Athlete Profile: Suzanne Khuninh

Spinning. Running. CrossFitting. Suzanne Khuninh from Sioux City, Iowa is expecting another sweet babe in June. She began CrossFit in 2014 to add some diversity to her routine and gain some muscle mass. Since joining CrossFit FS, she witnessed a number of #crossfitandpregnant success stories, which inspired her to continue her routine during this pregnancy.

Her friends within the box keep her motivated, even when she has to slow down and catch her breath. Here’s more from Suzanne:

What exercise advice did your doctor provide you? Did you follow it?: So far, I’ve been told it was OK to continue my regular workout routine. I have a high risk pregnancy, so I may have to cut down on my weights toward the end of my pregnancy. My doctor has advised me to watch how many reps I do with weights also.

Do you follow a particular eating lifestyle?: When I first started CrossFit, I followed a lean meat and veggies diet. I do have a cheat meal at least once a week. I do have Gestational Diabetes with this pregnancy and I had it with two of my other pregnancies. I have to watch my carbs and sugar intake so I am on a low-carb eating plan.

Best CrossFit and pregnant tip or secret you’ve discovered: The workouts are short, but at the same time, it’s enough to give me amazing energy.

What have you found most valuable about CrossFit while pregnant?: I love that the WODs are short. This is good for me right now since I don’t have as much energy, and can’t do long workouts. The WODs are usually less than 20 minutes, and I get a great workout.

Favorite quote: Strong is the new skinny!

Favorite girl WOD: Cindy

Three words that describe me: Strong, happy, and healthy

When I’m not in the box, you can find me: At home with my kids, who are 9, 6, and 3-years-old. I am also enrolled in school full-time, and also work a full-time job. So, you can say I stay pretty busy!

Athlete Profile: Julie Shepard

RedTail CrossFit in Prescott, Ariz., is home to Julie Shephard, another #crossfitandpregnant rock star. Sweet Julie delivered her second baby in October and I was remiss in writing this profile on her in a timely fashion!

View More: http://molliecostleyphotography.pass.us/babyboyshepherd

Momma to Charlotte and now, sweet Joseph, and wife to Steven, she has been CrossFitting at RedTail for three years. During that time, Julie has endured some difficult pregnancies and a knee surgery. Her CrossFit career started thanks to good old family peer pressure – and with the support of her husband – nothing better than family to get you to focus on health! Because of some of her struggles to get pregnant, Julie didn’t CrossFit during her pregnancy with Charlotte, but she and Steven are proud of her ability this go-around. So are we!

Julie’s story really is remarkable – and she’s quite open with her struggles. She is another shining example of why I continue this blog (even with a long writing hiatus!). Thank you loyal followers for continue to support me and all the #crossfitandpregnant mommas out there!

shepherd party of 4

Julie’s story:

What does your spouse/partner think of you CrossFitting during pregnancy? My husband, Steven, is a CrossFitter too and thinks it is awesome. He actually texted me out of nowhere while he was at work to tell me how proud of me he is for still going consistently and for doing so well. {What a guy!!}

How did you find crossfitandpregnant.com? I actually googled “CrossFit and pregnancy” because I had read an article on Facebook about a woman pregnant with twins. She posted a picture of her lifting a barbell weighing 65# and was getting TONS of criticism for it. I was thought, “what?? I just back squatted 115# that day!” So I was curious if there was any information out there for me. And also, at the time, my little guy had a growth spurt and I was really starting to feel ‘pregnant’.

Why I started CrossFit: I started CrossFit, well, mainly out of peer ‘family’ pressure. Both my sisters and one of my brothers had started when our first box opened in Prescott. I had just been running A LOT…five miles a day, five days a week. I was put off wanting to start because I had it in my mind that I just needed cardio.

I have an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and suffer with hypothyroidism, which is why I had a hard time getting pregnant the first time. I ended up having my thyroid removed in 2007 because I had a nodule the size of a golf ball growing on it. Up until then, I had always been super thin and always physically minded. But once that darn thyroid was removed, weight gain came, along with other crappy symptoms. Losing weight and having hypothyroidism is like trying to breathe under water. So I ran. I ran a lot.

After recovering from a breast reduction in 2012, which was a medical necessity for my spine, I finally gave in to CrossFit…and fell in love. Shortly after starting CrossFit, I had a really bad accident climbing the military wall. My right knee snapped in half when I went to step up to the wall. I ended up with a torn meniscus, completely torn ACL and a partially torn MCL and a fractured femur. Needless to say, I was out of commission for a long while, June to November 2012. It was during that time that my husband and I began trying for a baby.

