During her reign as Miss America 2001, Angela Baraquio Grey was an itty-bitty size 2.

But motherhood changed all that.

"Your body changes when you have a baby and you're never the same," said Grey, who gave birth Dec. 31 to son Isaiah. "But at the same time, you can still strive to be healthy."

Grey is determined to get back into shape — she's aiming for her pre-pregnancy size 4 — because physical fitness has always been a big part of her life, she said.

In high school, Grey participated in three varsity sports: cross-country, basketball and volleyball. As a college student, Grey played intramural basketball and got into weight lifting.

Before winning her Miss America title, Grey worked at Holy Family Catholic Academy as the athletic director, overseeing the school's athletic program; a physical education teacher; and a basketball, volleyball and track coach.

Growing up with a big family also kept Grey active; she is the eighth of 10 children.

"We're all close in age," Grey said. "Almost every Saturday we'd go hiking, we'd play volleyball at the beach, we'd play basketball at night, then we'd go bowling."

While an active background is helping Grey get back into the swing of things, she did have a slow start. Delivering by Caesarean section meant Grey couldn't exercise until nearly two months after giving birth.

But when her doctor allowed her to exercise again, "I was right on it," she said.

"My husband (Tinifuloa Grey) and I, like right after I could start working out, we would bring the baby in the stroller while he was sleeping, and we'd just shoot hoops or we'd play pickup games right up the street (at the park)," Grey said and laughed.

The key is dedication, and despite a crazy schedule, Grey has made exercise a priority.

"For me, that's my alone time," she said, "and I think once I gave birth, even more so, I love working out because it really is my time for myself."

EXERCISING HELPS CHASE BABY BLUES; FIRST, CHECK WITH DOCTOR

Former Miss America and mom Angela Baraquio Grey can't live without her workouts. And that's a good thing, experts say.

Exercise is essential for expectant mothers and new mothers, said Dr. Kimberly Perkins, an obstetrician and founder of Hawaiian Islands Center for Women's Health.

"If your obstetrician states that there are no contraindications, women should exercise 30 minutes almost daily during their pregnancy," Perkins said. "This should continue after pregnancy."

Returning to physical activity after pregnancy has been linked to decreased incidences of postpartum depression, Perkins said.

The exact time to begin exercise after delivery should be determined by a doctor and based on a woman's individual history, she said.

"Some physicians allow brisk walking almost immediately, but others may want you to wait until the postpartum visit at six to eight weeks for more intense training, especially if delivery was by Caesarean section," Perkins said.

Perkins offers these tips to new mothers who want to start getting back into shape: