Workout Mommy » interviews

Trish from Wishfit is one fit mommy!

workoutmommy — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:07:56 +0000

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

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Today’s fit mommy is Trish, who blogs over on Wishfit . Trish is a busy mommy who reminds us that we ALL need to make the time for fitness.

Please read on for how Trish makes fitness a part of her lifestyle.
She is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I haven’t always been fit. As a kid, I played a couple of sports, but never really excelled. I had asthma, which made running difficult, and I didn’t really find an activity that inspired me. In college I worked the front desk at a gym, and started to learn more about exercise. Then, after college, my now-husband and I moved across the country, and my lifestyle changed drastically. We did a lot of hiking, which I loved. Then, as he trained for a marathon, I started to run a little bit. Then a little bit more. I realized I could run, and I loved how it changed my body and made me feel strong. I also started weight training at a gym, and slowly, exercise became a very important part of my life. So important, that when I had the opportunity to go back to school, I decided to study exercise physiology. I’ve been working in the fitness world ever since, and couldn’t imagine my life any other way.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

Life is busy, for sure. And I know I have more opportunity to be active than some, but it really comes down to priorities. If exercise is a priority, you will find time for it. If it’s not a priority, it’s easy to make excuses. Do you spend a lot of mental energy on hating your body and having guilt about your lack of fitness, but don’t make changes? Take a look at how you spend your time. What do you value? What could you cut out so you have time to focus on yourself? Sometimes it takes creative thinking, and you might have to ask someone for help, but you can fit some exercise into your schedule if you truly want to.

Q: How have your workouts changed since having a child?

Workouts are definitely more scheduled than before I had kids, and there’s a lot more give and take, time-wise with my husband. Before kids, we could head out for a run or hike whenever we wanted, and often worked out together. Now, we take turns, or do more kid-centered activities as a family. And while my workouts might not always be as intense, it’s so important to expose my kids to an active lifestyle.

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

That’s a tough question. My workouts are pretty well balanced between the two (although since I’m currently rehabbing a hip/back injury, I do less strength training than I’d like), but I’d say my passion is strength training. Not in a big, muscle lady kind of way, but I feel very strongly about the importance of women doing strength training. Learning my way around the weight floor is what changed my body, and helped me find my passion for fitness. And strength training is what I preach to my clients. As women, it helps with weight loss and maintenance, and I find it fosters confidence and great body awareness. Ladies, learn how to lift weights!

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?

Sit-ups of any kind. I hate to do them myself, and as a fitness professional, I hate watching people do them. They are so often done incorrectly, and I think there are many better ways to work the core.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

Honestly, I rarely want to skip a workout. I might not always want to go to the gym, or do the kind of workout I know I should, but I know I’ll feel better if I do some kind of movement. Maybe that’s the key to staying motivated: allow yourself the freedom to choose what sounds good: a walk with your kids, a mellow yoga session, a dance class. Make it about movement instead of a “workout.” Once you get started, you’re usually glad you did it.

Q: Random question: what is your go-to snack food?

I’m a big snacker. I don’t like lunch much–it makes me feel tired and sluggish–so I tend to just graze throughout the day. I like satisfying stuff I can grab easily, like string cheese and fruit. Ok, truthfully, I don’t really love fruit, I just like that it’s portable. When I’m hungry and trapped in the car, I don’t have any choice but to eat it. Ha!

My whole family also eats a lot of what we call “mix”. It’s an ever-changing combination of almonds, cashews, dried fruit, chocolate chips and dry cereal. It’s easy to make, keeps forever in my purse, and a little bit really is filling.

Thank you Trish for being an inspiration to moms everywhere!

Want to read more fit mom and dad stories? Click here!

This fit mom reminds us to make ourselves a priority

workoutmommy — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:22:04 +0000

Today’s fit mommy is Sarah, who blogs over at Free Woman Fitness. Sarah is personal trainer and a busy mom of one. She understands the difficulties in balancing work and fitness and believes that exercise is equally as important for the mind as it is for the body.

Please read on for more about Sarah and why she is definitely “One fit mommy”!