Flash forward to March of 2013, I got pregnant! I quit CrossFit because of fear for losing the baby. My mother and sister both struggled with infertility and I was just plain scared. After Charlotte was born in December 2013, I went back to CrossFit in March of 2014 and have not stopped since. I have not been able to perform 100% since then, I have also suffered with a bulging disc in my lumbar vertebrae due to the terrible positioning of Charlotte in my belly (I had a c-section, her shoulder was stuck under my rib). But that didn’t stop me. I did what I could. When I finally found a doctor who could help, I had an MRI and began spinal decompression. He told me that if it weren’t for my ‘huge’ para-spinal muscles (that I got from CrossFit) holding my spine in place, the disc would have ruptured.

My goal in CrossFitting while pregnant is: This is a big one! I did not CrossFit while pregnant with Charlotte out of fear. But this pregnancy came all by itself…well with the help of my husband…after only one month of trying. No medication, no nothing. So, this time I wasn’t scared.

With Charlotte, I gained 30#, most of which came in the last month and was all water. After two weeks of having her, I was back down to my normal 150#. So I got a little ‘cocky’ and started eating whatever I wanted during those six weeks of recovery. Since it was winter, I wasn’t able to go on walks because it was too cold outside. I got pretty dang chubby.

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Like I said before, losing weight with hypothyroidism is like trying to breathe under water. With running, CrossFit, a clean diet, visits to my endocrinologist and a lot of bloodwork and medication adjustment, it took about a year to lose the ‘cocky’ weight I had gained. Literally to the WEEK that I found out I was pregnant again. So my goal is to be the complete opposite with this pregnancy. Healthy eating, exercise, and routine with hopes I can go right back in to it after the six weeks of recovery from my scheduled c-section.

What exercise advice did your doctor provide you? Did you follow it? My doctor is awesome. She is the tiniest little lady. She told me to keep doing what I was doing, but to listen to my body. I have done just that. During my second trimester, we did maxes, and although I knew that I could physically do more, I didn’t feel good about adding weight. She thinks it’s awesome, despite the fact that I lost weight at the beginning from not lifting as much and losing muscle mass. As of today, I am back to my ‘pre-pregnancy’ weight.

CrossFit and pregnant, where do you find support? I find support from the people that come to my class. I go to RedTails’ 3:30 p.m. class, which is after nap time…both Charlotte’s and my nap. It’s usually the same group of ladies…yes…ladies…they call it lady hour. Occasionally, a guy or two shows up! But the group really cheers me on. They encourage me and compliment me on the fact that I am still working at it and it makes me feel really good about myself. Also, RedTail Coaches Tony Burris, Janine Pereira, and Brandon Rollins support me tons. And of course, my husband Steven.

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CrossFit and pregnant, where do you find inspiration? My inspiration comes from two places; my daughter and myself. My daughter because I love seeing her watching me while I work out; I really hope she understands that it is a good thing and a part of life to work hard for something. And of course, I love seeing her imitate the things she sees me do!

Saying I find inspiration in me seems super arrogant, but it is not meant to be. A lot of people criticize CrossFit because it is so intense. I tell them that anything can be scaled. I remind them that I had a bulging disk and had knee surgery, and it didn’t stop me from trying. I say, if I can do it, anyone can. I am even trying to talk my 64-year-old father, who just had his second knee replaced to start, once he is cleared from physical therapy. So I figured that I should put my money where my mouth is….why should pregnant stop me from something that I love? I feel such a sense of accomplishment when I finish something. A lot of times, the trainers tell me to cut the reps in half if I want to, but I don’t. I just take my time and that makes me feel validated.

Since doing CrossFit while pregnant, I’ve learned: Consistency. Having an 18-month-old and an awful first trimester (was in the ER for a day from extreme dehydration), every day is something new. Even when I felt like complete death, I still made it a point to get up and go to CrossFit and make it part of my day. That mindset made it a routine! I think that is important in all aspects of life.

Biggest CrossFit and pregnant challenge I’ve faced: My expanding belly, the lack of decent maternity exercise clothing, and running with sore boobs. {Sore/nursing boobs = the worst! Am I right?!}

Do you follow a particular eating lifestyle? Before this pregnancy, I tried gluten free to help with my hypothyroidism, but it didn’t make much of a difference. I did my best to eliminate processed foods as well. I am a sucker for fruit and vegetables. I stopped drinking soda, too. But once the morning sickness hit me, I was advised to eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted it (which was not much and not often). Now, I am just back to normal.

