"When will I ever be able to do what I used to be able to do again?"
It's a question Sweat personal trainer and fitness influencer Kayla Itsines remembers asking herself after her first pregnancy four years ago.
And while much has changed this time around, after the 32-year-old welcomed her second child in January, Itsines remains open about sharing her honest post-baby fitness journey online.
At 16 weeks postpartum, from the outside it may look like the trainer has completely "bounced back" from pregnancy, but Itsines takes great pride in pointing out that all is not as it seems.
"When people look at my body and think 'how?', number one, there's genetics, two, I'm a trainer and this is my job," Itsines tells 9Honey Coach.
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"Your job is not to get back into the gym. And three, I have a massive advantage over 99 per cent of the population because I've one done it before and I know what I'm doing."
She says her biggest pet hate is when people aren't honest about their situation online.
"Please don't compare yourself to me, I have so much help! People honestly ask celebrities how they did it. Are you joking? It's because they have nannies? That's how. They have night nurses. They get eight hours of sleep.
"Like, let's not be stupid with that sort of stuff. So for me, my family lives on my street. Any second of the day if I need two minutes I'll get two hours. That doesn't happen for most parents."
Getting back into the gym
After giving birth via c-section, Itsines started training with clearance from her doctor just over six weeks post-birth – even though she tried her luck at going back after four weeks.
"The doctor was like, 'What are you doing, you had major abdominal surgery, you don't get special clearance because you're Kayla itsines, you don't recover any faster than anyone else!'" she recalls.
Of course, clearance doesn't mean you're back into training like you were before, as Itsines stresses it's clearance for the "bare minimum".
To kick off her actual training, Itsines fitness tested herself against every exercise she was able to do before pregnancy – think push ups, squats, pull ups etc.
"I was not able to do a burpee, not able to do a sit up, but squats, I thought 'let's see how many I can do' and then I would sort of just write it down on a piece of paper," she says.
"And then I'll come back a few days later and do it again, just literally slowly building up."
It's a far cry from how she felt after her first pregnancy, admitting she is a lot more confident this time around in what she's doing.
"If you asked me this four years ago, I would have been like a little scared person because even as a trainer, I was like, 'I've never had major abdominal surgery before'.
"I've never felt a responsibility to just get back into fitness and back into bootcamps. This was pre-COVID, I was touring the world. I felt like I was completely lost and I remember being like 'if I feel like this, how does the rest of the population feel after they've had a baby?'"
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Using a combination of her own post-pregnancy and strength training programs, Itsines says her motto is "it's temporary".
"This time around I honestly use humour as the approach to this. I'm laughing that I can do three push ups. Because I know, that's not going to be me in a year. Everything is temporary and just enjoy the journey," she says.
Kayla Itsines' advice for post-pregnancy
Having a baby is the "hardest thing", Itsines says, and if she had to give one piece of advice it would be to actually "do nothing".
"No matter how you have the baby, if you had a cesarean, vaginal birth whatever, the post-pregnancy time is the hardest.
"So if I can say anything, it's just do nothing. I'm not asking you to do anything. I'm asking you to do the absolute bare minimum.
"I'm not going to say eat nutritious meals, just eat, just eat something. Go for a walk if you can, but if you can't do anything, just don't. Sleep will help you recover more than anything.
"My recommendations are sleep and vitamins. Just make sure you get some vitamins in and sleep and because it's actually impossible [to cope] otherwise."
Catering for all her followers
While her own journey currently is getting her strength back after having a baby, Itsines knows not all her followers are at a similar stage in their lives or fitness.
And so one of the biggest challenges has been continuing to cater to everyone, while remaining honest about her own progress.
"Right now, I'm almost four months postpartum. I've only just been able to do three sit ups. But [on my feed] it looks like I'm very advanced," she says.
"It's very hard to cater to the masses, but I think the way that you film something and the way that you actually are, are two different things.
"I'm working closely with healthcare professionals and my team to gauge what I can provide. I'm still able to film a high intensity workout, but am I not able to do a high intensity workout."
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Overall, Itsines says she's had very positive reactions from her community in response to her journey online, though she says it took some people a while to really understand how much help she has behind the scenes.
"Prior to having Ana, it was a lot of people saying 'you just wait 'till you have kids' and I really had in the back of my head like you guys don't understand how much help I have.
"I feel like now that I have two kids, everyone's like, she's got this."
'Getting my body back'
Despite this, Itsines still makes sure to clarify anything that might be misunderstood. For example, she doesn't want to add to the pressure women might feel to 'get their body back', explaining what that means for her.
