Inspirational Transformation - From Childbirth to Triathlon Champion

My name is Jessica, I am 24 years old, married and have two young girls, Madelynn and Elizabeth. I have never really been over weight in my life
and have always maintained size 8-10 (Australian sizing). I've always
enjoyed exercising - working out at the gym, running, playing netball -
anything to keep me healthy and fit.

During my first pregnancy I only put on about 10kgs. After giving birth, I found myself getting depressed and feeling down about my weight and newly changed body. Being
a first time Mum I felt confined to our home. I wasn't interacting with
many people as I just put all my energy and time into Maddie. I didn't
seem to have any time for myself and I was slipping slowly into
depression. Thankfully, I recognised this and decided that I needed to
get out and get some sun on my skin.

I decided to start swimming training, as I was able to put Maddie into the pool's crèche, allowing me to train and clear my head. I started feeling better about myself
instantly! I was able to have some “me” time plus I was working on
getting my figure back. My goal was to keep going so that I actually
felt confident in my togs again. I found that I was calmer, a better Mum
to Maddie, that I had more energy and that I got a lot more done each
day.

I was swimming three days a week at the same time, which made a really good routine for Maddie and myself. I just had to be
"selfish" sometimes and put myself first. I would write in my diary what
I was doing for the week, and the days I was exercising and stick to
it. I kept swimming right through my next pregnancy with Lizzie. I was
still doing butterfly the day before I gave birth to her. My
second labour was extremely fast and I feel it was because I kept up my
swimming and stayed fit. I was back in the pool two weeks after giving
birth to Lizzie, because I didn't want to slip out of routine and
possibly into depression.

Before Photo - during 1st pregnancy

Queensland Police Triathlon - 1st Place Medal presented by Bob Atkinson, QLD Police Commissioner

I am now a size 6 (Australian) or US size 2 and am feeling happier and healthier than I ever have!

I love that my girls want to join in with me and do their exercises too, after they see me doing them. They want to be like Mummy - strong, confident and healthy.

I know that I am teaching them the best habits for a happy and healthy life, which is one of the best gifts I could give them.