Best CrossFit and pregnant tip or secret you’ve discovered: You can sleep when you’re dead. Get up and work, make the best of the exhaustion.

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What have you found most valuable about CrossFit while pregnant?: Being aware of my body. I find it incredible to push your body to see what it is capable of, but with limits.

Modifications you’d like to share with others: Ball slams are a fabulous replacement of burpees. Elevated pushups. Oh, and this one isn’t just for pregnancy, but cleans from a high hang, a bit lower than the hips. It helps you HAVE to drop under the bar in to a squat more. {Excellent tips!!}

Favorite quote: Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud.

Favorite girl WOD: Grace

Three words that describe me: I let my hubs pick: motivated, determined, passionate

When I’m not in the box, you can find me: At home or with my mom! Weekends are with the husband.

View More: http://molliecostleyphotography.pass.us/joseph

Delivery and Post-partum. Where is Julie now?

Julie CrossFitted until 37 weeks, when she had to stop for her scheduled c-section (docs in Prescott don’t perform v-backs). She was scheduled for the birth on October 23. She developed an umbilical hernia that was getting pretty painful and her doctor said she would fix it during the c-section. Contractions started two weeks before the c-section. “I had some other things going on, so I figured I should just try to wait it out, so another doctor wouldn’t have to do my c-section and NOT fix my hernia which would have resulted in another surgery and recovery,” Julie said. “I didn’t want that.”

She made it to October 23 and it was completely different than her first delivery. “I threw up from the spinal which didn’t happen with Charlotte,” said Julie. “I could feel and move my feet by noon, my c-section was at 7:30 a.m. I was up walking laps in the hospital by 3 p.m. that day, but that night was awful. My husband went home to stay with Charlotte, so I was on my own. I was looking forward to the alone time with my baby and to sleep some. I was hooked up to all sorts of things and couldn’t get out of bed without a nurse. There was some emergency birth that night and all the nurses were occupied – to the point where my IV beeped for more than 10 minutes before I had to call someone to fix it. AWFUL. I got zero sleep and every time Joseph woke up, I had to MacGyver a way to get him out of his bassinet.”

Thanks to the grace of a compassionate nurse, and because of Julie’s health, strength, and mobility, Julie was permitted to go home. “I’m pretty sure I can thank CrossFit for that,” said Julie.

She took the traditional six weeks to recovery, but like most of us, was anxious to return. The first week of December, she started back and took it easy, “partially because I was told to, but mostly because I felt I had zero strength.” Most recently, RedTail was working on one-rep maxes for a number of lifts. Julie PR’d on power cleans at 120#, 85# strict press, 75# snatch, and she got to do Grace again, not Rx, but still 75# at 4:57. “I’ll take that at being back from having a baby via c-section and a hernia repair in only a month and a half!”

“I am glad to be back. I love my sweet little baby more than anything. We just found out that he has problems hearing this past week. We aren’t sure how severe or why, we are going to do some more testing, and today was my first day back since finding out. I broke down crying talking to my friends about it. I am so thankful for the support I have at RedTail. There were times during my pregnancy that I wanted to quit (not CrossFit, but life). The RedTail community and mentality of CrossFit truly was my lifeline, and it seems that it will continue to be that for me.”

Pic with new Char face View More: http://molliecostleyphotography.pass.us/joseph

We are so proud of you Julie! She clearly has the strength and tenacity to face anything. Her family and the RedTail family are lucky to have YOU. xo

Six-Week Challenge: Week 2

CrossFit is so empowering – I am so inspired by the women in my CrossFit Full Strength six-week challenge. Everyone is showing up, which on dark, cold mornings can be rough, and putting forth a great effort. It’s fun that we’re all at different levels and can learn so much from each other. I’m also loving the 3x a week commitment – it’s perfect for me and the fam right now.

To anyone who’s on the fence about CrossFit, these types of fundamental/foundational sessions are the true training grounds for anyone interested in the sport. This last week we focused on the basic movements of some of the Olympic lifts – and we were learning directly from a two-time Olympian! How cool is that?!

The lifts covered were: deadlifts, should press, push press, push jerk, and power cleans. I really love lifting and was the component of CrossFit I missed most!

CrossFit Full Strength tools to success

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Week Two WODs:

Fourth WOD: 12min AMRAP – 200m run + 30m walking lunges + 10 pull ups (green band): 2 rounds + 200m run – those walking lunges made my booty ache the rest of the week!

Fifth WOD: 3 rounds: 300m row + 5 k2e (kipping) + 10 push press (65#), 2 minute rest in between rounds: 12:56 – I started with 85# push press and had to drop to 65#.

