Before I found out that I'm pregnant, I was 58kg. I feel too fat that time. After my pregnancy, I gained 12 kg. Imagine how frustrating it is. My clothes before are not fitting my body anymore. I hate to see myself wearing my mom's shorts or blouses or pants. I really want to get back in shape.

Every year, getting fit and having a balance diet is on top of my new year's resolution but, it never happen. It's so hard to control myself from eating. But this year, I have to discipline myself.

A photo posted by Lady Anne Louise Barrun (@ladysaleisha) on

Please excuse my instagram post, I am currently running when I took that photo. Anyway, I'm a Gold's Gym Member since September. Me and my colleague applied. One advantage when you have a gym buddy is you have a companion and won't feel awkward when working out. The disadvantage of having a gym buddy is when you plan to go on a gym that day then one backs out, you'll get lazy to go to the gym also. That's what happen to us for the past 3 months.

Anyway, my blog is about getting fit and strong. I would like to share some important tips when going to the gym.

(1) Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Of course this is a must. You will be doing aerobic workouts, running, stretching or even dancing so you need to be comfortable when moving your body.
    * You should wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. But if you are running or biking, avoid wide-leg or loose pants that could get tangled up in the pedals or your feet.
     * For activities such as yoga or Pilates, stretchy, fitted fabrics that wick away sweat are a good choice. In general, keep in mind that you don't want any clothing that gets in the way of the activity.

(2) Avoid wearing light color shirt. This is base on my experience. One time, I wore light gray shirt and by the time I'm sweating so much, there's a sweat mark on my underarm. Its embarrassing but I just go with the flow.

(3) Don't forget to bring padlock and keys. Lockers are available for all gym members to keep your bags and stuffs. Just don't forget to bring padlock and keys because you don't want someone to steal it.

(4) Bring your own drinking bottle. Before, I use their drinking faucet because I'm too lazy to bring my own drinking bottle. Until one time, when I'm drinking, the water splashed all over my shirt. Yeah! quite embarrassing. Also, it's a little bit hassle if you have to go to the drinking station in the middle of your workout.

(5) Always have extra. Extra clothes, small towel and undergarment are also necessary even if you're not planning to take a shower after your workout. Like me, I go to gym after my graveyard shift and I don't want to take a risk of taking a shower without proper sleep. Powder, facial wash and other hygiene products will still keep you fresh.

Exercising is not specifically will make you slim. As they say, 80% diet and 20% workout is the key for weight loss. When I started taking classes (Zumba, Piloxing, Pilates, and Yoga) I realized that getting sexier body should not be the reason why I'm doing this. I'm exercising to be "Healthy, Fit and Strong" because I am now a mother.

I want to be a mother who can still carry her child even though he weighs 10 kg or heavier. I want to be a mother who can be my son's playmate without getting tired easily. I want to be there with him when he wants to explore or discover new things. I want to live longer.

These are the things going on my mind which is why I am more determined and committed with this activity and I wanted to share this to other moms too. Add exercise to your weekly schedule. Not necessarily you have to go to the gym, because you can do simple 15-30 minutes routine work-out at home. As you always think about your child needs, think about yourself too because your child needs you more than anything else in this world.

SO THIS 2016, LET'S BE FIT AND STRONG MOMMIES!