And the three of us went to Miami

And here we are getting ready for a nice family trip and a professional challenge for me.

After winning my 5th world title in 2017 in Miami, I knew I wanted to be a mother, that we wanted to be parents. At the time I was obviously wondering: but when the next competition?

Until 7 months ago, I was undecided if and when I would return to the stage.

I like to let things come naturally, so I didn’t set my plans ahead of time. I wanted to see how my body recovers after pregnancy.

A brief recap. I became a mother on August 31, 2018 at 5pm after a 14 hour labour and a natural birth. In pregnancy I took care of myself, so I felt that obviously in recovery as well, the process was much faster and easier ( I think:))

The first month after I gave birth, I wanted to do nothing, to let my body recover on its own. I felt exhausted anyway, because even during pregnancy, the nights were interrupted (the fetus was sitting on the bottom, and I was going to the bathroom every 2 hours). After the pain went away and I also got rid of the pounds I gained in pregnancy (10.5 kg), I started with mobility exercises and light running. After 6 weeks, I also added body weight exercises (e.g., knee bends, lunges, push-ups). It was weird. It was like the first time I felt it so intensely: my hands and feet were shaking as I executed them. Doing sports all my life, for me it was a strange experience I could say. I thought it wasn’t me.

I’ve worked a lot with myself. I really wanted to get around the “post-natal depression” and I did. Sleepless nights, Rareș at that time woke up every hour or two, a chronic fatigue it seemed, hormonal and physical changes, often made me see another person in the mirror. But I overcame this period, telling myself that I was responsible for the changes I could make, and the feelings towards Rars and this motherly love that you can’t describe in words, filled me with happiness.

It charged me up every time I looked at him and picked him up! And when I say that, I mean it. It’s like a wave of energy goes through my body when I hold my baby. <3

But I needed something else. From a lens. Something to make me set a plan and regain my self-confidence. And for me that meant Fitness Universe. The competition takes place every year in Miami, and from 2010 to today, I have achieved the beautiful performance with 5 world titles.

I had a more serious discussion with Dragos, we analyzed a bit what this meant, and we decided: the three of us were going to Miami.

My husband is on paternity leave. So when I run to the gym, he’s the one who stays with Rareș. We’re both raising the little one, and so far we’re doing very well. For that I am very grateful.

Coaching makes me a go-getter most of the day, but now that I’ve become a mom, I’ve allowed myself to slow down.

Even then I barely felt like I could cope. It wasn’t until 4-5 months after giving birth that I started to respond better to the gym program (where I returned after 6 weeks). I was “fluffy” even though I was fine on the scales. The song that only appeared in my house when I got pregnant, because otherwise I’m not a “no kg” fan :))

My diet has always been healthy.

Eaten as simply and organically as possible. Lots of vegetables, fruit, dairy, eggs, baked or grilled meats, carbohydrates (legumes pasta , sweet potatoes, whole grain crackers) and Herbalife nutrition (protein shakes, vitamins, fish oil). I like sweets but I eat them rarely and in small quantities. I’ve gotten used to making healthy choices. It really is a lifestyle.

Yoghurt and protein bar or cereal bar

Rareș is still breastfeeding. So here I think I answer to all moms about breastfeeding, sports, healthy food and supplements. They make a good team together. Quality supplements are allowed, and healthy food does not mean dieting, just as sport does not mean exhaustion or stress.

I say that because my mummy used to tell me that she eats a lot of sweets and it doesn’t get rid of my tummy. When I told them what to change in their diet, they told me they were afraid that their lactation would drop.

Now I ask you: how do you think a chocolate donut does your body and your child better than a good roast with vegetables and salad (fruit etc)? The same with sport. Do sport! I have classes + competition training and I’m still breastfeeding Rareș. And he gets what he needs: morning and evening, sometimes even during the day or night.

I always hydrated well, and ate whenever I was hungry. We made healthy choices.

Preparing for Miami/ Miss Fitness Universe

The result of an active and healthy lifestyle has been seen. So, 7 months after birth, I was seeing my “little squares” again.

That was the point where my stamina increased, as did my confidence 🙂

As I said in a post at one point. It’s very important to take small, calculated steps. You reach the great goal you set for yourself through hard work, determination and patience. Patience to go through the plan, with no expectations at the beginning with what you want to see at the end.

That’s what I did. I was aware of everything I had planned.

To quote my text from a recent post:

“Nine months ago I gave birth to Rareș.
Seven months ago I was barely running two miles. 🙂
Five months ago I could barely do a jump.
3 months ago I had started with the gymnastics elements I needed in my Fitness workout, and I had the impression then that “I broke my bones and I’m 100kg”

NOW I’M READY! Believe in yourself!!!! “

When my body fully recovered and I was able to do more intense workouts, even though I had the same diet, my muscles started to define. Slowly, I got back into shape. SO YOU CAN! Isn’t our body wonderful? 🙂