Sixth WOD: 5 rounds: 7 wall balls (10#) + 7 deadlifts (85#): 2:58 – could have obviously gone heavier with both wb and dl considering my time!

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I’m on the fence about signing up for the CrossFit Games Open – have you signed up?

If you know of a #crossfitandpregnant lady that should be featured here, please reach out!

Hitting the reset button

After a long break from CrossFit {and blogging!}, I reentered the box last week. While I’m struggling to sit down after three intense days, I’m thrilled to be back.

Team Leatherman at Thanksgiving, 2015

While I wasn’t CrossFitting, I did manage to get back to my happy weight. It took 16 months and I finally managed to shed that weight thanks to the 21-Fix program. The combination of at-home workouts (that were actually breath-taking) with the easy-to-follow nutrition guidelines were exactly what I needed to get my body back. {I didn’t do the shakes – just portion control and the 30-minute WODs.} It was also nice to do something different and that fit into my schedule.

But I did miss CrossFit!

Check out CFFS!

To get back to CrossFit, I recently signed up for CrossFit Full Strength‘s all-women six week challenge. CrossFit Full Strength is one of the oldest affiliates in Phoenix and it recently expanded into a new space. Everyone I’ve met is friendly, approachable and supportive. And the coaches are killer; they have a combined 30+ certs. Exactly what you should expect when joining a CrossFit affiliate!

The six week challenge is a collection of women at ALL fitness levels and includes an information-packed paleo challenge. Four time Regional competitor and owner of CrossFit Full Strength Gayle Shalloo-Davenport understands that many women don’t love working out with men – especially in such a perceived competitive environment. She’s found the groups provide the perfect foundation for CrossFit. The box also offers all-men challenges, too.

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CrossFit Full Strength

First Week of WODs:

Baseline – 500m row, 40 air squats, 30 sit ups, 20 push ups, 10 pull ups (I used the green band): 7:08

Second WOD – 10 to 1 deadlifts (85#) + pike burpees: 7:29

Third WOD – 3 rounds 250m row, 10 thrusters (55#), 2 min. rest in between rounds: 12:45

***

On another note, I have a number of athlete profiles in the pipeline. Stay tuned! Thanks again for your continued following and sharing.

Athlete Profile: Allie Lauritson

Allie is CrossFit 1080’s designated photographer, so she’s rarely in front of the camera. Isn’t she darling!?

Sweet Allie Lauritson reached out to me in June, eager and excited with her first pregnancy. She welcomed her handsome baby in January and is grateful to her CrossFit routine – her midwives reaffirmed that her mobility and strength helped her labor.

This St. Paul, Minn., native is another “recovering runner” and CrossFits with her husband at CrossFit 1080. Allie is exactly why I love doing these profiles. She’s excited to be a new mom and her enthusiasm to continue to keep herself strong and healthy is contagious – even in writing. Here’s her story:

What does your spouse/partner think of you CrossFitting during pregnancy? He loves that we’re able to continue working out together. However, we’re both doing a lot of research on safe ways to continue CrossFitting. He’s pretty protective of me and this little baby, but we both understand that strong women have the best chance at healthy pregnancies, births, and babies. Bring on that Metcon!

How did you find CrossFitandpregnant.com? My CrossFit coach and co-owner of our gym, Emily Hendricks, just delivered her first baby in May. She can’t stop talking about CrossFitandpregnant.com and what a great resource it is! She worked out with us (in moderation) until delivery.

Why I started CrossFit: I considered myself a seasoned runner but not “hard core” enough to join a CrossFit gym. After all, I was working out every day and in decent shape. What could I possibly gain from CrossFit? Now, after being a member at 1080 for almost a year, I could make a list of 100 things I am gaining.

I realized my fitness pre-CrossFit was very one dimensional with weaknesses I didn’t even know I had (apparently there is something called an upper body? Who knew?). There is so much more my body can do than hit the pavement, and 1080 ignited the passion once again for FUN workouts. Instead of running by myself with only my iTunes library to keep me trucking along, I now have supportive coaches and a team of athletes with similar goals that challenge and push me to be better. Every Day.

In all honesty, I felt very intimidated joining the Components Program (for beginners) at CrossFit 1080. I assumed every CrossFit athlete would be doing bicep curls…while doing squats…while doing cartwheels. I couldn’t have been more off base. There are athletes from all levels of fitness as well as age and even some with agility issues. CrossFit is for everyone that wants to be healthier. It’s as simple as that.

