Category Archives: Pregnancy

POSTPARTUM EXERCISE

Guest Post:  David Smith
Having a baby can be a very exciting time, but the toll it takes on your body is not likely something many women embrace. The body’s process of preparing to give birth (not to mention the actual birthing process itself) can make even the fittest woman feel like she took a giant step backwards in terms of fitness.
 
How can a new mom get back into her fitness groove? 
When is it okay to start exercising?
Which exercises should a new mom choose?
 
Those are the questions we answer in this Guide to Postpartum Exercise. This step-by-step plan will help new moms ease back into exercise and then work their way towards your pre-pregnancy shape. The chosen exercises are safe and especially effective for developing core strength (which is crucial for any mom, especially those who had a cesarian section or difficult time giving birth). 

Be sure to listen to your body and to have patience as you progress through each of these 6-weeks stages. Enjoy!
 
 
 Dave Smith has been a personal trainer since 2001 and was recently named “Top Fitness Professional in Canada”. Dave offers free online fitness training at Make Your Body Work and also spends much of his time helping other personal trainers improve their training techniques and business success. Check out his free resources, videos, and fitness programs at makeyourbodywork.com.

BEFORE & AFTER story – Merry Sedlak

Meet my new friend, Merry.  The first time I met her I said, “WOW, YOU HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY!”  I couldn’t help but say that out loud (weird thing to say first off maybe… but I couldn’t help it… she DID).  She was overflowing with joy, passion, excitement and I wanted to know her story.  So many people seem to have a dark cloud over their life from stress, lack, sickness, depression and discouragement… but not this girl!  I found out this wasn’t always the case…

“January 17, 2012 – Physically, emotionally and financially we were broken we prayed for a solution.  We were introduced to Advocare from our dear friends and heard HOPE that our situation could be different!  We decided right then and there to make a change.  We started the Advocare 24 Day Challenge and had AMAZING results.  I lost 14 lbs and 17 inches and Anthony lost 20 lbs and 20 inches!  Needless to say we knew everyone could add value to their life, health and finances through this vehicle so we got very intentional to share our story and help as many people as we could.  Fast forward 2 years and a miraculous pregnancy (we struggled for 8 years and tried every medical intervention possible).  We had our son via IVF  in 2008 but had not been able to sustain a pregnancy until Advocare helped my body to do what it’s created to do.  Advocare does not make medical claims and I know that the Lord blessed us with Genevieve but I also know that Advocare enabled my body to do what it had previously not been able to do.  Anthony and I have lost over 100 lbs combine and have been able to help hundreds of people find physical and financial freedom.” Merry Sedlak

Thank you Merry for sharing your story and encouraging us!!! 

Merry lost 50 lbs in 2013 and she will loose 30-40 lbs in 2014 AND run a 1/2 marathon!!!  You go girl!

If you need a kickstart or maybe even a new start, take the 24 Day Challenge and start writing YOUR story.  We want to see you succeed.  Email ashley@ashleybensonfitness.com for a free evaluation and we will get you set up on what you need to reach your health & wellness goals!



 
MAY WE ALL HAVE AS MUCH ENERGY AND LIFE AS MERRY!