Transformation of the Day: Nardia lost 43 pounds. Getting in shape after her fourth child was very challenging due to a number of factors, including postpartum depression. In 2023, she decided to overhaul everything, her diet, sleep, activity levels, and stress management. Her transformation has been physical, mental, and emotional.
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Tiktok/FB/IG: @getupwithnards
Hi, I’m Nardia (@getupwithnards). Athleticism has always been a part of my life, and with a background in health and fitness, you’d think I had it all figured out. But here’s the thing – anyone can face challenges. And for me, getting back in shape after my fourth baby was a journey unlike any other. It’s a story of resilience, learning, and unexpected struggles.
After my first two kids, I managed to shed the weight, but it wasn’t easy. I was back in top shape by my third pregnancy, staying active and gaining a healthy 30 pounds during pregnancy. But after baby three, while I was working on losing the weight, baby number four came along – totally out of the blue.
The months that followed? Super tough. I wasn’t mentally prepared for a fourth child, but I tried to stay positive and active. After giving birth to my 4th postpartum hit me hard this time around. Add to that the pandemic, losing my mother-in-law, reuniting with my biological father, family drama, and the loss of our family dog of 15 years – the weight just kept creeping up. Sure, I was exercising, but my eating habits and sleep were a mess.
End of 2022, rolling into 2023, I had to drag myself out of that rut. I was really unhappy with where I was at. I’ve never been this heavy in my life not even during pregnancy. It was time to overhaul everything – my diet, sleep, activity levels, stress management, all of it.
And that’s exactly what I did. I started eating more – stress usually kills my appetite, focused on getting quality sleep, staying hydrated, and fitting in workouts. I even took a break from social media to focus on myself.
And you know what? It paid off. I lost 40 lbs. But let’s be clear, this wasn’t just a year-long effort. It’s been a three-year rollercoaster, mentally and physically to get here.
If you’re embarking on your own journey, just remember: it’s uniquely yours. No need for comparisons. Take it one day at a time, be honest with yourself, embrace those small changes, and you’ll get there. Believe me, you can do it.
What does your workout routine typically consist of?
My workout routine is a mix of strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and flexibility exercises. As a personal trainer and lifelong athlete, I prioritize variety to keep my body challenged and to prevent boredom. I also incorporate outdoor runs and yoga to maintain my mental health and connect with nature, reminding myself of the journey’s holistic nature.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? (optional)
After my fourth child, my weight reached its peak at 208.2 pounds in January 2023. Currently, my weight is 165 pounds.
What is your height?
I’m 5 feet, 5 inches tall.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that true strength is as much mental and emotional as it is physical. Overcoming the challenges of postpartum depression, PTSD, and unexpected life changes taught me that healing from the inside out is crucial.
It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about mental resilience, emotional well-being, and the power of self-compassion. Accepting my vulnerabilities and working through them has been empowering, teaching me that every struggle is an opportunity for growth. This journey has reinforced the importance of patience, perseverance, and the strength that comes from facing and overcoming life’s obstacles.
