You don’t need to use weights. Your body resistance alone is weight, and your body is weight, too.”

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April: Schedule it.
It’s time to focus on your fitness goals. How quickly do you want to get back in shape, and how much time can you devote to it?
Garcia says, “The longer time spent on workouts, the faster and better the results are attained. The usual sessions are three to four days a week, one hour each.” If you can’t do this, Miguel recommends, “Once a week is better than nothing.” But it will take some time before you see results. “You can also exercise two to three times a week for an hour,” she says. “Remember to let your body recover in between the workout sets.”  

May: See the difference!
Only a month into your exercise program, Garcia says you will already see and feel improvements in your body. Miguel says most people can feel them much sooner. “Once you start, you feel good afterwards. The minute you feel good about yourself, you look good as well.”

June: Stay motivated, but start to make changes.
Garcia says that after a month or two of your regular workout, you will need to change your routine because your muscles become “complacent.” Don’t worry too much about this. Your trainer should be able to spot when you need a change. Always feel free to ask your trainer or instructor questions. Don’t fall into the dyahe trap when it comes to something as important as your health.

July: Enlist help when laziness kicks in.
Your biggest enemy when it comes to working out is laziness or fatigue. It’s so easy to say, “I’ll just go tomorrow,” till a whole bunch of tomorrows turns into months of missed sessions. Ask your friends to help spur you along. They can act as personal cheerleaders or drill sergeants - whichever is more effective in getting you off your butt.

August: Rejoice and switch goals.
It’s possible to have accomplished your short-term goal by now. If that happens, Miguel suggests looking for another goal to keep you going. Physical fitness should be a lifestyle, not something you try to do before a high school reunion, she says. If you have been eating right, you should have already been back in your pre-pregnancy shape by now, says Garcia. “It usually takes six to eight months of workout plus good dieting.”

However, Miguel doesn’t believe in depriving yourself of food, especially if you’re breastfeeding. “If you’re breastfeeding and working out, then you’re a champion,” she says. “I wouldn’t have lost as much weight as I did if I weren’t breastfeeding.”
 
September: Keep going!
If you’ve come this far, you’re close to making physical fitness a lifestyle. Criselle Panlilio-Alejandro, mom to Sophia, 3, says, “Your goal should not really be weight loss, but to be physically fit and healthy. Have some form of regular exercise and eat right. There is nothing more important than keeping your body in good condition.”

Tomorrow: Goal # 2: Make your first investment

Photo from flickr creative commons