"When I say, 'I just want my body back', I don't mean my physical-looking body. And I think only a mother will understand this. What we mean is, I want my body, my hormones, my skin, my hair, to function the way that I used to function.
"The baby takes control of your entire life and you don't care because it's your baby, it is priority number one, but your body is no longer yours.
"Every single day when I was feeling so sick I would think I just want to feel like what I felt like four months ago, or six months ago. When I was on holiday living my best life and now I'm like throwing up over a toilet. So that's what I mean by that."
New goals
As for what's next in the gym, Itsines says her goals have shifted slightly.
"Previously my goals were all about being able to get up on stage and run a bootcamp and be able to speak and train at the same time," she tells us.
"Now it's about strength, I want to be as strong as possible. So still high intensity training, but more with a strength element to it. I want to have strong legs, strong arms, do the most chin ups, like just impressive stuff.
"Just to prove to myself that I can do it."
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FAQs
Why did Kayla have ac section? ›
Kayla revealed earlier this year she was planning on having a C-section and was preparing for the recovery process in regards to her fitness. She said the surgery means she will be focused on lower intensity workouts while rebuilding her strength.
Has Kayla had her baby? ›Fitness queen Kayla Itsines has welcomed her second child — a healthy baby boy named Jax. The 31-year-old mum, from Adelaide shared the heart-warming news to Instagram on Sunday night. “Words absolutely cannot describe this feeling. We are SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW,” she wrote in her caption.
Who did Kayla Itsines have her first baby with? ›Kayla Itsines Welcomes First Child With Tobi Pearce.
What is the BBG fitness plan? ›BBG is built around three types of workouts: resistance training, cardio workouts, and stretching. The number and intensity of the workouts increases as an individual progresses through the 12-week program. The BBG program is a workout plan that is designed to be done at home.
Did Kayla break up with Tobi? ›After eight years together, Kayla and I have come to the difficult decision to separate as a couple. We will always be family, and remain good friends and devoted parents to Arna.
Is Kayla still with her baby daddy? ›Kayla has had a tumultuous relationship with her baby daddy since the birth of their son, but her fiancé Luke Davis has since stepped in as a father figure for the toddler.
Did Kayla have an abortion on 16 and pregnant? ›TEEN Mom: Young and Pregnant star Kayla Sessler revealed she had an abortion after accidentally getting pregnant. The 23-year-old terminated her pregnancy as her boyfriend Luke Davis doubts if the baby is his. During Tuesday's finale of Teen Mom: Young and Pregnant, Kayla learned she was pregnant with Luke's baby.
Is Kayla pregnant again? ›Just over a week after announcing her engagement to partner Jae Woodroffe, WH cover star and Sweat co-founder Kayla Itsines has more exciting news: she's expecting her second child, due early 2023.
Who is Kayla's second baby daddy? ›FRACTURED FAMILY. Kayla shares her two-year-old daughter Ariah with Luke, and her four-year-old son Izaiah with her ex Stephan Alexander. Luke previously cheated on Kayla while she was pregnant with their daughter, leaving the reality star wondering “if she'd ever be able to forgive him.”
How many babies does Kayla have? ›Teen Mom: Young and Pregnant alum Kayla Jones is officially a mom of two girls! The 23-year-old reality TV personality confirmed the news on her Instagram Stories.
Does Kayla have a third baby? ›
TEEN Mom star Kayla Sessler, 22, revealed she's PREGNANT with her third child in the Young & Pregnant trailer. The baby news comes after the mom-to-be again recently claimed her baby daddy, Luke, cheated. 🍼 Follow all our latest news & stories on Teen Mom.
Did Kayla have her 3rd baby? ›Another baby has been welcomed into the MTV family! Former 16 & Pregnant star Kayla Jordan welcomed her third child! And it's been a very exciting few weeks for the former reality star!
How long does it take to see results from BBG? ›HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO SEE RESULTS? One of the reasons I love the BBG program is because you see and feel results quicker than most (probably because it's such a kick in the butt, to be honest). Of course, every body is different, but I tend to start feeling results week 2, and seeing results week 3-4.
Is BBG worth it? ›Yes, BBG really works! Overall, I saw INCREDIBLE results. I felt stronger, I got leaner and I had more energy. Initially I just did the BBG workout (so I worked out 3 days a week) but then I added in running 1-3 days a week on our treadmill.
How many calories does BBG burn? ›A workout similar to those found in Kayla Itsines's Bikini Body Guide will typically run you about 200 to 400 calories per half-hour session, but if you're doing it interval-style, you can also enjoy some afterburn.
