Introducing Myself, w/ B4 Pics

[tkolady77]

Hi!

I'm a mother of 3 boys, ages 10, 5, and 4.5 months. I have a naturally small frame. I am 4'11.5". After the birth of my first son, I weighed 88lbs, of course that was ugly and ethiopian looking with no muscle tone to speak of. I have had two kids since, and am at a healthier 104lbs. I have a very unproportioned body with the upper being very small, and the lower (my thighs, hips, and butt) being where I store all of my body fat. I just had my bf done at the gym, and it was 15% w/ the head PT guy and then the next time I had it done, someone else had to do it, and gave me 16.4%, so it's somewhere in that realm. I can't really go too low right now anyway, because I am still nursing my baby, and will be for quite some time.

I just started going to the gym with my husband. I have never really gone before, and definitely never lifted heavy before. I am really interested in Figure. I don't want to be a bodybuilder, but would love to do Figure, or at least be in the shape to do it.

I have started cleaning up my diet, and forcing myself to eat 5-6 small meals daily. I do a "bootcamp" at my gym 3 days a week, and try to lift about 4 times a week. We are just getting started, so I don't have a specific diet plan or workout regiment yet, but any advice would be appreciated.

Hopefully my photos will end up showing some progression because I'm quite bothered with my thighs and butt.

Here is me with little to no muscle tone, lol.

B4 Front
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0831.jpg

B4 Back
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0834.jpg

B4 Side
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0833.jpg

B4 Trying to flex Front
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0837.jpg

B4 Trying to flex Back
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0839.jpg

I hope to be able to show some drastic AFTER pics, but we'll see what I can accomplish.

Nice meeting you all, and I've been inspired by many of your pics and posts.

Natalie

[GIGANTOR]

Wow, and incrediable, you look great!!!, Good luck with your training, i imagaine your progess will be well noticed within a couple of months, if not loss.

[stella summers]

Your body looks a lot like mine, I store most of my bodyfat around the same areas as well.

That being said, you have an excellent start. I can't wait to see your progress pictures. I'm definitely looking forward to that.

[Apollo 13]

yeah u should see results quick with the body u have now. Just make sure you add squats to your routine.

[mommy*2*3]

Hi there! I'm also a very short person being a little over 5'0". I think you look great for having a baby 4.5 mos. ago! I'm glad that you're considering competing one day...it's great motivation to stay focused.


Good luck to you...I think you look great

[MCWTRAINER]

I think you look great already! Good luck on your training and keep us posted!

[Boots]

Hello & Welcome

You look great, You dont even look like you had a baby 4.5 months ago! I agree with everyone else you should see results pretty wuick since you dont look you have lot of bf as it is. Also as far a diet you should definatley make sure you are eating enough since you are breastfeeding.


Best of luck to you

[tkolady77]

Thanks for the warm welcome, Ladies!

It was hard to post my pics, but it seemed like the final barrier to working out hardcore. I guess if others see me now, then I can forget about that aspect of it, and just concentrate on improvement. (I'm normally the girl in the gym trying to cover up her legs if others are around, lol.)

**Stella Summers, if your body is similar to mine, you probably always get people saying, "What fat, you don't have any fat!!!" Well, I do, it's just normally hidden with my jeans, and that was my inspiration behind just going ahead and braving the idea of sharing my before pics with you all.

Here's one of the reasons behind my thighs, lol.
Meet Benjamin. (He's bigger now, of course.)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...dy77/Armbw.jpg

Natalie

[MCWTRAINER]

Originally Posted by tkolady77

Thanks for the warm welcome, Ladies!

It was hard to post my pics, but it seemed like the final barrier to working out hardcore. I guess if others see me now, then I can forget about that aspect of it, and just concentrate on improvement. (I'm normally the girl in the gym trying to cover up her legs if others are around, lol.)

**Stella Summers, if your body is similar to mine, you probably always get people saying, "What fat, you don't have any fat!!!" Well, I do, it's just normally hidden with my jeans, and that was my inspiration behind just going ahead and braving the idea of sharing my before pics with you all.

Here's one of the reasons behind my thighs, lol.
Meet Benjamin. (He's bigger now, of course.)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...dy77/Armbw.jpg

Natalie

I take it that is your new baby?

[tkolady77]

Yes, that's him at 2 weeks old. I had started working out about 2 months before I got pregnant with him, and then stopped cold turkey and "took it easy" although I should have done some sort of activity. I hate my thighs, but when I look at him, I guess it's worth it, lol.