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

No!!! I certainly have not always been fit. I mean, I have never been more than 15 or so pounds overweight but looking back at how sedentary I was in high school and in college just makes me cringe. I also smoked cigarettes for about 6 years and drank… a lot. I can’t imagine how unhealthy my body truly was with everything I was putting into it. So now my habits are 100 times better and more consistent. I got my personal training certification after college, so I was working out a lot, but I still had some bad habits hanging around. They are really hard to break when it’s been your lifestyle for so long. Having a child has really motivated me to eat healthy and exercise on most days of the week. I need the release now that I’m taking care of someone 24/7. Working out is not an option for me anymore. It’s a survival technique.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?
Something is always better than nothing when it comes to working out. On days when I think I can’t get a workout in, I say “I’m just going to exercise for 15 minutes.” 9 times out of 10, once I get started, I stretch it to 20 or 25, if my 2 year old allows me to. There are usually 100 things to do during naptime, but on the days I tell myself, “you NEED this workout” and I get it done, it’s always a better day. Making yourself a priority is so hard for moms. That’s my biggest struggle. It won’t get done every day. But you have to keep telling yourself that it’s important. It’s your health. It’s your life. It’s your kid’s lives.

Q: How have your workouts changed since having kids?
I have to mix it up a lot more. I used to be so particular about my workouts, when I did them, what I was going to do. No more! You can’t be picky when you’re a mom, or exercise just won’t happen. Some days it’s an OnDemand workout or a DVD, some days it’s an evening jog. It’s actually a very effective way to workout because I’m always doing something different so I continue to challenge my body.

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?
I used to be a total treadmill junkie. Now I’m a bit more into strength training and yoga. My favorite workout it hot vinyasa yoga. It’s a total mind and body release for me which is so incredibly necessary. I do still like to jog, but most of the time, it’s outside instead of on the treadmill.

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?
I have to say, probably push-ups. Like most women, I have great lower body strength, but I’ve had to work really hard to develop upper body strength. I can do push-ups, but I really don’t like to.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?
Sometimes I have to just start without thinking about it. The beginning is always the hardest.

Q: Random question: what is your go-to snack food?
We always buy Pirate’s Booty. It’s healthier than chips or pretzels so I don’t feel bad eating it. My toddler loves it, too!

Thank you Sarah for being an inspiration to all moms!

Need more inspiration? Be sure to check out all the other fit moms that have been featured on Workout Mommy!

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This fit mom reminds us to make ourselves a priority

What does exercise mean to you?

workoutmommy — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:47:55 +0000

My boys are in constant motion. Seriously, they never.stop.moving.

This is why we still have a trampoline in our family room. Friends come over and laugh at it but it honestly gets more use more than our couch! (with the exception of the husband who really enjoys said couch)

Anyway, I decided to ask the boys what exercise means to them. (click through your reader to see the video)
And then had them add a shameless plug at the end.

Kids think exercise is FUN. They love to bounce on this trampoline or run around or jump rope or dance or run around….you get the point. It’s never boring to them and it’s just PART OF THEIR DAY.

So my question to you is –-how do you get the FUN back into your fitness and make it just part of YOUR day?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCEA0p0wiLk

Never underestimate the power of a workout gang!

Fit mommy Lauren

workoutmommy — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:50:14 +0000

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness.

From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit mommy is Lauren, who blogs over at Ultra Lauren. Please read on for more about Lauren and how she is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

A: I’ve been overweight since I was about 8. I’ve lost weight but always gained it back, and then some. This cycle has repeated itself many times through my life. I’ve tried plenty of weight loss programs and fad diets and they all worked…for a while.

I was 23 or so when I hit my highest weight of 261 pounds. I remember seeing that number and being disgusted. It was a wake up call. So I started walking. And walking.

Later that year I started dating a boy who was training to run a marathon. I expressed interest and he told me I was too fat and out of shape to even consider running a marathon. From that point it was on. I started running little by little.

The LA marathon was my first and it took me almost 8 hours to complete. I was 241 pounds at the time. I was proud of my accomplishments but still felt I had so far to go. One day, while walking with my mom she suggested I try Lindora.

Less than a year after starting Lindora I was down to 164 pounds and within a healthy weight range for my height. But Lindora is a fairly expensive program and since I had reached a healthy weight, I just quit. And one thing leads to another and the weight starts to creep back on.

Luckily, this time it didn’t all creep back because I continued to run. 4 marathons in 2 years.

Fast forward to 2009. I had gained back almost half the weight I lost then I got pregnant. Although I walked every day during my pregnancy I still managed to gain almost 40 pounds. The day before I had my son I had reached a very round 250.