Other exercise practices: I continue to run on occasion, but since our gym incorporates running into its summer warm ups and Metcons, I usually kill two birds with one stone. BUT sometimes the weather is just too nice to skip out on a long run around the lakes of Minnesota.

My goal in CrossFitting while pregnant is: Show up. Show up. Show up. Even when I’m not feeling the best, being around likeminded athletes and working on mobility is better than staying home on the couch! Fortunately, I haven’t had much morning sickness, so I’ve been able to participate like usual. I’d also like to learn as much as possible to be a resource to other new moms interested in continuing exercise into their pregnancies.

What exercise advice did your doctor provide you? Did you follow it?: Not to lift over 20 pounds. What a joke.

CrossFit and pregnant, where do you find support? My gym (as well as probably any CF gym) is full of the most supportive friends. Early on in my pregnancy they were all too observant! Ha! They kept pushing me to lift more and go harder without knowing I was trying to take it a bit easier. I love that about them! Now that they know they’re just there for encouragement in any way they can be. It’s like a little family.

CrossFit and pregnant, where do you find inspiration? I love watching pregnant women in testimonial videos on YouTube. Those get me all riled up! And obviously the athlete profiles on CrossFitandpgregnant.com are beyond inspirational.

Since doing CrossFit while pregnant, I’ve learned: To listen to my body!! When I got that piece of advice from my coach, everything else fell into place. Feeling great? Lift! Something doesn’t feel right? Modify or rest. No one can communicate that with you except yourself.

Biggest CrossFit and pregnant challenge I’ve faced: To find the fine line of working but not too hard. To feel awesome and confident modifying movements and not feeling like I’m half-a**ing the workouts. I’m super competitive and not pushing my body has been the most challenging thing so far.

Do you follow a particular eating lifestyle? I identify the most with Paleo, but many of my meals are

Whole30 approved. Things have changed a bit with my first trimester (I HATE sweet potatoes, chicken, peppers, and hot veggies now for some reason) which has been a bit frustrating for my nutrition goals. For now, I’m okay eating a frozen pizza if that’s the only thing I can stand to swallow. However, I still try to stay as gluten and dairy free as possible.

Best CrossFit and pregnant tip or secret you’ve discovered: This is a time to maintain my fitness, not excel. I won’t be going for any new PRs, and I’ll be maxing at about 80%, but that’s OK! The goal is to keep moving and stay healthy. My competitive nature surfaces only during board games now.

What have you found most valuable about CrossFit while pregnant?: I don’t have to change my interests or identity when becoming pregnant. Life doesn’t need to come to a halt! I can continue doing what I love and what feels great without putting everything on hold simply because I’m carrying a child. People need to lighten up a bit!

Modifications you’d like to share with others: Besides turning down my intensity and lifting 20% less, I haven’t had to modify yet.

Lessons learned: Trust your coaches. The cost of a box is so much more than a gym membership. You are actually paying to be a part of a team with a real coach and real athletes that all genuinely CARE about this stuff. The coaches modify the workout for those who can’t do the intense version (that’s me now!), without making us feel like we’re doing a “lesser” workout.

Favorite quote: Be stronger than your excuses – CrossFit 1080 motto

Favorite hero/girl WOD: I really liked Murph. If not Murph then Kelly!

Three words that describe me: Quirky, Stubborn, and Always ready to celebrate

When I’m not in the box, you can find me: Playing board games, snacking at any local Farmers Market, swimming, and crushing piñatas. (I’m half Mexican and my family destroys at LOT of Piñatas.)

Allie’s handsome CrossFit babe!

Athlete Profile: Alessandra Wall

When I began my CrossFit journey three years ago in San Diego, there were two woman who stood out to me. Not only are they incredibly strong and agile, but they are also moms. Knowing I wanted to stand in their oly shoes someday, I watched them closely to see how they balanced fitness and family.

Today, I am excited to feature one of those women – Dr. Alessandra Wall, owner of Life in Focus Coaching. A wife of a successful anesthesiologist and co-owner of CrossFit Elysium, mother of two wildly energetic boys, small business owner, champion of Empower Charter School, CrossFitter, gardener, friend … yes, like most of us, Alessandra wears many hats. Yet, in the insanity of it all, Alessandra finds balance. It’s what she preaches and provides her clients. I know because I benefitted from her coaching after I delivered FG.

Chang Family
credit: Lot116 photography

Alessandra finds balance in her CrossFit pursuits by managing what she eats, how much she sleeps and the time she devotes in the box. She acknowledges the recipe is more than just what happens during a WOD. It’s ultimately everything else.

