First run since pregnancy.

[Hart24]

Hi all,

I'm a 24 year old mum of two, youngest is only 12 weeks. My goal is to lose 12 pounds in 6 weeks through changes in diet and C25K. Does anyone have any tips or stories to share?

Thanks

[Rignold]

My tip would be not to try such an accelerated weightloss program 12 weeks after giving birth: you will need your energy and calories for recovery and mumming. A more gradual programme would probably be more sustainable and better for you.

The first 6 weeks of C25k don't burn a great deal of calories tbh, but completing the programme is a good stepping stone to regular running, which can help shed the pounds over time.

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Rignold]

I think healthy eating is the best way to health and fitness. If you choose to do c25k then that will certainly kick start your metabolism. It's fantastic ☺

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

I think you'll find the running gives you energy which you really need when babies are so young and keeping you up at night. I am sure it will do you good. Maybe a fitness course too to help tone up would be good if you can fit it in - and don't forget the pelvic exercises that we are all supposed to do but no-one ever really does! You'll get hooked once you've been running a bit.

[ajwyld Graduate]

Like the others - I'd focus more on healthy eating and general toning. Time enough to worry about the actual pounds later. If you're still breastfeeding then make sure you drink tons. Also be aware that your hormones are likely to still want you to store fat at this stage (even if you're not breastfeeding any more, i think this effect takes a while to go away).

And as no-one else has said it - make sure you have a decent sports bra !

Happy running and enjoy your little ones !

[Hart24 in reply to ajwyld]

I don't really know how to tone? It's been over a year since I've done any real exercise, and feel like a novice.

I need a sports bra! I've just been weari tight vests haha

[ajwyld Graduate in reply to Hart24]

Hi Hart24 - if you do the podcasts then even if you don't lose weight you should definately get some improved muscle definition and overall "streamlining". You could also do some gentle abs - but maybe look on line for special post baby ones ?

For significant weight-loss, you also need to reduce your calories and 12 weeks after giving birth might be a bit soon to do that - and you definately shouldn't be doing so if you're breastfeeding. But you can make sure that your calories come from healthy stuff. (Says the woman who ate so much chocolate one day that her baby threw up...)

[Jeleybelly Graduate]

Not sure I can offer much advice re the post pregnancy - my 'baby' was 18 when I started this programme From memory tho I think just getting out for 30-40 mins to yourself will be wonderful, and to use it for fitness is admirable (think I just wanted to sleep!) And I agree - definitely get a sports bra first - don't want to cause any damage..