Postpartum Weight Loss Journey

As promised, here’s my progress report on my postpartum weight loss. First, let me say, I feel great! I have discovered strength training. In February, a Baby Boot Camp class started up where I live. I had heard of it shortly after Rylie was born, but the closest class was not convenient for me. If you haven’t heard of Baby Boot Camp, it’s a class for moms to get in shape using resistance training. You bring your baby with you to class and they hang out with the other babies while you work out. It’s a great way to meet other moms and find out what works for them. Rylie has made her first friends and has a great time playing with them for an hour. I’ve been going on average three days a week for about two and half months (27 classes). I always heard that strengthening your core would give you advantages on the bike, but strengthening every muscle group is even better.

So, my stats are five pounds lighter, one and half inches off my waist and a couple inches off my thighs, and another size smaller in pants and shirts. The best part is how great I feel. My back doesn’t hurt when I pick up Rylie any more and I’m a lot stronger now.

What about cycling? Well, I still don’t get to ride as much as I’d like. Does anyone with a passion for cycling? I get out once a week with our Women On Wheels group ride. I was surprised at how much stronger I feel on the bike compared to my pre-Rylie days. I credit it to the strength training. All of my muscles are stronger now. I completed my goal of the Cinderella ride in April and have my sights on the Tour de Pink in October. Rylie is now big enough to ride in a bike trailer and I’ve started getting her use to having a helmet on her head. My goal is to have her ready for the monthly family ride at our local bike shop in June. Stay tuned for tips on riding with your child in a trailer.

I still hope to reach my weight loss goals by Rylie’s 1st birthday (three more months), but I will need to concentrate on my diet to do it. I’d recommend strength training to anyone looking to lose some weight and firm up their body. It has made me feel so much healthier than just cycling alone. And I feel like I can hold my own when I’m on the bike. So, to all those new moms out there, look up your local Baby Boot Camp class and have some fun.

Kelli