While Alessandra isn’t currently CrossFitting pregnant, she is one of those women who paved the way for me to feel confident and comfortable maintaining my regime when I got pregnant. Here’s her story:

Muscle Up during a competition
Credit: Karen Gallagher

A seasoned CrossFitter, Alessandra began her journey more than six years ago when a personal trainer friend invited her to participate in a Saturday community WOD conducted by a box he recently collaborated with in a neighborhood park. Alessandra was impressed with the group setting and found that it pushed her to work harder. Her competitive and enthusiastic spirit convinced her husband, Leon Chang, to join her.

Leon & Alessandra
Credit: CrossFit Elysium

Fast forward to 2010. Leon partnered with highly respected trainer Paul Estrada to open CrossFit Elysium. This opening happened a year after Alessandra and Leon welcomed their first son.

During her first pregnancy courtesy of Alessandra Wall

During her first pregnancy
Courtesy: Alessandra Wall

“During my first pregnancy I didn’t CrossFit at all,” Alessandra reflected. “I had been CrossFitting for three to four months at the time and was just too worried about the impact on my growing child. Forty pounds later, I realized avoiding CrossFit was a huge mistake.”

Starting them young in the Chang/Wall family
Credit: CrossFit Elysium

A mistake Alessandra didn’t make twice.

Pregnancy two
Courtesy: Alessandra Wall

Three years later, she was pregnant with their second son. “I was better versed in CrossFit, but I also had a better understanding of my body and what it was capable of,” said Alessandra. “My plan was to move along, to keep on working out hard until my body let me know I needed to slow down.”

Early in the pregnancy, she was told her son’s umbilical cord only had one artery. An umbilical cord normally has two arteries that remove waste from the uterus and a vein that brings in clean blood. “With only one artery, I had to do stress tests twice a week and my son was just not thriving in the womb,” Alessandra said. “Uncertain of how best to approach this, I chose to keep moving, and working out, but replaced heavy and dynamic workouts with light explosive weight lifting and reduced the intensity of my metcons.”

This was effective for Alessandra and her son. They welcomed their full-spirited boy in an uneventful delivery in August 2011.

Alessandra and Stacie with their first borns. Courtesy: Stacie Beal

Alessandra and Stacie with their first born.
Courtesy: Stacie Beal

Alessandra credits the community at CrossFit Elysium for remaining active during her pregnancy, but admits she and Coach Stacie Beal were the gym’s guinea pigs. Now Elysium has coached a number of women through successful pregnancies. “Since 2011, we have had a lot of members CrossFit while pregnant,” Alessandra said. “Our advice is always the same: CrossFitting while pregnant is safe, but it is also your body, no one can tell you what you can and can’t do. You have to listen to your body, your gut and your brain on this one.”

Born in Iran and raised in France, Alessandra wholeheartedly believes that advice. Her worldly perspective provided her the reality that women around the world continue strenuous activity during pregnancies. “In the States, we treat pregnant women (and honestly most people) as though they are fragile and frail,” she reflects. “There are women all over the world who carry heavy loads, move long distances and put their bodies under strain and have happy, healthy pregnancies. The human body is designed to work hard and survive; CrossFitting in a safe environment is nothing in comparison!”

Comparing her two pregnancies. Alessandra had very different experiences. The differences led her to two truths she found during and after recovering from her second pregnancy:

It’s not about what is right, but what is right for you. Expert advice, whether it be with diet, exercise or life means NOTHING if you don’t adjust it to your own needs, values and lifestyle.
As humans, we continue to evolve and develop even into adulthood. Big changes, like motherhood, can precipitate huge shifts in our needs and values. It can be tough to negotiate those shifts, and the transition in roles that come with motherhood.

Experiencing her own shifts led Alessandra to create her business, Life in Focus Coaching. Today, Alessandra works with woman [and men] inside and outside the box as a lifestyle and nutrition coach.

And, speaking from experience, she’s damn good at helping people emerge directed and confident from those life shifts.

Athlete Profile (update): Leslie Spector

Hiking with her babies (photo courtesy of Leslie)

A year ago, we featured Phoenix, Ariz., native Leslie Spector, who was pregnant with baby #2, and an advocate for CrossFitting while pregnant. Today, Leslie is rocking a hot bod thanks to hard work and participating in a Back Alley CrossFit paleo challenge. “I had hit a plateau with my weight loss after Sean,” said Leslie. “The paleo challenge was the nudge of motivation I needed.”

