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WEEK 8: YOU "BOUNCED BACK" FAST!
The #1 question strangers ask when I'm out with Baby Faith is "How old is your baby?". My response of X weeks (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) which is usually met by a relook back at me, then the baby, then "Wow. You bounced back fast." I smile and mumble a thank you as I know it's a compliment but in reality, I have A LOT to say about that comment, and so will take the opportunity of this blog to do so.
I posted my 8 week progress pictures below so you can have a peak on what I've "bounced back" to in a no-holds-back picture version.
"Bouncing back" is a funny comment to me, in that bouncing is something that you do when you slam down then quickly rebound back up. Well, now that I describe it like that, having a baby is like that at least on the slamming down part! I have so much to say about this concept because a "bounce" often implies little to no effort....and any mom will tell you regaining her strength, energy and shape is never ever an easy venture.
I love this little one's smile. A little tickle or a kind word, and she's grinning ear to ear.
We bought my son Curtis (4 years old) his Halloween costume this week, and so I've had a superhero side-kick all week!
My mother-in-law Bev with sleeping Baby Faith. We're truly blessed to have a wonderful family as support.
YES, MY RESULTS ARE NOT TYPICAL
I hesitated & debated all week whether or not I was even going to post these progres pictures. Two reasons for this internal debate:
1) I don't want to make anyone feel badly because this is not what they look like now, or after X number of weeks post-partum. I never ever want someone to compare themselves to me just like I need the dicipline not to compare myself to others.
2) I don't want to get ripped apart as sometimes social media can be unkind when these kinds of progress pictures are posted. However, it's a risk I'm taking in hopes that I reach the people I'm meant to reach with my story & message.
Obviously I decided to post these, and so have a lot to say about what looks like a "fast bounce-back".
Photo on left is 1 week post-partum, photo on right is 8 weeks post-partum.
Post partum progress pictures
Post partum progress pictures
Post partum progress pictures
THIS IS NOT 8 WEEKS OF "EFFORT"
The main thing I want to share is that what you see in 8 weeks of change is actually the result of years of healthy, balanced and active living. I made the commitment AFTER I had my son in 2010 that I wouldn't let myself get pulled down into my negative feelings about my body post-partum & promised myself and my baby son then that mommy was going to be strong, healthy and energetic his whole life. So I fought over the years to become exactly that and I'm never going back.
THIS IS THE SECRET "SAUCE"...and I lived it (imperfectly but consistently) before, during and after pregnancy:
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Well balanced diet (carbs/proteins/fats/fiber)
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Weight lifting & daily activity
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Hydration
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Supportive network of like-minded women
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Quality nutrition products & lifestyle solutions
Maybe this list isn't you right now, but why not you? Why not start today? I do not think you need to look like me, but my wish for you is that you FEEL as good as I do. That you have as much ENERGY as I do, and passion and zest for life.
Like I said, I do not think people need to look like me. I LOVE all the shapes "fit" comes in...it's one of the reasons why I fell in love with fitness & work every "spare" hour I have to teach, empower others & spread this message.
MY PURPOSE IS TO TEACH, EMPOWER OTHERS & SPREAD THIS MESSAGE
The second point that I want to make after the "bounce back" comments, is "How do you feel? Could I help you?".
I believe I've found a way to be healthy & strong (and look/feel great) that is manageable for even the busiest woman. I love to put together exercise and nutrition programs, and more importantly love to teach people to not be reliant on trainers to be fit & eat well. I have started to call myself a "fitness empowerer" because it's what I believe my purpose in this area is - to empower others in their health & fitness.
That said, someone said to me last week "You look great, but it's your job to look like that." Whoa...that person certainly doesn't know my story. In realtiy, I work full time as a corporate financial executive, and have for over 10 years. THAT'S my real-life job....I only recently started charging for programming because I couldn't justify spending as much time as I do on this for free, and honestly people were taking advantage of how much help I would provide instead of paying for a trainer.
Maybe one day this fitness-stuff will be my "job", the chapters of my life are still unfolding, but in the meantime, I won't stop spreading the message of good health and helping others and giving as freely as possible.
So reach out to me if you feel my words touching you & you want to make a change in your life. To reach more women, I've launched with a friend an At-Home Workout program I developed....it's how I've gotten my results so far & will keep progressing. I'd love if you joined me there! CLICK HERE for more info on that.
Or if you'd like to work one-on-one on your goals, I've started to take on a small group of clients again as I get so much out of connecting with women to reach their goals (erica@sisinshape.com).
FINALLY, LET YOUR JOURNEY BE YOUR JOURNEY
I need this reminder often....great quote...