[Boots]

Originally Posted by tkolady77

Yes, that's him at 2 weeks old. I had started working out about 2 months before I got pregnant with him, and then stopped cold turkey and "took it easy" although I should have done some sort of activity. I hate my thighs, but when I look at him, I guess it's worth it, lol.

Awww he is so beautiful

[irishbuilder]

damn..u look awesome the way u are now...

anyway good luck

[lilpeanut]

You look fabulous for having 3 kids. I struggle with the bottom area too. I look exactly like you from waist to knees. Running has helped get off the layer of fat, but it is very hard to lose here! Don't forget squats, lunges, and all of that jazz.

I look forward to seeing progress pictures. Nice to meet you.

J

[MCWTRAINER]

Originally Posted by tkolady77

Yes, that's him at 2 weeks old. I had started working out about 2 months before I got pregnant with him, and then stopped cold turkey and "took it easy" although I should have done some sort of activity. I hate my thighs, but when I look at him, I guess it's worth it, lol.

Well now you have another bundle of joy...

[SexyChic]

Welcome and great pics! I don't think you will have a hard time accomplishing your goals cuz you already look great.

[Defiant1]

Women are too hard on themselves.

All these "before" pics look perfect.

[pinkinthemiddle]

Originally Posted by tkolady77

Hi!

I'm a mother of 3 boys, ages 10, 5, and 4.5 months. I have a naturally small frame. I am 4'11.5". After the birth of my first son, I weighed 88lbs, of course that was ugly and ethiopian looking with no muscle tone to speak of. I have had two kids since, and am at a healthier 104lbs. I have a very unproportioned body with the upper being very small, and the lower (my thighs, hips, and butt) being where I store all of my body fat. I just had my bf done at the gym, and it was 15% w/ the head PT guy and then the next time I had it done, someone else had to do it, and gave me 16.4%, so it's somewhere in that realm. I can't really go too low right now anyway, because I am still nursing my baby, and will be for quite some time.

I just started going to the gym with my husband. I have never really gone before, and definitely never lifted heavy before. I am really interested in Figure. I don't want to be a bodybuilder, but would love to do Figure, or at least be in the shape to do it.

I have started cleaning up my diet, and forcing myself to eat 5-6 small meals daily. I do a "bootcamp" at my gym 3 days a week, and try to lift about 4 times a week. We are just getting started, so I don't have a specific diet plan or workout regiment yet, but any advice would be appreciated.

Hopefully my photos will end up showing some progression because I'm quite bothered with my thighs and butt.

Here is me with little to no muscle tone, lol.

B4 Front
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0831.jpg

B4 Back
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0834.jpg

B4 Side
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0833.jpg

B4 Trying to flex Front
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0837.jpg

B4 Trying to flex Back
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...7/100_0839.jpg

I hope to be able to show some drastic AFTER pics, but we'll see what I can accomplish.

Nice meeting you all, and I've been inspired by many of your pics and posts.

Natalie

You look great!
How did you get such a nice tummy after having your kids? I have three kids ages 7,5 and 4 , and I have this loose skin that seems inposible to lose.

Here are a few pics.
What is your secret?! lol

[tkolady77]

Originally Posted by pinkinthemiddle

You look great!
How did you get such a nice tummy after having your kids? I have three kids ages 7,5 and 4 , and I have this loose skin that seems inposible to lose.

Here are a few pics.
What is your secret?! lol

I have loose skin too. It's most noticeable if I am bending or stooping over, then it kinda hangs. I guess it's not so noticeable when I'm standing straight up, but I know that you can pinch more skin than before. The most I gained when pg was 42lbs (w/ my first), so I know my belly has stretched, lol. I don't really know if the skin will tighten up, or if the only solution to getting rid of that extra skin is to have it removed-like a tummy tuck. I think it just depends on the elasticity of our skins, as to who will have extra skin, and who won't.

But, I know that being as thin as you are, it is quite a bother to have that, because in clothes, I'm sure other women act like you're insane for wanting to "tighten" up your tummy, lol. No advice, just I know how you feel.

