Fitness Flashback Friday

My first piece of exercise equipment! 1983

Eight Months Pregnant - Making It To The Top Of Runyon Canyon

Yes ladies, it can be done. This and other things as well. This was the last week of February, 2013. Not trying to show off - just trying to inspire. After this picture was taken I ran all the way down Mulholland Drive and did push ups in the Skirball Center parking lot. Just kidding! I went home and took a nap.  : )

Pregnancy: If Possible - Do The Hard Work Beforehand

I run into women all the time who lament that they had a baby three months (or even three years) ago and they are not happy with how their body looks and feels afterwards. I have a lot to say, and hopefully can offer some good advice on how to get back to where you would like to be in terms of your health and fitness regardless of your age, shape or how long it has been since the birth of your last child.. But the first thing I have to say is that you really should do the hard work beforehand. Not only is there evidence that shows that exercise has a beneficial effect on a babies birth weight (1), it can result in "shorter labor, fewer medical interventions, and less exhaustion during labor" (2). Of course I did all the normal things you are supposed to do. I stopped my nightly glass of wine (arrrrgh!) not pleasant; I took all my prenatal vitamins; I was already eating healthy but I ramped it up a notch further adding all kinds of different greens and healthy grains and beans on a daily basis; I cut down on my occasional cheeseburgers and frozen yogurts and I watched my weight. And here's the thing and I am going to make it a small rant because I think there is a misconception - yes, even personal trainers have to watch their weight. It isn't like because I work out on a daily basis I can eat anything I want. I wish that were the case. But by keeping my weight at a normal level for my pregnancy I had fewer issues afterward. At least - weight and fat wise. I'll share more on other issues later.

1) "The study [published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism] shows that moderate, regular exercise can have a meaningful effect on a baby's birth weight without putting the pregnancy or child at risk". - quoted from an article by Tara Parker-Pope in the New York Times, April 5, 2010

2) American Pregnancy Association (americanpregnancy.org)

My Guys! Playing A Little "Imagine Dragons"

Write What You Know - That Means Baby Stuff

I've heard that phrase before and since what I know these days has to do with babies, that is likely to show up quite a bit from now on. My little man just turned five months and I have plenty of friends who have either had babies this year or are about to. As well as my sister whose precious bundle is a couple of months older than mine. So...babies, the joys of motherhood, the tribulations of motherhood, getting in prenatal shape, getting back in shape in that postnatal period. These are the things I know and will be writing about.

Vacation - Take A Break Once A While

Lake Quinault, Washington. As important as it is to workout, you need to take a break every now and then. And no....I didn't bring my running shoes. I may even eat a Snickers bar!

And...breathe!

So I blinked, and summer is pretty much gone. It seems like all a big blur. Maybe I've been busier in my life but I doubt it. New business, new baby, and a serious flock of friends and relatives who made Los Angeles their summer destination for vacation. And it was fantastic being able to spend time with everyone (I wish more could have made it out) but I am stretched about as thin as I think I can go. Good news though even as I write this. We're on a long weekend vacation / wedding trip in the great northwest. Mr. Blue Eyes turned five months a few days ago (!!!) and is starting to eat some solid food. Still not sleeping through the night and won't learn how to change his own diaper so there are continuing challenges. Don't even get me started on the 5 to 7 PM witching hour. Let's just say there's plenty of crying when little man is cranky. But...I think we've turned that corner. And on to another busy road!