“When I first found out that I was pregnant over a year ago, I had certain expectations for myself. I was a pretty active and relatively fit 37 year old, so I expected that this would continue as my pregnant belly grew. I was inspired by Instagram posts and videos of pregnant mothers exercising and doing amazing things up until the birth of their child. Then reality hit. Working long hours on my feet, early pubic symphysis pain, pregnancy hypothyroidism, borderline gestational diabetes, low blood pressure and a very large baby,lara-mom-daughter that at 20 weeks pregnant I had to stop working out. As a result of all these factors, I had gained a lot more weight than I had ever expected was possible in 9 months!
Once the babymoon phase was over and the groggy haze of no sleep lifted, I found myself not recognizing my postpartum body anymore. I loved my daughter more than anything, but I felt weak, tired, achy and irritable. The rapid weight loss associated with breastfeeding did not happen for me and as the weeks rolled by my weight did not change. I knew that for both my physical and mental health, I needed to make some changes but had no idea where to start. In addition to recovering from an unplanned C-Section, I learned that I developed diastasis recti postpartum and knew that I would have to be careful in my postpartum fitness journey.
This was when I reached out to Ivana Chapman for help. She was able to tailor a fitness program for me, adjust my nutrition and keep me motivated through those frustrating days while working with my crazy newborn schedule. Since starting the program I have lost 30lbs, gained muscle, gained more confidence and repaired my diastasis recti.
The great thing about this program is that it changes the way you think about nutrition and exercise allowing you to make lifestyle changes. As a result I continue to see changes in myself even after completing her program. If you are busy individual, need support but work well independently and are serious about making lifestyle changes, then this is the program for you!”