[LiftingIsLife]

Originally Posted by tkolady77

I had started working out about 2 months before I got pregnant with him, and then stopped cold turkey and "took it easy"

actually, that was a mistake, unless of course your doc told you not to
workout at all... good thing is, its not a critical nor reversible error...

i'm curious though: didnt your doc advise you to keep active even while
you were pregnant?? if not, he should have

my wife lifted and swam until the last month. did wonders for keeping
HER healthy, and though its not able to be proven, i believe it did wonders
for making my sons healthy newborns as well. people VASTLY underestimate
the benefits and powers of moderately strenous exercise, for both body
AND mind.

in any case, aside from the visible body fat, you look fantastic for just
having had a little one... keep motivated, and go for the look u want...

best,
~lifer

[tkolady77]

Originally Posted by LiftingIsLife

actually, that was a mistake, unless of course your doc told you not to
workout at all... good thing is, its not a critical nor reversible error...

i'm curious though: didnt your doc advise you to keep active even while
you were pregnant?? if not, he should have

best,
~lifer

Lifer,

Yes, of course my doc advised me to exercise at first. Then I got severe sciatica--I'd had sciatica w/ my first baby and it was uncomfortable, but bearable. With this pregnancy, though, I even ended up being put on short term disability with pay from work for the last 5 months. It hurt to sit and then walk, much less work out.

It is always beneficial to keep active during pregnancy. So, I'm glad you said that. If I'd been more active in the beginning of the pregnancy, I may not have had the problems I had. Of course, it was my 5th pregnancy, due to 2 miscarriages, so my OB said that my ligaments that normally support the weight of the pregnancy were just plain old stretched out, thus the sciatica. Who knows? The good thing is I'm starting over, and am totally determined now, lol.

Thanks again!

Natalie

[moon girl]

You look amazing! I've been working out for quite a while now and I'm hoping I'll eventually look that good... embarrassing but true

Looks like you're at a great starting point. With a little determination you'll be in "figure shape" within no time. Good luck.

By the way, your baby is absolutely adorable!

[xnew_kellyx]

awww the baby is soooo cute!

Good Luck w/ everything!

[tkolady77]

Originally Posted by xnew_kellyx

awww the baby is soooo cute!

Good Luck w/ everything!

Thanks Kelly and Moon Girl, I think he's a cutie too, lol.

[lacyjayne]

Welcome TKO lady!

I am so excited for you! I think you have a great frame to start off with and setting a goal like competing is a great self-motivator. Women would kill to have nice square shoulders like yours!

I just discovered the forums last week and am enjoying everyones experiences and goals. I wish I had found it BEFORE I competed but I wish you the best of luck and I hope I can help!

[tkolady77]

Lacyjayne,

Thanks for the welcome.

I'll take all the help I can get!

You said you competed before, have you been doing this long?

Any workout tips?

Thanks,

Natalie

[badrymz]

Great job especially for having three kids. I think my mom hates you now.

[lacyjayne]

TKO,

Have been in the gym thing for 10 years but only got serious for the past year. I was talked into competing last August (realizing it was something I always wanted to do!) and just won first in middleweight at my first show a week and a half ago.

I got my advice from other competitive level people at the gym but pretty much did my diet and routine myself. I just listened to my body and played with different factors like diet and cardio. I'll tell ya, it gets addictive. I have never felt so proud of myself in my life and I encourage everyone to do it at least once.

I started training hard in September. 5 days of weights consisting of one major muscle group worked once a week. Calves twice a week. I kept my diet clean but still enjoyed Mexican, pizza and adult bevvies on occasion. Started cardio and dieting 16 weeks out from comp. Height 5'6 ~ Pre comp-diet weight 152, Comp weight 131, today's weight...don't ask...I've been very, very naughty tee hee!!!!

Be prepared to watch your body go through a complete change. You will look in the mirror and critique yourself all the time. With hard work and dedication, when you see those pics of you on stage, you will be blown away by what you see when the mold is broken away.

You mentioned you are interested in figure. I competed in bodybuilding. I would suggest you research books, online and in your gym to find out what physique style you need to aim for and what judges are looking for. I would also suggest practising posing at least 6 weeks out (a mistake I learned from). Consider getting a trainer, even just a small package that helps you with diet and workout programs.

I could write all day...argghhhhh....my passion for fitness is almost overbearing. Ask away and I'll help in anyway I can.

Carla

[serinebean]

That baby pic is so sweet. I just love how he is so small and just fits in the palm of the hand. It makes me want one too.......but no, no, no I am not ready. But then I see this cute little baby, and it messes with my insticts...lol.
I have to agree that you look fantastic, 3 babies or not, you are in very good shape. Very inspirational, and makes me hopeful that if when I have kids that I am not doomed to being obese and flabby, and that you are still in control of your appearance.
Thankyou for your bravery and great work! Keep us updated, you will be fantastic.

[nooneno12325265]

just as a few have said about ur tummy...for having three kids it looks great...good luck in reaching your goals...just always keep in mind it takes time just like anything...patience...we are all here to help ya stay motivated

[Mase1982tn]

Wow you look great good luck with the progress.