Editor’s Note: This article is intended for information purposes only. It does not substitute a doctor. It is vital to always consult a medically trained professional for advice that suits your needs best.
New year, new balik-alindog goals. But when motherhood gets in the way, is it still possible to achieve our ideal body figure and be healthy? Sometimes, we spend a lot on workout equipment, but don't know where to start or don't have the time for it. We have so many excuses.
But for mom of three Anne Yap from Taguig, she was left with no choice but to work out, not for anyone but for herself. Anne shared with Smart Parenting what her motherhood journey was like.
"During my first pregnancy, we found out that I don't have a normal uterus. Not just the common cases like introverted or retroverted. I have a uterus didelphys, meaning I have two separate uteruses or a double uterus," she said.
According to Healthline, it’s possible for women with a double uterus to carry a baby to term. However, there is an increased risk of miscarriage or premature labor.
Anne was put on full bed rest for the entire nine months of her pregnancy. "Thank God, all my three pregnancies were all successful, full term, and are now very healthy."
Aside from her physical challenges, motherhood took Anne's career as a banker to an unexpected turn. "I struggled between being a mom and having a career. Lagi akong naka-leave kasi sobrang selan ng pregnancy, and minsan walang nagbabantay sa kids."
During her second pregnancy, with her husband's support, she decided to resign and be a full-time mom and wife.
RELATED: This Mom Was Put On Bed Rest During Her Pregnancy, So She Gave Birth To A Baby And A Business
Motherhood challenges
"On my third pregnancy in 2019, my weight doubled," Anne revealed. Her OB-GYNE told her it was normal for someone who has double uterus. "It's like every pregnancy nag-se-stretch ka."
"From weighing 45 kilos, I gained another 45 kilos. And with my third pregnancy, I had a postpartum complication pa that prevented me from doing my usual balik-alindog exercises, because I can't even walk properly."
"My OB said to give it time to heal because I also had an episiotomy procedure, but we were already considering it a pelvic prolapse. So even if it was not fully confirmed, I was already prevented from doing exercises that will make it worst, like sit-ups, planks, squats, running, and jumping," the 37-year-old mom said.
What's worse than her condition was the negative comments thrown at her. "After a month of giving birth, they said, "Bakit ang laki mo pa? Hindi ka ganyan before! Dati, mabilis ka pumayat! Buntis ka ba ulit?" Anne admits, the comments got into her and that she had no choice but to brush them off.
Finding the workout that works for her
Six months postpartum, the COVID-19 pandemic started. "Super stressful of course. I have a 6-month-old baby that I had to bring to the hospital for vaccines, and I also have two schoolkids to look after. All of those took a toll on my health," she said.
"There will always be people out there who will always have comments about us, our body figure, and looks. Don't mind them! Just focus on your well-being and health. They don't know your story."
"I easily get sick and get tired, and because of my weight, doing simple household chores, hinihingal na ako. That's when I started looking for something to do, an exercise that will not require me to jump. I found Ropeflow."
Ropeflow was created by an American inventor and biomechanist named David Weck. It is a rotational movement exercise that teaches you coordination, rhythm, and balance by rolling the rope around you without jumping. Here's celebrity mom of one Ellen Adarna doing Ropeflow.
"It helps me improve mobility and joint health. It also helps me focus, basically, brain coordination, like muscle memory, where to swing your rope depending on your position. It helps me a lot, especially with my endurance, back problems, and of course my postpartum complications."
Flowing with Ropeflow
Fortunately, Anne knew someone who was doing it and asked for help. She found this perfect workout for her because you don't need a lot of exercise materials, just a rope and an adequate space for you to move freely.
Smart Parenting Editor-At-Large and mom of two Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio is also into Ropeflow.
"I can say, this exercise is the one that helped me walk properly because it strengthened my muscles and improved my leg movement. And of course, it helps me maintain my figure right now. I can say I can move better now compared to before," Anne explains.
She added, "Nakakarelax din siya! Like if you are having a bad day just pick up your rope and ihampas mo lang. I've been doing this for almost two years now, and I'm loving the benefits."
Anne has also found a supportive community in Ropeflow Pampanga, in her hometown. She said, there were a lot of parents in the group that's why if you are looking for a low-maintenance workout that you will enjoy doing even at home, she highly recommends trying Ropeflow.
"Most of the members are also mommies who are willing to help you! There are also coaches to help you with formal training," she said.
Want to give Ropeflow a try? Anne recommends this rope from Flowin Easy. Buy it on Shopee here.
Focus on you
Finally, Anne reminds all the moms and even dads who are being judged based on their bodies. "There will always be people out there who will always have comments about us, our body figure, and looks. Don't mind them! Just focus on your well-being and health. They don't know your story."
She added, "If you want to change for the better, do it for your own sake. And remember, the best results always take time, so don't be in a rush. It's a matter of motivation and having a great support system."
"It's important to find the best exercise for you, aside from getting the healthy benefits, you should also have a great time doing it!"
Check out the fun and reflective Elektra 2.0 rope from the Ropeflow Project on Lazada here.
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