Ciara graces the cover of Shape Magazine for September 2015…
…where she discusses what it took to get her into “fighting shape” after giving birth to baby Future:
“When I was pregnant with Future, one thing I learned quickly was, don’t ever let a pregnant lady be hungry, because when I was, I was like the Tasmanian Devil! I indulged in all the good food the world has to offer. After he was born—when I couldn’t exercise yet—I kept eating, and I gained 60 pounds. But as soon as the doctor said I could start training again, I was on the treadmill the very next day. Once I got back into it, I worked out two or three times daily. I would go to Gunnar [Peterson] first for my one-hour training session, then I’d have two more cardio sessions later in the day. That, along with a really clean eating plan, was how I lost 60 pounds in four months. It was a very intense program, and I was extremely focused on it.”
Three cardio sessions a day, huh? Interesting.
She also touches on something important – “after he was born, I kept eating [like I was pregnant] and I gained 60 pounds.” There has to be a mindful and gradual reduction in your caloric intake from when you were 30lbs heavier with baby, to when you were without baby. It has to be even more mindful if you’re breastfeeding, because cutting too many calories will actually reduce your milk supply.
“Gunnar puts me through an hour-long plyometric cardio circuit that always includes boxing elements. What’s amazing is that you’re getting three-in-one training: It’s hitting your muscles; it’s a cardiovascular workout; and it’s a mental exercise. You have to be superfocused when you’re boxing. After I’ve done a few rounds, I feel as if I can conquer the world.”
That’s how I feel after a good lifting session – super-focused, super-energized (unless it’s leg day, then I’m just proud that I could crawl out of the gym successfully), and able to take on anything!
“‘The food isn’t going anywhere.’ You know those days when you think you have to have a plate of pasta right now? When I’m trying to be good, I take a minute to ask myself, Do you really need to eat all this crazy stuff? It will still be around if you want it later.'”
I definitely do this. If I’m eating something good – and you know what I mean – and get to the point where I feel like I want to eat all of it, I remind myself that “this isn’t the last batch ever made!” Even if, say, there’s a pint of ice cream in the freezer, and I know Ed’s going to eat the rest of what I put away, there’s nothing preventing me from getting more from the ice cream shop another day. There’s a difference between an indulgence and a binge, and I’m careful about not crossing that boundary.
Check out more excerpts from Ciara’s interview with Shape here – and the magazine launches for sale August 18th, where she also talks about her relationship with Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson and her latest song, dropping soon!