any new moms out there doing this program?

[mom in training]

If you've had a baby within the last year or so and are doing this program, can you let me know how its been going for you or give me any advice as a new mom?

[rubyam]

I started back in October when my second baby was under a year (10 months). Overall I think it is a wonderful program for moms since we have to lift heavy and heavier things all the time It is so much easier for me to carry my daughter now than when I started, and even my 6 1/2 year old feels pretty light these days.

I do think it might be best to wait til you are 4 to 6 months postpartum before starting, especially if you had a c-section, and to make sure you don't have too much abdominal muscle separation. Also if you are breastfeeding you may find some of the exercises in stages 2-5 uncomfortable (prone Cuban snatch? and YTWL). If I start to feel uncomfortable on the bench for those I switch to the exercise ball.

[tkrunche1]

I started the program when my third child was just 7 weeks old. I'm done having babies so I was eager to get back control of my body. I didn't breastfeed so I can't comment on whether or not certain exercises were difficult or sore in that area. Otherwise, I did not have any problems. I don't see any reason to wait any longer than you need. So long as you feel good and your Dr. has given you the go ahead at your 6 week postpartum visit, then go for it. Like I said, I have 3 kiddos (ages 3.5, 22 months, and 8 months) so I am always holding at least one child and this program has definitely made me stronger. It wasn't until about Stage 5, almost Stage 6 that I noticed any sort of changes in my body, specifically my stomach/abdominal area. So, stick with it. I know I got discouraged when after a few months I wasn't seeing much for results but I finished it last month and have since started over from Stage 1. Good luck! Make sure you get plenty of rest (ha ha....easier said than done...)

[carolynq]

Depending on how you define "new" I can be included. I started this program after giving up on my body returning to normal on its own after baby #3 (also my last). He was a bit over a year at the time, but I've been at it for almost a year (only lifting twice a week, I just completed the whole program - it took me 9 months, which I found appropriate ). I have seen definite improvement and have even gotten a 2 piece bathing suit to show off all my new muscles this summer. My stomach is back to being firm and muscular, although the skin is still a little wrinkly and it is not as flat as it used to be. I got my flat tummy back after baby's 1 and 2, so I think I just pushed things too far going for a third (my babies were BIG and I am small and I think my stomach and innards just finally gave up on me ). Still, lots of improvement and I feel really good about myself.

I had three c-sections and would definitely recommend waiting for a few months if that is your situation. After my first my stomach muscles didn't feel right for several months after the 6 week "all clear".

Good luck! This is a great program.

[mom in training]

Thanks for the great info, I'll be about 4 months post partum when I start this workout here in a few weeks. I had 2 c-sections so I'm trying to take it easy. I'm kind of nervous because I feel that I want to see a lot of changes in my body with this program (specifically by abs) but I don't want to get my hopes up. Did any of you see any significant fat loss in your body from this program?

[missjane]

Fat loss is all about diet, not so much what you do in the gym. It's the kitchen that counts. So, if you are in a caloric deficit, you will lose fat. If not, you won't. This applies whether you are doing NROL4W or any other program.