I hope everyone’s summer is off to a great start! My name is Krissy Chin, and I am an IFBB Figure Pro and physical therapist. I am so excited and honored to come aboard and write for FitnessRx for Women!
I was fully propelled into health and fitness when I lost both my mom and dad to cancer in 1994 and 1998. Let me just say that for me, losing both of my parents was a tremendous wake-up call about life. I learned that life is not only fragile, but also that we must make the most of each and every day, and cherish our loved ones. Even though the loss of my parents was definitely the hardest thing that I had to go through, it has made me who I am today. It also ignited my inner desire to lead a healthy lifestyle, to get a better grasp on my overall health and well-being, and to help others whenever and however I can.
My journey these past nine years has been absolutely incredible, and this year alone has been truly amazing in itself. This May, I shared the news that I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant, I was actually four weeks out from competing in the IFBB California Pro Figure Championships. I am very in tune with my body and I knew that with this prep something was just not right. My physique was coming in as we approached the show but not as quickly or as easily as I am accustomed to. I also remember feeling so bloated and constipated to the point where it was quite uncomfortable. I thought to myself, “What is going on??!!” I never have issues like this during prep. I even decided to go for a series of colonics to flush out my system. After the series, I felt better, but at the bottom of my six-pack I still had this pooch!
I always say, “LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.” I recall lying in bed not being able to sleep, just trying to figure out what could possibly be going on. Then the thought did cross my mind, “What if I am pregnant?” To be honest, I didn’t think I was, because I was on birth control pills. However, I knew there was that slim chance. The next day, my husband Troy and I got back from the gym and I just looked at him and said, “Honey, what if I am pregnant?” We went to the store and bought a pregnancy test. After three tests, we came to the conclusion that I was, in fact, pregnant.
After being in shock for about 48 hours, I did my research for a great OB/GYN. Luckily, I found a great doctor and she was in-network for our insurance. The doctor was quite booked, so the earliest that her office could squeeze me in was the following week with the nurse practitioner. For that week until I saw the NP, I decided not to train. To be honest, I had so many questions. I still had to confirm the pregnancy, I did not know how far along I was, and I definitely did not want to do anything that could potentially harm my baby. Therefore, I decided to take it easy until I saw the doctor and I researched all about pregnancy. It was amazing to see my body rapidly change within those eight days. My six-pack abs went to a four-pack to a two-pack with a slight belly. JUST WOW! If you don’t believe me, check out these pics (First pic— progress pic to coach Kim Oddo the day I found out I was pregnant; second pic— exactly eight days later when I saw the doctor):
Those eight days up until I saw the doctor seemed endless. Then the day finally came— my doctor appointment that would confirm the pregnancy. Once I provided a urine sample, I was then escorted into a room to wait. I was a bit anxious and I know my heart was racing a bit. When the NP entered, I told her that my visit was to confirm the pregnancy. After we spoke for a bit, it was time for the ultrasound. After reading and researching about pregnancy, Troy and I were thinking that I was about six weeks pregnant. Therefore, I was expecting to see a baby on the screen that was very small and tadpole-like. Well, to my BIG surprise, I saw a much bigger baby with a head, body, legs, arms and a strong heartbeat! As soon as I saw our baby, my heart just melted and I got teary eyed. JUST AMAZING!!
The NP then said, “Well, I guess you are a little further along than you expected. You are actually 12 weeks and four days.” She then asked, “You did not have any symptoms like nausea or fatigue or anything else at all?” I did some math in my head and then I told her, “No, in fact I was feeling great, working, training, traveling and I actually even competed twice pregnant!” Yes, I was, in fact, pregnant at the 2012 Arnold (Figure International) and six weeks pregnant at the IFBB Pro Governor’s Cup, where I placed 2nd!
Talk about game changer. I completely had to do a 180! I went from being four weeks out from my next show to FULL FORCE BABY MODE! Since the pregnancy was not planned, I surely was not prepared, especially considering I pretty much missed my whole first trimester. I had a lot of research to do and a lot to learn about pregnancy— and fast! I wanted to know everything, like what to eat/not eat, what supplements I should/shouldn’t be taking, what symptoms I may be feeling, exercise and training, prenatal tests and so much more. Once I found out I was pregnant, I was determined to have a happy, healthy and fit pregnancy and whatever I had to do, I would do. It is quite amazing because my whole mentality changed. I thought to myself, I am now responsible for my baby, its safety and well being. Plus, I have to provide everything that it needs so that it can develop properly and well. I am now FULLY responsible for the fetus growing inside of me. How powerful and amazing is that?!
Fast forward to today. I am now five months pregnant and feeling great. I am currently still working, training, traveling, doing appearances and keeping super busy! I have made a lot of changes over the past eight weeks with my nutrition, supplementation, training and overall lifestyle. I plan on sharing my new and exciting journey with you along with all of the changes and adjustments that I have made. I must say that I feel extremely BLESSED— blessed with our first child, which we found out is a baby girl J and that my pregnancy has been smooth sailing so far. I have not experienced many of the symptoms of pregnancy that I have read and heard about from other women. Honestly, if I did not look in the mirror, I would sometimes forget that I was with child. Our baby girl is looking great on all the recent tests/exams and she has a nice strong heartbeat. Exciting times for sure!
For those of you in the Northern California area, I will be representing Team Gaspari at the San Jose Fit Expo July 14-15, so please stop by and say hi. If you are in the Southern California area, I will be co-hosting the IFBB/NPC LA Grand Prix in Culver City on July 21. Also, please feel free to connect with me on my Facebook or Twitter. I absolutely love meeting and hearing from new friends. Until next time, love, smile and train hard!
With Love,
Krissy