Her results speak volumes:

15lbs gone forever
16 inches gone forever
Reduced performance times by at least a minute

Leslie advises that it’s more than just the box and paleo (or any diet tweaks) to get that weight off. “If the kiddos are losing their minds and you can’t make it in, you need to have a back-up plan.” She recommends having a list of at-home WODs, DVDs, or getting outside. “Anything is better than nothing!”

Balance is a struggle for this full time working mom of two. Now having two kiddos to manage and a husband with a fire fighter’s schedule, getting into the box can be tricky, but making the commitment is key.

Double unders! (photo courtesy of Back Alley CF)

“My best advice is to have a solid routine and stick with it,” said Leslie. “On days when your heart is tugging more toward baby than the box, listen! Those feelings happen for a reason. I love Elizabeth Akinwale’s quote about always having inches to lose and gains to make, but our babies are only babies once. That got me through last week having two sick babies and only working out twice. I really try to be in tune with my needs. If it’s respite, I find someone else to love my babies for the hour I’m working out. If I miss my babes, but know for my own well-being my butt needs to be at the gym, they come along and I work out with the annoying interruptions because that’s better than not seeing them.”

Team WOD (photo courtesy of Back Alley CF)

When her kiddos do join her in the box, she leverages technology and food. For her toddler, some tablet time is key, since WOD time is some of the only time she sees technology. Her baby’s distractions shift from food, to other people, to his big sissy, to the various toys in the box. “To be honest, the awesome community at Back Alley is what gets me through if he is there,” Leslie said.

Leslie’s focus on a paleo lifestyle helped with the weight loss, but she suggests finding something that works for you and your family. “Dial in the diet, but make it realistic so it works for you instead of being destined to fail. If it’s not realistic, you’ll fail. If you fail, it’s an excuse to go off the rails. At least it is for me.” Having the support of a spouse/partner or the entire family definitely helps. For other moms considering paleo, she offers this advice, “It seems more complicated than it is. Once you know the basics, and carve out prep time, it’s easy.” She turns to Paleo Grubs for recipe inspiration. “I make a spicy chicken recipe at least once a week. I also, have bacon and steak wrapped asparagus in the weekly rotation.” YUM!

Leslie didn’t CrossFit during her first pregnancy, but was a huge advocate for it when she became pregnant with her second baby. Leslie isn’t only focused on her physical health through CrossFit; she uses it for full mind, body, and spiritual health.

Endurance training with Coach Melissa (photo courtesy of Leslie)

“CrossFit is my medicine! Literally, I use it to naturally treat my bipolar disorder,” said Leslie. “Chemicals freak me out and Back Alley makes it possible for me to maintain balance without having to pop pills. If I go more than a couple days without my daily dose of BACF, it’s obvious. I love being dependent on exercise and friends…the support and friendships I have built are priceless!”

How’s that for CrossFit and pregnant success?

A Pro’s Perspective

Hello friend. I’ve missed you.

Eight and a half months post natal and I am within 10# of my original weight. Ten pounds won’t be easy, but I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. As I’ve shared, it’s been a struggle – most likely because my number one priority is the sweet baby I love fiercely.

CrossFit Baby

The weather is at the height of perfection in Phoenix. I’ve been taking advantage of being outdoors – long walks with my babies and a run squeezed in when I can muster motivation. I CrossFit once or twice a week and do a lot of conditioning (burpees, sit ups, supermans, push ups, leg lifts, etc.) at home while playing with the babe.

Best running buddy ever!

Knowing my struggle to accept the new me and also knowing how extremely hard I am on myself, my sweet husband shared a blog post from CrossFit Elite Athlete Elizabeth Akinwale. Titled “All Due Respect,” Akinwale shares her thoughts on getting her own body back post babies. My favorite line:

“Priorities will change and that’s ok because you know what? If you put your fitness on the back burner, it will come back! You have an entire lifetime to continue to pursue the fittest version of yourself, but your babies are only little for a short time.”

Photo credit: elizabethakinwale.com

How so very true. Thanks, Elizabeth, for the fantastic reminder.

Now, off to snuggle my sweet baby.

xoxo

Six Months

Six months of motherhood. I blinked and we’re already at the half-year point. I have no idea how that happened. In honor of those six months, I would like to expose some of my truths:

I was slovenly all summer. It’s no secret: I’m not a desert heat kinda gal. I hibernate like it’s nobody’s business. So the extra 20 (yes, 20!) pounds have stuck around at six months. All those statements about nursing and losing the weight? Lies. Pre-pregnancy clothes have yet to fit (can I get an AMEN for yoga pants?). I’m awkwardly wide. Spanx don’t do shit. This is probably my greatest struggle with pregnancy and motherhood. I miss my wardrobe and the body I worked so hard for prior to baby.