I saw this perfect little face and realized my health no longer affected only me. At 8 weeks postpartum I began running again and 2 months after that I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight. I continued to exercise and by January 2011 was down another 20 pounds.

In February I started weight training and tracked my calories (similar to the Weight Watchers point system.) And the weight really came off. By the beginning of May I was down to a healthy weight.

I’m about 10 pounds below that now and have grand ideas of losing another 10 but I’m absolutely happy with where I’m at today

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

A:I was this mom. Finding time in a busy day can be sooo hard, especially if you’re new to working out. But I strongly believe that every minute, every step, every rep counts. Quite often people blow off exercise because they can only find 15-20 minutes to work out. But if you walk for 15 minutes you can burn close to 100 calories which translates to close to a pound lost a month. Run or train at a high intensity you can nearly double those numbers in a relatively short amount of time. So my advice is to do what you can when you can, but just do it. You can’t beat the physical or emotional pay off of a good sweat session.

Q: How have your workouts changed since having kids?

A:Having my son was the big turning point in my quest for a healthy life style. So in my case my workouts after having my son became more consistent and more effective. The main difference is that my schedule now is based on my son’s needs. So he runs with me 4 times a week and often on long runs up to 10 miles. I fit in strength training during naps and when I feel like I have no time I do some quick intervals of weights and cardio to get the best workout I can in a short amount of time. My workouts are my me time so I try to fit them in every day.

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

A: I love my runs, they feed my soul so I would have to say I’m a cardio mom. But I’m really starting to love weight training and how strong it makes me feel (and look!)

Q: What is your least favorite exercise?
A: I do lunges quite often and although I can’t say I hate them, I am definitely not a fan, but my butt is!

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

A: When I’m really unmotivated I just tell myself “20 minutes.” If I still don’t want to work out then I probably need that rest day but I usually don’t quit. I’ve also learned that what burns me out is a too predictable exercise routine so if I just try a new workout or go for a hike it usually gets me all fired up again.

Thank you Lauren for being an inspiration to moms everywhere!

Need more inspiration? Check out my other fit mommy (and daddy!) interviews here.

If Dan can do it, so can you!

workoutmommy — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:24:06 +0000

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy Daddy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!

Today’s fit daddy is Dan, who is also known as @cubicledad. He is a busy dad of 2 little ones who decided last year to change his life and run the Chicago Marathon. Since then he has lost 100 pounds, (yes, 100 pounds!) and blogs about his running and fitness adventures over on Cubicle Dad Runs.

Please read on for more about Dan and why he is definitely “One Fit Daddy”!

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?
I’ve been heavy, well heavier than I should have been for most of my life. From junior high on I was the chubby kid, though I played basketball a lot, mostly pick up games with my friends.

When I got to college I packed on the pounds, and in 2009 I was at my heaviest…around 330lbs. On October 14, 2009 I decided I wanted to run the Chicago Marathon. I sent an email that day that changed my life. By the end of the day I had a coach (Jen Harrison), mentor (Dave Wallach), a sponsor and a charity picked out. I had to sell my wife on the idea of running as she was in her second year of pursuing her Doctorate of Pharmacy. You can imagine how well the conversation went.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve undergone some major changes. (see the slideshow at the bottom!)

Q: What advice do you have for parents who claim they don’t have time for exercise?
You have to make time. My story, the last year and a half…is proof. I worked full-time, we have 2 daughters ages 2 and 6, and my wife just graduated with her Doctorate of Pharmacy. After the initial conversation my wife came around and as of today, combined, we’ve lost a total of 187lbs! It’s hard work and you have to set aside time, but you can do it.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?
I’m a runner. I run 5 -6 times a week. And then I hit the gym with a trainer once a week.

I love running because it’s my me time, my time to get lost in my head and think. I can think things out, problem solve and running provides me with an outlet to blow off stress.

I don’t run with music, I enjoy listening to the sounds around me, to my breathing and foot strikes…it’s very soothing,

Q: Are you more of a cardio dad or strength training dad?

I’m more of a runner, but I know strength training plays a key role. Last year I hit the gym on my own, I was flying blind. Working with a trainer helps a lot!

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

I look at the old pair of work pants I kept from my heaviest weight and get moving. OR I’ll think about why and who I run for…kiss them and go run.

Q: Random question: what’s your favorite brand of workout clothing and why?

I am all over with what I wear. I own a lot of Under Armour and Adidas stuff, and the brand that Target carries. I LOVE my Brooks gear too!

