May 08, 2010

Movin' Mamas!

As someone who has trained hundreds of expectant and new moms, I know how hard it is to not only find the time and energy to exercise after having a baby, but to find exercise that is safe, challenging and effective for the new mama bod! So many women have aches and pains, a body that they hardly recognize as their own, and/or a feeling of isolation, despite all the other mothers strolling by them in the neighborhood. Hence, my friend and colleague Alana Reed and I created Movin’ Mamas - www.MovinMamas.com.
 
I believe this new mom and baby workout addresses all of the above, is Diastasis safe and doesn’t require time away from your baby or money to pay a sitter. I know from personal experience with my twins, once you have a child in NYC, you hemorrhage money!!
 
Movin’ Mamas truly differs from other stroller-based workouts in that it assesses its participants’ progress, caps its class size and requires a commitment to fitness by asking participants to sign-up for a series of classes to increase chances of commitment and success. We want our Movin’ Mamas to succeed!
 
Whether its s stiff neck, aching lower back, saddle bags, muffin top or cardiovascular health that you want to work on, Movin’ Mamas addresses it. So, if you are a stroller pushing mama, what are you waiting for? Get Movin’!

February 12, 2010

As featured on Moms Like Me

Do the following to stick to your new year’s exercise plan:

  1. Look Back to Move Forward Look Back to Move Forward
    Think about what your goals were last year and whether or not you met them. Did you get the results you wanted?  
  2. Tell People About Your Plan.
    This promotes accountability. Once you say something out loud it feels more real than if you are just thinking about what you plan to do to get into shape.
  3. Partner-up.
    Not only is it fun to work out with a friend/ spouse or colleague, committing to someone else means that you will not only let yourself down if you don’t follow-through on your fitness plan, but you will also be letting someone else down.
  4. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!
    My husband and I decided a few years ago that we would pay each other every time we skipped a scheduled workout.  My fear of losing another $20 to him if I didn’t make it to the gym motivated me to stick to my fitness program!
  5. Pre-pay. 
    Again, once money is involved, people commit. Even if the class costs $10 a session, if you’ve pre-paid then you’ll make an extra effort to get there.
  6. Do It For Your Kids.
    You want to be healthy and energetic for your children. You also want to model good habits and show them that fitness is fun.  Be a role model, and commit to your New Year’s Resolutions!
  7. Make it a Habit.
    If you can work out at a scheduled time for five weeks straight then your  routine has a greater chance of turning into habit.
  8. Set Mini-Goals.
    Focus on the process – like getting to the Pilates studio – as opposed to the results – losing two inches at your waist. The latter will happen in time, but give yourself every opportunity for satisfaction along the way.  Take baby steps and assess along the way rather than setting lofty goals.
  9. Jump Start Your Program.
    Of course, its not possible for everyone to commit financially to private, semi-private or even small group registered classes that cost money  indefinitely. So, make the financial investment short-term – five to ten weeks  - to learn the proper form to maximize the safety and effectiveness of the program for yourself, and then pursue your Pilates Tupler, MELT, etc. routines in group classes included in your gym membership or on your own. 
  10. One Size Does Not Fit All.
    Make a plan that works with your personality and reality. What works for a movie star or professional athlete is not necessarily what will work for you and your life. If you are not a morning person, don’t tell yourself that you are going to work out five days a week at 6am. Be real!