Gemma Atkinson reveals reality of post-baby body

Gemma Atkinson has warned her fans that appearances can be deceiving when it comes to her post-baby body.

The soap star, who gave birth to daughter Mia in July, has shared a video on her Instagram account where she looks like she has “snapped back” into shape.

But the 34-year-old has admitted while she is lighter than she was before she gave birth, she isn’t as fit or strong as she once was.

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2wks pp ⏩ 16wks pp Remember my post about me ditching my scales? Well, above is a reason why. Now I’m doing another 12wk transformation I have to have my measurements done every two weeks so Evil Steve has an indication of my progress & any changes he needs to make. On Friday I was 71.1kg. That’s lighter than before I was pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant I was 72kg and at my heaviest I was 89kg. So I’ve lost almost 42lbs since having Mia. However, the weight I’ve lost is both muscle and fat. My weight loss goal is to preserve as much muscle as possible, ideally even gain some while at the same time lose as much body fat as possible. Despite looking “snapped back” in the above video I still have a long way to go when it comes to feeling my best and being at my fittest again. I want to concentrate on smashing my PB’s again! I used to deadlift 90kg, I’m currently on 20kg. I used to be able to do 3 pull ups (which was a big deal for me!) At present, I can’t even do 1. I used to load up the prowler with weights AND Evil Steve (who’s a big unit) 😂 and pull it across the gym, I’ve not even attempted the prowler with no weights yet. There’s a big difference in looking the part to actually being or doing the part. My muscle mass has decreased because at 6 months pregnant I stopped weight training, my cardiovascular fitness isn’t what it was because I stopped HIIT while pregnant and my body fat increased because I had a beautiful baby. I started light cardio at 10wks pp and light weight training at 13wk pp. I’ve taken my time & allowed / am still allowing my body to heal. I’m excited for the next 12wks of training and having the goal to regain my strength & muscle mass whilst keeping my body fat low. What’s the point in looking ok but not feeling ok? To me, the two go hand in hand and with little Mia depending on me, my health is more important than ever. 💪🏼❤️

A post shared by Gemma Atkinson (@glouiseatkinson) on Nov 3, 2019 at 1:56am PDT

In a lengthy post, she writes: “On Friday I was 71.1kg. That’s lighter than before I was pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant I was 72kg and at my heaviest I was 89kg. So I’ve lost almost 42lbs since having Mia.

“However, the weight I’ve lost is both muscle and fat.”

She continues that she’s now ready to start doing more fitness training with her trainer she dubs “Evil Steve”, saying her goals are to “preserve as much muscle as possible, ideally even gain some while at the same time lose as much body fat as possible.”

Gemma adds of her current slim figure: “Despite looking ‘snapped back’ in the above video I still have a long way to go when it comes to feeling my best and being at my fittest again. I want to concentrate on smashing my PBs again!

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We always start the day with a cuddle and a natter. Followed by a strong ass coffee for Mum ❤️☕️

A post shared by Gemma Atkinson (@glouiseatkinson) on Oct 27, 2019 at 12:51am PDT

“I used to deadlift 90kg, I’m currently on 20kg. I used to be able to do three pull ups (which was a big deal for me!) At present, I can’t even do one.

“I used to load up the prowler with weights AND Evil Steve (who’s a big unit) and pull it across the gym, I’ve not even attempted the prowler with no weights yet.”

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The former Strictly star said: “There’s a big difference in looking the part to actually being or doing the part. My muscle mass has decreased because at six months pregnant I stopped weight training, my cardiovascular fitness isn’t what it was because I stopped HIIT while pregnant and my body fat increased because I had a beautiful baby.”

Now as she looks to regain some fitness, Gemma, who shares her workout secrets in her Ultimate Body Plan book, says her goals are all about being happy and healthy.

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“What’s the point in looking ok but not feeling ok? To me, the two go hand in hand and with little Mia depending on me, my health is more important than ever,” she writes.

Her friends and followers have praised her stance, with the post gaining nearly 1,000 comments.

Strictly dancer Johannes Radebe told her: “You are goals mama,” while actress Sheree Murphy said: “You look amazing!”

Another of her followers wrote: “Such a good role model and you look insane.”

Others said she was “inspirational”.

One reassured her: “You look insane! The strength will come back,” while another added: “Well done! It’s always good to remember it’s progress not perfection.”

Gemma was delighted to welcome baby Mia with Strictly’s Gorka Marquez but has spoken of how she had to have a traumatic c-section to bring her into the world.

She’s now easing back into workouts after allowing her body plenty of time to heal from the surgery.

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