Thank you Dan for being an inspiration to dads everywhere!

Maria Kang is one fit mommy!

workoutmommy — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:56:18 +0000

Today’s fit mommy is Maria, a very busy mom with two little boys. Maria’s blog, Fitness Cure, is one of the first blogs I started reading and she continues to inspire me every single day.

Not only does she make fitness a priority for herself, but she goes out of her way to help others make fitness a priority for themselves.

Please read on for more about Maria and why she is definitely “One Fit Mommy!”:

Q: What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I’ve always been drawn to fitness ever since I was seven years old dancing around my parent’s house in my stockings and bathing suit to the song, “Let’s get Physical!” In high school I volunteered as a step instructor and in college I became a personal trainer. I was never involved in sports because I was very shy, but I was a cheerleader, which provided a great physical outlet in my younger years. I’d say my biggest influence was my mother because she suffered from a lot of health-related diseases due to her sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle. I decided that I wanted to prevent the same things happen to myself, as well as make a difference in the lives of other people who also struggled with an unhealthy lifestyle. This passion led me to found Fitness without Borders (www.fitnesswithoutborders.org), a nonprofit that promotes fitness programs in middle and high schools.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

I am a freelance writer, nonprofit director and business owner of a residential care home for the elderly, Comforts of Home. Besides my professional job, I also have two small kids at home currently ages 21 months and 6 months. It’s definitely hard to incorporate fitness when you are a stay-at-home working mom because once the kids awake it’s really all about them. I fit exercise into my schedule by training at 5am in the morning. Training early gets that priority out of the way and decreases the guilt I often have for leaving them when they are awake. I also started a Mom-Me fitness club (www.mommyfitnessclub.com) in my area where we meet at a local park 1-2 times a week to run with our strollers and perform exercises with our young kids. It’s a great way to get outside, get active and meet other moms. The kids watch and emulate us too, which makes it a great opportunity to set a strong, healthy example for our family.

Q: Are you more of a strength training mom or cardio mom?

I’m both. I try to run at least ten miles a week. Sometimes, I like to join a dance or kickboxing class. I also try to incorporate glute training twice a week (since my butt has changed since giving birth!) and work on each muscle group at least once throughout the week.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

That’s a tough one as I have been strength training for over ten years and enjoy a lot of different exercises. However, if I had to choose one, I think the good old fashion deadlift is the best exercise for your back, butt and hamstrings. It get’s your heart rate up and makes you feel strong and powerful.

Q: How about your least favorite?

I detest the squat. It’s tough, but it’s a great exercise to improve your overall body. I also hate running. But I do both because my body loves it.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

Yes I do! If I don’t feel like training the first thing I tell myself is to not think about and just “Take Action!” Sometimes thinking too much can get you into trouble…and I mean lazy trouble. I also give myself a minimum of 20 minutes on a cardio machine and tell myself that if I want to leave afterwards, I can. (I usually don’t.) Lastly, I have a ton of things I can do at home like run on the treadmill, perform plyometrics in the backyard or pop in a DVD if I don’t want to go to the gym. There are definitely no excuses in my household.

Q: What is your favorite snack food?

It depends what I’m in the mood for. If I want something salty, my oldest son and I like snacking on veggies straws. If I want something sweeter, I like to eat blueberries.

Thank you Maria for being a fitness inspiration!

You can see more interviews with other fit moms (and dads too!) over here.

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Running Rachel is one fit mommy!

workoutmommy — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:03:23 +0000

Today’s fit mom is Rachel, who blogs over at Running Rachel. Again, it’s another mommy in the 3 boys crazy club! Rachel’s little boys are pretty much the same age as my three so I can fully understand just how crazy her life really is. She gets it done though and just recently ran another half marathon!

Please read on for more about Rachel and why she is definitely ‘one fit mommy’!

Q: What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I have always been an athlete and very active. However, it wasn’t until college when I began seeing the number on the scale start to increase. Again, I was very active so I was able to control it for a few years. After having children, I really struggled to lose the pregnancy weight. I am STILL trying to lose the pregnancy weight from my first child (he is 4.5 years old).

I believe my children and husband have inspired me to revive my healthy fit lifestyle.

I am the female role model for my children. I want my boys to be proud of me and (years down the road) pick their future spouse who values health and fitness. I want my boys to also value healthy living and grow to love sports and all things active/fitness.

