Okay, let me keep it real right from the start, this blog is mainly about the battles and hurdles that some mothers have to endure to shift the flab after giving birth to our wonderful and grateful children (cough).
I’ve become so fed up with BS advice from people who do not understand the post-pregnancy struggles. This shit is real – the-after-bod is rarely the same! (Well unless you can afford a good surgeon). Like many mothers, I blatantly remember what my body was like before pregnancy especially after the birth of my second child, my daughter. In my late 30’s I was considered ‘mature’ and given a C-section. Bastards! Anyway, my shape is completely different– I swear my ribs have also got wider! Is that possible?! No amount of sit-ups or squats will return it to its former self – why didn’t my mother tell me or maybe she did – the clue was her body!
Now don’t get me wrong I’m not 100% complaining, the misshape, stretch marks and flab was worth it! But if another man or female tries to spin me another line about getting my body back to its former self ‘if I follow their regime’, then I swear I’m going to karate chop them to high heaven.
Let me just add there are many women – the lucky few, who have given birth multiple times and then jumped right back into their size 10 skinny jeans. Well done, good for you mitches! Jealous hell nah, green with envy – I’ll let you know after I finish eating my brown stew fish, rice n peas, coleslaw & plaintain!
For the rest of us females trying to fight and shift the flab, whether we have had children or not especially in our late 30’s/40’s, the fight can feel like a tremendous upward struggle, where occasional you get near the peak, only to just roll right back down again with a cake in one hand and a bar of chocolate in the other, singing ‘I’ll try again tomorrow – weeeeeee’!
Acceptance is key my siStars, no not accepting that the stubborn flab is here to stay but accepting that our former shape and size maybe a thing of the past and it’s now time to embrace our new figure 8, curves and all! The new slim is about shaping and toning up, not being stick thin figure 11. I mean who wants to be skinny, shapeless, fly-away Cindy when we have the option of being healthy, curvy, confident and sexy Cheryl. Whatever size that is, lets aim to be fit, trim and toned. #RealWomenRealBodies
What I advocate for myself as well as people I work with, is to adopt a wholistic approach to fitness, as I believe the benefits are tremendous. The feedback is also inspiring.
The wholistic approach includes some cardio work to burn calories, get you feeling and looking trim as well as keeping you fit. Then also combining your workout with some muscle strength and endurance exercises such as sit up’s and crunches to work, tone and define those muscles. Don’t forget to include the often neglected stretches, that many try to skip through quickly but is actually one of the KEY’S to our youth. The older you get, keeping your body supple and flexible will work wonders for you in all areas of your life! (If you know what I mean – wink wink.)
An easy way to remember is think C-M-S for maximum fitness, toning and flexibility, you can include some of the following exercises;
- C = Cardio –e.g. jogging, swimming, cycling, dancing, skipping, star jumps. Work those big muscles and get your heart and lungs working. #TRIMDOWN
- M = Muscle Endurance and Strength – e.g. sits ups, press ups, squats, torso raises, plank & core. Get your muscles feeling fatigued but mighty! #TONEUP
- S = Stretch – need I say more, stretching when you wake up and after workouts, for at least 10 secs will make a big difference. Add sun salutations for an all-over stretch when your short of time. #SWINGYOUTHFULLY
What’s wonderful, is that you can combine CMS all in one workout (e.g. martial arts) or separately spread out during the week, whatever works best for you, your lifestyle and fitness goals.
Ok ok, I hear your cries, “it’s so hard trying to juggle work, children and other commitments to find space in my schedule to even sit down, let alone exercise!” This is why we have to get creative and prioritise our health and wellbeing, as the benefits for our health and mental wellbeing, not just for you, but your family is essential. The Fit Mamma’s aim is to stay fit but STRESS FREE!
7 Fit Mamma Tips
- 1-2x a week set your alarm a little earlier to workout in the morning before the kids are up. This means committing yourself to getting to bed earlier the night before. You will be full of beans by the time they arise!
- Do shorter workout’s that you can slot into your schedule – there are lots of app’s, YouTube videos and DVD’s to help. I’ve even seen a 7min routine! No time no excuses!
- Combine your activities, e.g. when watching TV why not do an exercise in the advert break as an ad challenge – you can get the kids involved too.
- Workout with your children. Exercise or play games with the kids in the park, at home, on the way to school. You will be surprised at how motivating children can be.
- Join up with other mum’s/women who have same goals, support and motivate each other.
- At work exercise in your lunch break. Use am empty meeting room to do a quick 20mins.
- Attend community classes with a crèche, or a class for both adults & children. Share a personal trainer who can help add that extra motivation.
Most of all be selfish and prioritise your fitness and wellbeing at least a couple of times a week or even wait or it….. forsake your need to put other things first. Make the time. Your Health = Your Wealth.
If you still feel that you can’t fit exercise into your schedule, then just try and keep active in your daily routine! Walk to the shops don’t drive if its near, walk up the stairs, move around in the office, move when talking on your mobile, stand up more. Every little helps!
I always relay the story of one client who came to me complaining that she wasn’t losing any weight, and once we went through her day we found her routine consisted of, after waking up & getting ready, driving to work, working through lunch, then driving home, where she sat and relaxed for a few hours then went to bed!!! Needless to the say it wasn’t hard to find the issue.
The next equally important component of fighting flab is your diet, there is no getting passed it! A healthy balanced meal with more fresh foods, fruit and veg will be vital in providing you with the energy and nutrients to stay well and healthy. Trust me the benefits will be shared with you and your family. Of course, you can have treats but try and stick to the 80:20 rule. Plan your meals in advance to help.
Most of don’t give up! Allow fun, discipline and consistency to travel with you on your journey towards fitness, health and wellbeing. The ultimate zen my friend is to not ‘watch the pot boil’ – but embrace the lifelong journey towards your happiness regardless of any setbacks.
If you do need any help or motivation let me know I have Boxercise classes, 3S-food plan and a body and lifestyle transformation program, all tried and tested on others who support my work and most importantly tested on me! I may not be the finished article but I am definitely not going to stress myself with extreme or unrealistic ideals and body images.
Embrace your shape and enjoy keeping fit, trim and toned flab-ulously!
Mwah x
MoorYoni.com 