Monkey Swings at Back Alley CrossFit

CrossFit definitely helps, but I have been at a weight-loss plateau for quite some time. Have I CrossFitted five days a week? No. But it’s more than just working out. Recently, I started keeping a food journal. The minute I put what I consumed on paper, I shredded some inches and pounds (no lie). Through my week of food journaling, Coach Melissa helped me realize my sugar addiction and is currently helping me get my blood sugar back in check. Melissa has me eating so much, which seems counter-intuitive, but I am also not crashing or experiencing extreme starvation post-nursing. Huge wins – mentally, emotionally, and physically!

iPhones let you take selfies!

My iPhone and social media saved me from the long stretches of boredom and isolation and kept me engaged during the early days of hours-upon-hours of nursing. Sometimes I feel guilty about this (Should I be talking, singing, praying to her? How can I be more present? Will she be addicted to technology at a young age from seeing me like this?). But to my fellow online mommas, thank you for being there; for responding at crazy hours. It’s nice knowing there’s a village out there googling the same crazy questions, posting hilarious parenthood articles, and sharing pics of the cutie-patooties.

Courtesy of ecardforum

And when I wasn’t scrolling through my phone, TV was my best friend. I watched every season of Lost. I started Pretty Little Liars (terrible, but addicting). Chad and I watched The Office and Friday Night Lights (this was the second time we’ve watched every episode). People, that’s four series consumed from May to August. My word, that’s a lot of TV! But in the dead of summer (aka 116 degrees), there’s not much else to do with a newborn, but hole away in the air conditioning.

For the first five months, Florie refused to sleep during the day. Until we bought a swing for nap time. Yes, judge away; my child naps in the swing. But there are days (like today) where she fights a nap, even in the swing, (and wins). She just doesn’t want to miss anything. My Type-A personality struggles with the reality that I get little accomplished everyday. It’s one I’m overcoming as she becomes more independent, but those early days were hard! And I thank God everyday that she has slept through the night from a very young age.

The pendulum of emotions and weird things your body does postpartum sucks. There’s no better word. I’m tired of the hair loss, the irritability, the feelings of starvation that follow long periods of nursing (see point above; no wonder I can’t lose the extra 20 pounds), the brain fog…

Then there’s the challenge of balancing my professional self with my new role as a momma. This isn’t easy for me. My friend, and subsequently my life coach, Dr. Alessandra Wall, of Life in Focus, has helped me in this time of re-definition. We’re working on a variety of things, but, most importantly, she’s definitely my voice of reason when I’m battling the “how do I do it?” questions.

My friend Margie’s very honest blog about her first year as a mom has been a point of salvation. She suffered a rough first year with her first-born and was brave enough to share her truths with the world. I applaud her for bucking the norm and for making me feel OK with some of my own challenges. And let me tell you, she’s on baby #2, kicking ass and taking names, all while running her own business. Major props!

I wouldn’t change any of this if it meant I didn’t have my sweet, strong, fierce Little Miss. Life with her is so much brighter and better. I’m fascinated by her daily developments – what’s instinctive and what she’s picking up from us. I’ve loved getting us involved in all the fun (FREE!) activities around town. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to deepen some friendships with other (new) mommas. And I’m so thankful for my supportive, patient husband, who has risen to his fatherhood duties without hesitation. For that, I’m truly thankful and lucky.

What are your truths? Where did you turn on bad days? Any wise sages have advice for new moms?

Barbells for Boobs

More than 20 years ago, my Aunt Mary “Mimi” was diagnosed with breast cancer. With the support of her family and friends, she beat it and has had a successful remission. Not everyone is as lucky.

Meghan & Mimi

To honor her brave fight and the fight of so many women and men, I’m raising money for early detection education and participating in the CrossFit Barbells for Boobs WOD (Workout of the Day) on Oct. 17 at Back Alley CrossFit. The WOD is called “Grace,” which is 30 clean and jerks for time. My attempted weight and time will be announced this week.

Please help me support Barbells for Boobs by making a donation through my page. Even a small donation will help me achieve my goal. The process is fast, easy, and secure. If you donate and would like your donation to honor someone, I’ll gladly temporarily tattoo their name or favorite saying on my legs or arms … so let’s get my skin covered!

Thanks so much for your support.

Meghan

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CrossFit & Pregnant

Here's to the next nine months!

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