Tania: 'I’ve absolutely LOVED exercising again!'
When did you start your WW journey?
I’ve been a WW member since October 2014, and reached my goal weight in March 2015. In this time, I discovered a love for exercising and also developed a love/hate relationship with running - something I never thought I’d say! Both played a big part in my weight loss journey, with me attending gym classes several times a week.
Fast forward to February 2020, and I found out I was pregnant. By the time I was 7/8wks pregnant, I couldn’t even finish week 1 day 1 of couch to 5k anymore as I was so breathless. Finding out shortly afterwards that I was carrying twins explained a lot and that pretty much meant all exercise for me was off the table except for walking and swimming (but swimming pools were closed due to lockdown!). It was important to me to keep active during pregnancy as I wanted to stay as fit as I could be for my babies and to hopefully have a complication-free pregnancy and birth.
After giving birth in September 2020, I returned to WW in December when I was still carrying more than an extra 2 stone in weight, fitting into clothes 2 sizes bigger than usual, and so unfit that I couldn’t talk when I got to the top of the stairs. I was so frustrated with how I looked, and lived in leggings and my husband’s baggy hoodies. I felt like I was back where I started again, albeit this time with a healthier mindset and more determination. Yes my body has done something amazing by carrying 2 little humans at the same time, but I didn’t feel like me anymore and wanted to be fit and healthy for the girls. As you can imagine, life is chaotic now so I need to be able to keep up! As exercise had played such a big part in my journey back in 2014, I decided I wanted to get back into running again to help me get back to my goal weight and strengthen my body. However, as I’d had a cesarean, I was told from all angles that I had to be careful with the exercises I’d be doing as my body was still healing.
What interested you in giving the Everyone Active opportunity a go?
When WW offered me the opportunity to exercise with Jo as part of the WW Partnership with Everyone Active , I jumped at the chance! This was perfect - exercising with a professional to help guide me and tell me what I should or shouldn’t be doing during recovery as well as helping to rebuild my confidence.
WW member exclusive offer! Get 25% off Everyone Active memberships
Tell us a little about your Everyone Active experience!
After an initial conversation with Jo via Zoom to determine my goals, it was clear she was very knowledgeable and passionate about both postpartum recovery and postpartum exercising so I knew I’d be in safe hands. It’s been me wanting to steam ahead most weeks and Jo telling me to reign it in!
Once a week, we’ve been having a 45 minute personal 121 PT session via Zoom and a 30-minute group exercise class with 4 other WW members. It’s been fab working out with the others and seeing some friendly faces! Jo also sent me a weekly programme to follow but aside from walking daily with the girls in their pram, I had to confess that I simply didn’t have time to squeeze everything else in alongside looking after the girls. Life is very chaotic these days!
I can safely say that after pretty much a year off, I’ve absolutely LOVED exercising again! You can’t beat the feeling you get after a good workout and it’s even better when you and other people start to notice the results too! Jo’s personality is infectious - she’s high on life all the time and you want to do your best not just for you but for her too. She’s been so supportive and I absolutely love her. I can’t lie though, I’ve been frustrated that my body isn’t ready to do all the high impact/high energy stuff I enjoyed doing pre-pregnancy - I honestly never thought I’d actually want to do burpees - but I know I’ll get there again in time. I’m already managing to do things I couldn't do in week 1, which I’m thrilled about!
How has this opportunity helped you?
In the few weeks I’ve been working out with Jo, I’ve already dropped 1 dress size, lost 11lbs, am feeling more comfortable in my own skin and have noticed I’m feeling fitter! I honestly can’t thank WW, Jo and Everyone Active enough for giving me this opportunity and for helping me to get closer to my goals. I can’t wait to see where I’ll be in another 8 weeks!