Did Toby dump Chloe? ›Love Island's Chloe Burrows admits Toby dumped her in 'saddest moment' of her life. Love Island favourite Chloe Burrows has opened up about her split with ex Toby Amorolaran for the first time and described the ordeal as the "saddest time of my whole life".
Did Tobi and Chloe break up? ›Toby, however, did find himself in hot water with some fans branding him "muggy" when he posted his own TikTok Toby just 24 hours after the split was made public. The 2021 Islander posted a video hinting at his break-up with Chloe less than a day after the news broke and it's safe to say it didn't go down well.
What happened to Tobi Pearce? ›Itsines and Pearce ended their relationship in 2020 but continued to work together on their fitness brand. Tobi Pearce has been linked to model Rachel Dillon as the mother-of-one finds herself entwined in a new relationship. The former couple are also parents to daughter Arna, who was born in 2019.
Who is Kayla's new boyfriend? ›How long have Kayla Itsines and Jae Woodroffe been dating? The Daily Mail first spotted the pair together in September 2021; however, they officially debut their relationship in January 2022.
When did Luke cheat on Kayla? ›Kayla, 22, opened up to Noopie revealing that her boyfriend Luke cheated on her with a woman he picked up at a bar just months after Kayla was pregnant with Ariah, now two. The mother-of-two told Noopie that things "haven't gotten much better with Luke" and that she and Luke "wanted to see a couple's counselor."
Did Kayla and Luke get married? ›
“Will you marry me?” was written on the dessert plate. While Kayla agreed to the proposal at the time, the pair's happiness didn't last long. Shortly after his proposal, she and Luke went their separate ways when she asked for a 30-day trial separation during an August 2022 episode of the MTV reality show.
Did Kayla's mom have another baby? ›Teen Mom star welcomes her second child, a baby GIRL, after she's FIRED from show. FORMER Teen Mom Kayla Jones has announced the arrival of her second baby daughter.
Who is the youngest mom on 16 and Pregnant? ›Taylor Lumas is a 15-year-old girl from Cincinnati, Ohio who becomes pregnant by her then-boyfriend Nathan Bridwell. Taylor's mother wants the baby to put up for adoption, but Taylor and Nathan decide to keep the baby. On November 11, 2010, she gives birth to her daughter Aubri Rose Bridwell.
What happened to the homeless girl on 16 and Pregnant? ›Jordan Cashmyer, whose struggles as a teeage homeless mother were detailed by MTV, has died in Maryland at 26. Her death was confirmed by her mother in a Facebook post. No cause was given by a medical examiner cited in numerous reports.
Is Kayla getting married? ›Kayla Itsines is officially off the market! On Monday, the fitness influencer announced she is engaged to her now-fiancé Jae Woodroffe.
Who is Kayla's son dad? ›TEEN Mom fans all say that Kayla Sessler's son, Izaiah, looks just like his dad, Stephan Alexander, in his new school pictures.
Did Kayla and Luke have a baby? ›While Kayla welcomed her first child, son Izaiah, with ex-boyfriend Stephan Alexander, she welcomed her second child, daughter Ariah, with Luke, who she has been with since 2019.
What happened to Kayla's mom? ›However, this all changed when a hostage situation took place that resulted in the death of Nora, Kayla's mother.
How old are Kayla's kids? ›The reality star is a mom to a 4-year-old son, Izaiah, with her ex, Stephan Alexander, and a 2-year-old daughter, Ariah, with Luke Davis.
How did Kayla J get pregnant? ›The high school sweethearts welcomed their daughter, Mecca, after Kayla became pregnant by a sperm donor.
How old is Kayla's son Isaiah? ›
The drama didn't end for Kayla, though. While in LA, she got some upsetting news about her son, Izaiah, which furthered the rift between her and Luke's family. Apparently, Izaiah, who is 4 years old, was screaming and wearing a diaper when Kayla's mom picked him up from Luke's sister's house.
Who is Kayla Jones baby daddy? ›at birth. Jones's husband, Luhkye, welcomed his daughter with an Instagram slide showing off the new addition to their family. “My beautiful baby girl is here I'm so happy I cried seeing you. daddy is always here to protect you I got you forever baby girl,” Luhkye's caption read.
Does BBG make you lose weight? ›"The BBG diet is the nutrition component of a popular workout plan. It promotes a variety of nutrient-dense, portion-controlled foods to support weight loss. With no eliminated food groups and an emphasis on overall wellness, experts agree this can be a nutritious eating plan."
What is realistic body fat loss in 6 weeks? ›“Generally speaking, it's safe to lose 0.5% total body fat per week, or 2% body fat per month.” An easier way to measure it at home is approximately 1 to 2 pounds a week, depending on your starting weight.
