Ange is a personal trainer, mum of two very spunky little boys and one of my best friends. She has recently started her own personal training business Active and Strong. I asked her some questions about working out and losing baby weight.
What made you want to make the career change to personal training?
Well, before I was a Personal Trainer, I was a Swimming Instructor. I’ve always enjoyed “teaching skills” so I wanted to expand on that and seeing as though I’ve always had an interest in exercise,it seemed like a natural progression. I’m so glad I made that choice because now I get to help women by teaching them what needs to be done to achieve whatever their goals may be.
How do you stay motivated to work out with two little boys to run around after?
I view exercise as a privilege rather than a chore so it’s easy to do something that I enjoy. My kids are always watching me and I feel as though I’m setting a good example for them for when they get older. I try to include them aswell and often we’ll make a game out of it like, “Let’s see who can do the most jumping jacks?” I will never know what tomorrow will bring so whilst I’m capable of moving my body, I’m going to make the most of it. I also include activities that I really enjoy. Running is not one of my favourite forms of cardio so instead I go swimming which I absolutely Love.
How long did it take you to lose baby weight and do you have any tips for other mums?
Ooooo that’s a good one. I don’t actually know at what point I returned to my pre-baby weight?
I’m estimating it was about 9 months to a year. I put on 28kgs with both pregnancies. I wasn’t active during my pregnancies and my favourite treat was a slurpee… or 3! If I could give any form of advice for Mums trying to lose their baby weight, I would say give it time. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and enjoy those moments with your new baby. If you want to lose the weight, it will happen…. in time. New Mums should wait until their 7 week postpartum checkup before engaging in exercise so don’t rush out and join a bootcamp or buy an online program before this stage.
Did you work out when you were pregnant?
No I actually didn’t. I lapped up every second of relaxing on the couch that I could. However, if I were to have another baby, I would definitely stay active during my pregnancy. Just after having my second son, we discovered that I had DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in my calf. This resulted in 7 weeks of blood thinning injections into my stomach twice a day. Not fun! It was at this point that the Doctors told me that I needed to include exercise into my lifestyle on a regular basis to ensure my blood flows smoothly.
What is your favourite workout?
I absolutely love ab and core exercises! I also have a soft spot for a workout called “Tabata”. It’s an interval form of training, meaning you work for a certain amount and then rest and repeat. It raises your metabolism for up to 24hours after the workout which means you’re still burning calories while watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Who wouldn’t love that!
There are all sorts of theories about when is the best time to work out. Do you find it more beneficial to work out in the morning or afternoon?
Yep, you’re right there is a lot of theories on the best time to workout. Working out in the morning before breakfast is called working out on a fasting state. Your body looks for a fuel source and it will go for your fat stores. Sounds good doesn’t it? Well I wouldn’t actually recommend it for everyone. It’s going to be a hard workout and you’re going to tire easily because you don’t have any carbohydrates (the bodies most easily accessible source of energy) to give you that boost of energy to not only get through the workout but to do each exercise with the correct form and concentration. I wouldn’t recommend working out in the morning without breakfast if you’re a beginner because I doubt you’ll find it enjoyable and will probably not want to exercise again with the preconception that every workout will be that difficult. My clients are mostly Mothers so I recommend to them to workout when it suits them. It may be during the kids nap time, or when they’re at school or kinder. Maybe it’s when hubby gets home after work. Whenever it is, make it a time that suits you.
Do you follow any sort of diet?
No, I don’t. Anyone that knows me will know that I’m a sucker for sweets. I’m a believer in everything in moderation and yes that means sugar and carbs too. I’ll eat healthy dinners one night and then I’ll have takeaway the next. I never feel guilty about it because I enjoy all sorts of food and I don’t want to spend my life on a never ending diet.
On average how often do you work out? Also, do you split weight sessions and cardio?
I try to workout four-five times per week. I’m happy with my weight so I’m exercising purely for the enjoyment, health benefits and staying active with my kids. I do split my cardio and weight days. Full body weight days should not be done one day after the next as you need 24hrs to allow your body to recover. So some weeks I’ll do 3 days of weights and 1 cardio whereas other weeks I’ll do 2 days of weights and 2 days of cardio. I like to change it up and keep it interesting.
What is your ultimate cheat meal?
I don’t really do “cheat meals” but I certainly do sweets! I love chocolate, cheesecake or a white wine paired with soft cheese. Yummmm!
Who is one woman who inspires you and why?
I’ve always admired Cameron Diaz and her ability to constantly stay active and select activities that she really enjoys such as yoga and stand up paddle boarding. I’m also inspired by every single woman who is doing everything in their power to become active. It can be tough but their commitment to taking that first step is so wonderful to see.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.
If you would like to join Active and Strong, Ange is offering a discount of 10% for anyone who mentions The Mummy Code when they book their position in a Group Fitness Session beginningTuesday 21st February 2017 at Yarrunga Community Centre, Croydon Hills Vic
Rachelle xx
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