If you guys follow me on Instagram and watch my stories, then you’ll already know that I like to eat healthy and work out. I also like to drink my glass of wine, and order pizza when we fancy it, and I have a bad addiction to frozen yogurt. I also skip workouts when Honor doesn’t sleep and I’m just too pooped. I’m proud of my body and what it’s accomplished, but I’m still like every other mum in that my confidence levels fluctuate like crazy. So, I’ve decided to start an 8 week program with my friends at Tone It Up called the Bikini Series – and you guys (whether you’ve had a baby or not) can do it with me!
A lot of you have been asking about my workouts. There’s nothing more cathartic for me than really sweating it out during a great workout class, and up until giving birth to Honor I was still working out about 4 times a week, albeit gently towards the end. I stopped spinning and intense circuit training because I got too hot and my heart rate went up too high, but I still did Training Mate (it’s always on my stories!), barre class – at Physique57, and I took private pilates classes. At 6 weeks post-partum I got the all-clear from my doctor and eased back into my routine a bit, but now that I’m feeling more like my old self (both mentally as well as physically) I’m ready to get those endorphins flowing again. Today I’m sharing some very personal photos with you guys of my post-baby body, in the hopes that mums out there (or really anyone who’s looking to make some fitness changes) will not feel alone on their journeys to get in shape again.
If you scroll down you’ll see my body now, 4 months after giving birth. I might not be as strong and toned as I was before pregnancy, but that’s par for the course. I’m trying to be very loving and patient towards my body right now – as new mothers, I truly think we all need to give ourselves a break. We carried a baby for nine months, so it’s no surprise that it takes time for our bodies to heal and go back to what it used to be. And let’s face it, it may never be exactly what it was. But I’m sure all mums can attest to how worth it it all is! That being said, like anyone else I want to feel confident and like the best, healthiest version of myself in a bikini this Summer. So I’m sharing with you my plans for getting back in shape after pregnancy!
My main goal is to really get my strength and energy back. Carrying a baby all day really does a number on your back and core, so if I can get some abs again while at the same time being stronger for her – then that would be the ultimate goal. My posture has always been bad, and I’ve noticed it getting worse, probably because of stooping over a crib or breast-feeding. So let’s talk about my plan! You might’ve seen on my Stories that I’ll be doing Tone It Up’s 8 week Bikini Series, and the coolest part is that you can join me!
Run by two awesome chicks based in California, Karena and Katrina, their workouts can be followed in your living room, and their nutrition plans are meant to be easy but also yummy (my first question was can I have cocktails?! The answer is yes!). If you want to join me, we begin tomorrow! Just download the Tone It Up App and sign up for the series – let’s do it together and keep each other motivated! I’ll be updating you guys on my progress throughout my journey on the blog, Instagram, and my YouTube channel. Can’t wait to share my “after” pics in 8 weeks!
PS. We’re doing a fun GIVEAWAY to celebrate! Five lucky winners will receive some amazing Tone It Up goodies, and trust me guys, these will seriously motivate you to go out there and kick some butt.
Here are some of the items you could win:
– 1 tub of Vanilla Tone It Up Organic protein
– 2 boxes of protein bars (Peanut Butter & Chocolate)
– TIU Foam Rollar
– TIU Slide Disks
– TIU Resistance Band
– ONE YEAR of membership to Studio Tone It Up
And one Grand Prize Winner to also receive the Tone It Up Lifestyle Kit in addition to all of the above!
To Enter: Follow me @louiseroe and @toneitup, and tag 2 friends (workout buddies?!) under my latest Instagram pic. The winner will be chosen and announced this week!
Good luck!
xx,
Louise, thank you SO much for sharing! It definitely makes me feel less alone. I am two weeks postpartum and struggling with the way my body looks even though I am immensely proud of what I have gone through. I know my expectations are too high right now, but it’s hard when none of my clothing fits! I too will be doing the Bikini Series, I have followed Kat and Karena for years, and hopefully will feel stronger, healthier, and more confident with each day!
Find it great that you join the Bikini series. Follow the girls Karena and Katrina for years and I love the devotion with which the two Tone it up have built! You will have a lot of fun!
I’ve been following you since Plain Jane days and loved (still loving) following your journey! My own @toneitup journey started a few years ago and the community that Karena & Katrina built is beyond amazing! You’re in for such a treat during this Bikini Series! Can’t wait to kick butt with you from tomorrow! ??
@carlainitaly_tiu
I gave birth to my little girl on the 16th Jan this year and trying to get “back in shape” truely is a challenge when you run on empty. Thank you for sharing this post as it gives me more motivation and less pressure to be “perfect”. P.S. you look beautiful <3
Hi! THANK YOU for sharing. It makes me feel less lonely in this process. My baby was born 6 months ago and I am struggling with fitness and getting back into shape. I discovered that my tummy is due in great part to diastasis recti, so I can not do regular workouts or strength training like I did before… I am focusing on recovering my abdomen and pelvic floor with physical therapy and doing some spinning to shed those VERY stubborn 8 lbs left. I suggest that you discard having diastasis recti before going into a fitness regimen and doing exercises that mightnake it worse.
Thanks so much for inviting us. Im joining you.
Im two months post-partum and back to pre-pregnancy weight but flabby skin eww.
Happy with the reason why my body is the way it is though.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful and honest pictures. I think this is such a great idea to inspire new mums to join you on this journey!
I wish there had been something like this after I had my babies!
You’re definitely the best! Thank you for sharing these pictures. My baby is 3 months tomorrow and went back to work out last week. I look different but as you say we should be patient and gentle with ourselves. Is motivating to follow you in your “back to shape”. I feel I’m not alone in this process. Thank you so much!!