Can you get a good body in 8 weeks? ›Can you get in shape in 8 weeks? You can lose weight in 8 weeks, but if you want to tone up, build muscle or change your body composition, this takes longer. Remember that weight loss isn't the same as fat loss, and if you go hard, you may lose muscle too.
Is BBG good for beginners? ›If you're a beginner this program is TOTALLY doable, but I would caution you to make sure your form is correct, to take your time with each exercise, and to modify the exercises as you need to until you have built up your muscles and strength. I began BBG by doing the “BBG Beginner 1.0” program.
What is BBG vs FBG? ›Both BBG and FBG have three days of strength-training and three days of cardio, but FBG is specific. In the FBG plan, you do four weeks of walking in the pre-training, then four weeks of LIMIT, four weeks of MISS, and the last four weeks you have one day each of walking, MISS and HITT.
How many weeks is BBG zero? ›There are 16 weeks in total, including 4 beginner weeks. It was designed to help improve fitness, functional movement, core stability and strength. BBG Zero Equipment features 70 new (new to BBG, at least) bodyweight exercises.
Does Kayla BBG work? ›Does BBG Work? Yes & No. Yes, because the workouts truly made me stronger and more confident in my workout ability. I had started out with barely any strength to do a pushup, or the stamina to complete 20 jump lunges, and only three months later I was able to complete 20 pushups and 40 jump lunges with ease.
What exercise burns the most calories in 30 minutes? ›Calories burned in 30 minutes:
Generally, running is the best calorie-burning exercise. But if you don't have enough time to go on a run, you can shorten your workout into high-intensity sprints.
What is the highest calorie burning exercise? ›
According to Healthline, running burns the most calories. A tried and true exercise that requires little more than your legs and the open road, running burns just over 800 calories for a 155-pound adult per hour.
Who was the baby that got the face cut during C-section? ›Denver Newborn Requires 13 Stitches on Her Face After Being Cut During Emergency C-Section: 'It's Upsetting' What should have been a joyous moment for Reazjhana Williams became one of distress after her newborn suffered a cut across her face during an emergency cesarean section.
Does Kayla have a pregnancy program? ›Combining her prenatal qualifications, years of experience training women and first-hand knowledge of pregnancy, Pregnancy with Kayla is a 40–week program created by Head Trainer Kayla Itsines to help women move with confidence and continue their health and fitness journey.
What is the heaviest baby ever born cesarean? ›An event of gigantic proportions occurred in January at the Padre Colombo Hospital in Parintis, in the Brazilian Amazon. Angerson dos Santos, was born by caesarean section, a baby who measured two feet (60 cm) and weighed 16 pounds (7.3kg).
Do C-section babies look different? ›Babies who were born vaginally may have an elongated head or "cone head" due to pressure on the skull to fit through the birth canal; babies born by C-section will have a rounder head. You may notice changes in your baby's skin, limbs, genitals, stool and urine over the next few weeks.
Can you sue if baby is cut during C-section? ›Yes. Your infant's fetal laceration may be caused by your doctor's inexperience or negligence. If this is the case, you have the right to sue your doctor for causing fetal lacerations in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Who is Kayla Nicole Jones baby father? ›Jones's husband, Luhkye, welcomed his daughter with an Instagram slide showing off the new addition to their family. “My beautiful baby girl is here I'm so happy I cried seeing you. daddy is always here to protect you I got you forever baby girl,” Luhkye's caption read.
Are Kayla and Luke engaged? ›During Tuesday's brand new episode of Teen Mom: Young and Pregnant, viewers saw Kayla and Luke get engaged. The former college athlete popped the question over dinner not long after his mom and sister tried to fight his fiancée on the show.
How old is Kayla's kids? ›The reality star is a mom to a 4-year-old son, Izaiah, with her ex, Stephan Alexander, and a 2-year-old daughter, Ariah, with Luke Davis.
Who is Kayla new husband? ›It's been a big week for Kayla Itsines and Jae Woodroffe. Last Tuesday, the pair announced that they were engaged in a joyful Instagram post where Itsines showed off one of the most stunning (and sparkling!) engagement rings we've ever seen.
How much money does Kayla have? ›
As of 2023, Kayla Itsines has a net worth of $270 million Australian dollars. When she was with Tobi, they had a combined net worth of $486 million. She had half of this, and 4 years later, she has increased her net worth mostly by herself. This is based on the value of her Gold Coast home, her gym and online business.
How much does Kayla cost? ›Cost: You can get the "Sweat With Kayla" app free for a week. After that, it's $19.99 (U.S.) a month. Good for Beginners? Not if you're very much out of shape.