I know my husband loves me – no matter what number the scale says. I want to feel and LOOK good, not only for myself, but also for him. I want to be the arm candy that I was back in college when we first met and fell in love.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

I am a stay at home mom who never seems to be at home. My advice goes to all stay at home moms (because that is where I can relate). I know that we have a lot on our plates, but there is ALWAYS time to squeeze in exercise… no matter how old your child(ren) are! Make it routine… if you consistently do the same activity each day your children will expect that as your normal thing.

If you always go for a morning walk, your children (and your body) will begin to expect that as your normal routine! (I know mine do!!)

My two biggest pieces of advice for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise is to invest in these two items:

(1) baby/infant carrier (like a MOBY or ERGO)
(2) jogging stroller

You can always strap your child on you in the carrier and go about your normal routine – cleaning, errand running, walking, etc. You add strength training to your current activities while keeping your little one close.

A good jogging stroller is a great way to get your steps in, get fresh air, and believe me when I say this – enjoy a LITTLE bit of quiet time too!!

Q: Are you more of a strength training mom or cardio mom?

Cardio! I love breaking a good sweat from running or power walking. Strength training is like a foreign language to me. I do it… but not very fluent with it.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

My favorite exercise is running.
I love running because of the way I feel when I am doing it – and how I feel afterwards.
I love running because it is FREE!
I love running (espically when my husband watches the boys) because it is the precious few moments/minutes/hours when I am ALONE with my thoughts.
I love running because it is something that I am comfortable with.
I love running because it is outdoors (and I love all activities outdoors).
I have been a runner all my life.

Q: How about your least favorite?

I dislike workout videos… something about sweating INDOORS in my livingroom just doesn’t appeal to me. Adding to the fact that my children find it a perfect time to steal my hand weights, use me as a personal jungle gym, and decide that at that.precise.moment they NEED something.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

I tell myself that I will be more awake and glad I worked out – afterwards. Plus, there is always the incentive of knowing I burned extra calories from my workout for a sinful treat (cake, cookies, icecream).

Q: What is your favorite snack food?

Guilty Pleasure? Chocolate chip cookies… or cookies in general.
Healthy Snack Food? String Cheese and Fruit (the simple grab and go snacks that I can enjoy – and my children can eat too)

Thanks Rachel for being an inspiration to moms/women everywhere!

You can see more interviews with other fit moms (and dads too!) over here.

Buggy Bellz mom

workoutmommy — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:13:05 +0000

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”!

Today’s fit mommy is Della, a very busy mom and grandma! She became a certified Pilates instructor in 2002 and in 2007 she was introduced to Kettlebells and Lauren Brooks. According to Della,

“I have found this to be an all-over endurance and conditioning work-out. I have personally seen results in weight loss, definition and all-over strength and it is my new found love. I have since become HKC certified, battling ropes certified and will be going to the RKC in August.”

Della and Lauren have teamed up to start BuggyBellz, a kettlebell workout for moms with their babies. She can also be seen in Lauren’s second DVD,The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells DVD Volume 2.

Please read on for more about Della and why she is definitely “One Fit Mommy!”

Q. What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

A. I didn’t grow up in a “healthy” home, so it did take me a while to figure it out. I started to exercise in my twenties, which consisted of a trip to the gym and 30 minutes on the lifecycle. I wasn’t very consistent though. With the pregnancy of my 4^th daughter at age thirty, I started to walk everyday and that is really where my road to fitness started. I had a great pregnancy and delivery and after she was born, I felt awesome. That’s when I learned that a active lifestyle felt really, really good.

Q. What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

A. Every mom should be able to squeeze in a 10-15 minute workout and that is the beauty of a kettlebell workout. It is such an efficient workout that that is all it takes if you’re pushed for time. There are free workouts online that moms can follow along with, even using their babies instead of a kettlebell can work for squats, lunges, even swings. Moms really should make their workout, short or long, a priority because you feel so good, physically and mentally afterward and that makes everyone happy.

Q. Are you more of a strength training mom or cardio mom?

A. Up until 3 years ago, I was mostly a cardio mom. I took a spin class 3-4 days per week, did a longer road bike ride on the weekends, hiked and ran. The most strength training I did was Pilates. Then I found Lauren Brooks and Kettlebell training. My body has been totally transformed and I have muscle definition and strength. Kettlebell training is also a combination of strength training and cardio, so now I would say I do equal amounts of both.

