I have a new definition of bliss, and it involves me sitting on the couch, fresh off a ZWOW workout and a hot shower, eating a turkey sandwich and chips while the baby sleeps and the toddler is in preschool.
As usual, I was too hungry to stop and take a picture of my meal before I scarfed it, but it included these chips, which are my favorite. I know: baked chips shouldn’t be anyone’s favorite, but come on, paint chips would taste amazing if they were coated in enough orange cheese dust:
I know it’s not the most compelling photo, but I hate posting without adding photos and this is the best I can do on short notice 
This morning I did my first high-intensity workout in many, many months and it felt amazing. Ok, not so much during the workout but now, in the afterglow of a tough workout, I feel great. I think that’s the beauty of short-but-intense workouts like ZWOW and BodyRock; yes, you want to die during the exercises but they’re over so quickly that it’s easy to look back and think ‘Hey, that wasn’t so bad’!
I did Zuzana’s ZWOW workout #8 and completed it in just over 16 minutes. I almost managed to keep up with Zuzana (probably lagged about 10 seconds behind) which I figure is not too shabby for being 7 weeks postpartum. Actually (minor bragging here), I’m pretty happy about my fitness level at this point. Obviously, I’m nowhere near where I was before getting pregnant, but I was so afraid I’d be starting from scratch all over again. It’s such a relief to realize that I still have a decent amount of strength and stamina left, and I attribute that completely to strength-training before and during my pregnancy.
In the months before I got pregnant I was following the New Rules of Lifting for Women (NROLFW), which emphasizes heavy lifting; I think I was in stage 4 (of 7) when I quit, but I kept up lighter lifting/Kettlebell training through my first and second trimesters. I absolutely believe it was this consistent training that helped me get through pregnancy without sending me back to square one; I should also point out that I did virtually no exercise, and definitely no strength-training, in the third trimester and I’m glad to see it didn’t seem to have much of an effect on my fitness level. Now more than ever I am convinced that strength-training has long-lasting benefits and is an absolute must if you want to change your body. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be able to get through one of Zuzana’s workouts at 7 weeks postpartum. My body isn’t much to look at right now (in fact, it might never be!) but I feel strong and well-prepared to get back to a tougher exercise routine.
On Sunday we’ll see whether I managed to meet my fitness goals for the week. I’m looking forward to my first post-baby run tomorrow – wish me luck!
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About Miami Housewife
Welcome, I'm Kristen! I'm a 20-something mother of two working to make exercise and healthy eating a simpler and more enjoyable part of life. I love lifting, running, being outdoors and enjoying food in all it's healthy and not-so-healthy forms. I believe that happiness is as essential to 'healthy living' as exercise and vegetables - that's why I never turn down dessert! Connect With Me!
