Bootcamp,  or How I Plan to Get Back in Shape ~

Well, after having a baby some things fall away, such as certain worries: Does this eye shadow make my crows' feet more noticeable?   Will those shoes make my feet look bigger?  Why in the world would they let their child do THAT?  Who voted for ________ ...?!  You get my drift.

On the other hand, I gained some things after having a baby.  Number one, I gained the most incredible family I could have hoped for, as well as a precious little girl who gives kisses by resting her forehead on mine.  I gained a much better sense of perspective.  I regained my sense of humor after typical post-partum exhaustion and some unexpected health issues.  AND I gained a decent amount of weight.  Well, I'll be damned!

So, it was off to bootcamp a couple of months ago.  Not the military type of fitness bootcamp, or the "bikini" titled bootcamp; But the "baby" titled bootcamp.  Yes, that is long for babybootcamp, and I showed up, as I figured I should, with my baby in tow.  I had pulled out all the stops - well, almost all.  Although I'd planned ahead and brought a jogging stroller and yoga mat, I'd neglected to take into account my post-pregnancy chest enhancement.  That meant I was wearing a sports bra from my pre-baby, fit years.  As Grandma W says, bueno por nada.

As we began the cardio portion of the workout, I spent much of it wrestling with my breasts to keep them within the confines of a too-small lycra spandex bralette.  My workout quickly modified itself to accommodate, although I think my jumping jacks looked like I was holding something between my knees.  No form, no flash - what a bummer!  But I quickly learned the ins and outs of getting through bootcamp with a modicum of dignity, or so I thought....

Now, my fellow bootcampers shall remain nameless.  However, they're all great and each one motivating in a different way.  My first shot of group motivation came from a nine-month pregnant bootcamper.  I mean - she was due and doing bootcamp!  Obviously, quite fit and I thought that was really cool that she had the sense to stay in shape throughout her pregnancy (note to self prior to having a second child!).  At any rate, my admiration for her flew right out the window as we began our third rep running up a hill, doing 10 jumping jacks at the top, running down, completing resistance band tricep curls, and repeating.  For on the third rep, she beat me up the hill - in fact, she kicked my butt.  I had just finished coming down the hill for the second time and she was finishing up her curls and running back up.  I screwed up every ounce of 'strength', energy left in me and tied her to finish.  YES!!  Shortly after, it came to me that I was a bit lame and had quite a bit of work to do to really get fit.  And yes, I've stuck with it and it is working.  And what about the nine-month pregnant gal?  Well, she had a healthy little baby, and eight weeks later is back at it.  I'm ready now though - I bought some sportsbras that fit!!

Oh ~ and a shout out to my bootcamp instructor, Kelly.  Not only is she a great coach, but she's the one who encouraged me to start this blog.  Thanks, Kelly!