From bedrest to buff!

[nkhansen1]

Growing up I had never had a weight problem. In fact it was quite the opposite! I was an avid cross-country track participant, and weighed in at a whopping 5'3", 107 lbs.

Fast forward to 1999 at age 22 when, after six miscarriages, I finally became pregnant with a good one. I was put on complete bedrest from 5 weeks until my daughter was born prematurely at 33 weeks. During that time I put on 55 lbs. After her birth, I suffered horribly from post-partum depression, and since just showering each day was physically painful, exercise never entered my mind. Probably because I rarely ate, the 55 lbs began to slip away, but I had lost all muscle tone and any bit of cardiovascular health.

When my daughter was 9 months old, I discovered I was pregnant again. I was so excited! I still had about 12 lbs left over. Once again it was bedrest at 5 weeks until my son's birth at 39 weeks. I put on 65 lbs this time, and I couldn't get upstairs without taking a breather half way. I knew I was in trouble now at 5'3" and about 180 lbs. But I felt great after this birth -no depression- so I got moving.

I started out with Minna Lesig after my six week post-partum check, doing her Strength and Grace and also Fat Eliminator. I dropped 40 lbs in about 4 months, and then I got stuck. My heart was getting back in shape, but my muscles were still jello. I needed weights, but I didn't have any idea how to go about doing it. I was up nursing my son at 2AM when I saw an infomercial for The Firm, and I ordered BSS1. The rest is history.

I lost the remaining 25 pounds in another 4 months, and my body changed in ways I didn't know were possible. Muscles started popping everywhere, and every couple of months I had to buy heavier weights. I use a range from 5-40 lbs now. However, after a few years and many new workouts, I noticed that I wasn't feeling very challenged anymore, no matter how heavy I lifted or how hard I pushed on the cardio portions. A friend casually mentioned that she thought I would love Cathe (who I had never heard of-GASP!), so I checked it out, and I was hooked!!

I credit Minna and The Firm for getting me started, but Cathe gets all the credit for taking me to a whole new level of fitness and well-being. When I think of where I was 6 years ago, not even able to climb my stairs, I can hardly believe where I am now: in the best shape of my life and healthier than I have ever been. Not only that, my journey has inspired those around me to get up and get moving, and that's a great feeling. If I can do it, literally starting from square one and with two babies to care for, anyone can!

Natalie

[Jennifit]

Way to go, Natalie!!

Keep it up!! (Your story reminds me of me!) I was a cc runner in high school and college and had multiple m/c, then got pregnant with twins! (12.5 pounds of baby!!!) Doesn't it feel great to workout again???

I am proud of you - keep it up, Buff Mamma!

[lainiefig]

Great success story, Natalie, and very well told! It's amazing what babies can do to our bodies (much as we love them anyway).

Thanks for sharing--this is very inspirational.

***Lainie***

http://web.mac.com/lainiefig/iWeb/Site/Exercise.html

"The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself." -- Mark Twain

[nkhansen1]

Jennifit,

What a club we belong to, huh? I'm so happy you were able to have twins!

Natalie

[Runcrazy]

Natalie,
What a great and inspiring story you have to tell. I wish you good health and continued success on your health and fitness journey. :-)

Jo

[Jennifit]

Natalie - it is a great club we belong to...it is truly amazing! I am happy for you and all you have done~~

[lioness]

Natalie,

Congratulations on your success!!!