New to Board and need some help

[Sumo'sBaby]

Hi I'm new to this board and I really need some help. I just had a baby 4 months ago. I've been really working hard at trying to get back in shape but it seems like I'm not the same any more physically and mentally. I'm very exhausted and very disappointed in myself. Before getting pregnant I worked out with weights and I lifted heavy. When I got pregnant I was put on bed rest for medical reasons. I ate right and gained maybe 35-40lbs while I was pregnant. Now, I think I'm 15 lbs over my pre pregnancy weight. My question is for you mom's with hard bodies. Will I ever get a flat stomach again? Most of my friends and in the magazine/books I've read they've all said that the pouch will always be there. It also seems that my body has rejected working out with weights. Is that possible or am I not giving myself enough time to recover. Where do I start? I feel like all those years of training really hard has gone down the drain.

 

[Sumo'sBaby]

Thanks spatterson! How long did it take you to get to 12% bf? And when did you find the time to work out? I'm getting up at 4am just to make it to the gym so I can get back before my husband goes to work to take care of my baby. It's rough but if I don't get up and do it I'll never do it at all.

 

[VooDoo Lady]

Hi There! I have a 5 yo (he'll be 5 on March 9th) little boy. Congrats on the new addition to your family!

I doubt HIGHLY all of your hard work has gone down the drain!!! They may have gotten a little wet then a little rusty, but once you get crankin', it'll ALL come rushing back.

I didn't have a flat stomach before, during, or after having my son! It was only about 6 months ago that I discovered these lovely little things called "abs." So, I suspect that if you had 'em before, you'll have 'em again!

4 months isn't a very long time! Don't get frustrated with yourself yet! It took 9 months to put on, you're not going to get rid of it in 4.....

Not sure what else to add....other than take a look at my before and after pics to know that there can be abs after a baby!


VDL

 

[_mo23]

I have a 3yr old boy and a 1yr old girl. I still don't have the stomach I used to,but it's getting there! Plus, with a new baby, your so tired and overwhelmed, it's hard to find time for anything! I think it just takes time.

 

[new@gettinbig]

You came to a great place for info Welcome!!!! Give yourself a little break, you are being way to hard on yourself..you just had a little one..which is a miracle but also a lot of work!!! Be patient and you will get where you want to be. I have a 4 yr old..so I can relate.

The weight does come off...you have to be consistent and just give it a little time..You won't be the same right away, mentally or physically. It takes a lot out of you and you go through a lot of different emotions. Set some goals for yourself and keep positive. Read the boards for info and inspiration. What is your diet like now?? Are you training now and if so how are you training? Have a little faith in yourself...you can do just about ANYTHING you set your mind to...we will help you as much as possible...

Give us more details so we can better help you as much as we can...do a few searches as well..any topics of interest to you are probably on here somewhere...you will read a lot of experiences and tips that will help you, so you can avoid some of the mistakes we made along the way...Take care of yourself and your little one

 

[Sumo'sBaby]

Thank you ladies. I think that's what I really needed to hear. That it takes time. I was being very unrealistic about getting back in shape so quickly and being hard on myself.

Right now, I'm back at square one. I'm not lifting so intense because I don't want to injure myself and let my progress prolong itself. This is my routine:

Monday-Chest, bi's and forearms
Tuesday-Legs and abs
Wednesday-off
Thursday-Back, shoulders and tri's
Friday-off

I'm allowing myself 30 sec rest between each set so I can keep my heart rate up and skip doing cardio for now. Each day I train I'll refer back to the amount of weights I used at my last training session and go up in weight a little bit each time.

Diet is pretty sensible. A lot of protein, good carbs, essential fats, and lots of water.

Thanks again...

 

[wyst]

I didn't realize any of you but Spatts and Bmom had kids. I'm just in awe. I hope to someday look as good as you guys do *before* I have a kid (if ever).

You're my heros!

Collectively!

LOL

Wyst

 

[takniteasy]

WL,

You are so damn funny! I am just checking new posts real quick and needed a good laugh this a.m.

Thanks for the humor

BTW, good observation

 

[Temple]

Spats -
did you cycle your carbs like that all the way down or was that something that you added when you hit a sticking point?

 

[Temple]

on your .5 days does it give you enough to where it does not interfere with mental focus? Other than training days my work requires that I sit on my rump for 10 hours a day but I have to be very mentally focused.

 

[Temple]

Thanks bunches, I had been under the impression that cycleing carbs would inhibit lean mass gains. It is pretty easy to tell what is going on if you monitor closely so let me get my handy dandy diet sheet out and my calculator and I'll let you know how this goes for me.

 

[Temple]

Okay, that makes sense. My concern with the effect on LBM was that it would eventually have a neg impact on the workouts. I tried 50 the other day just to see what it would feel like - you are a woman of iron constitution....everything was fine til about 9pm when I had a total meltdown and went for my daughters valentine's day candy, I got a grip after a handfull of m&m's. Note to self: eliminate all candy from house on low carb days.
I think I would do fine at 100 on the low end while adding mass. I don't have competitve aspirations so 12-14% bodyfat would be fine with me.

 

[Temple]

LOL - no, it wasn't hunger - it was I WANTED THE CHOCOLATE!!!!!
I tend to have low blood sugar, low glycemic carbs tend to stabalize it but when I drop below a certain amount it really effects me.