Q. What is my favorite exercise and why?

A. Kettlebells because of the amazing all-over-body workout in a short amount of time. Of the Kettlebell exercises, my favorite is the snatch.

Q. What is my least favorite?

A. Probably running, it takes me a lot of mental energy to run more than 3 or 4 miles.

Q. Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

A. I tell myself just to go and that I don’t have to push myself today, it can just be an easy day. But, once I get to class and get warmed up I always feel different. I never regretted getting a workout in!

Q. What is your favorite snack food?

A. I love tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa and also veggies and hummus

Thank you Della for being an inspiration to moms (and grandmas!) everywhere!

You can find out more about Buggy Bellz at http://www.Buggybellz.com.

The Anti-Jared is one fit daddy!

workoutmommy — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:49:28 +0000

Today’s fit dad is Tony, who blogs over at The Anti-Jared. Tony is a busy dad who has lost over 200 POUNDS thanks to healthy eating and exercise. If you are not a reader of Tony’s blog, you must go (now!) and start reading. I love his no-nonsense approach to getting healthy and his tweets always crack me up.

Please read on for more about Tony and why he is definitely “One Fit Daddy!”

Q: What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

Well, first off let me tell you how much I love Workoutmommy.com. Lisa, I have known you for some time, and I love your dedication to being a great mother and workout enthusiast.

I guess I was inspired by my family. When I hit my heaviest weight, it was not about being fat anymore, but being healthy. I started to work out and fell in love with it. It is so much fun! I know my eating portions will need some discipline, but I feel with my workouts, I can be the “total package” when it comes to health.

Q: What advice do you have for parents who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

Find time. Make time. Do whatever! Most gyms have a little daycare. There is a Wii, a park, a neighborhood to walk around. Take your husband, wife, kids. I work 65 hours a week. I “parent” my son and do a lot for my wife. I workout at least two hours a day. But I sacrifice. i make time.
Q: Are you more of a strength training dad or cardio dad?

Good question! I think I am a little of both dad! I love cardio, but I am not a runner. I use the Stairmaster or the Arctrainer. I also work out with free weights. I do not believe in machines. But if I had to choose, I would say i am a strength training dad!

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

Squats! I love working out my legs. I love the feel of the weight on my back (no pad). I have strong legs. Plus, it works out my abs!

Q: How about your least favorite?

None! I love it all.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

This is a funny question. I hear how people dread the gym. They hate it. They have a love/hate relationship with it. I love going to the gym. I love listening to music. I do a little Twitter and Facebook while I do cardio (Real fun, and I ask great questions!). Work out with a friend, maybe think about it as alone time.

Q: What is your favorite snack food?

Hard Boiled Eggs!

Thank you Tony for being an inspiration for everyone!

Ok gang, it’s time for YOU to get up and get moving! NO excuses!

Coach Jenn is one fit mommy!

workoutmommy — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:18:48 +0000

Today’s fit mom is Jenn, also known as Coach Jenn. She is a busy mom of two who blogs over at Personal Fit Coach. After gaining excess weight during each of her pregnancies and battling post-partum depression and anxiety, Jenn decided one day to change her life with proper nutrition and exercise.

Just look at her transformation pictures! I’d say she is definitely “one fit mommy!” Please read on for more about Jenn and be sure to stop by her Beachbody coaching site.

Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

In my youth, I was not very focused on sports. I was into music and theater the most. That said, I suppose I was lucky with my genetics and did not seem to put on much weight even though I did not eat very healthy. I gained some weight in college and struggled in finding a balance between eating and exercising in my twenties. I probably bordered on having an eating disorder in trying to lose weight by eating nothing but vegetables and salads. Sure, I lost weight, but I was not fit or healthy at all. I did what most women do and set a new goal for my wedding to get fit and healthy. This worked for a while, but having kids put me over the edge. I was back to being unhappy, unhealthy and rather overweight. When I felt like I had to go to bed before my kids, who were only about 2 and 4 at the time, I knew something had to change.

Initially, I set a really small goal to ride my exercise bike just 15 minutes after my husband got home from work. Then I tried to build up to 30 minutes and 45 minutes. Then I gave some home workout DVDs a try like Turbo Jam and stuff from Jillian Michaels. A friend of mine suggested that I try P90X. I had seen a commercial for this program at least once or twice while riding my exercise bike. I thought, “there is NO WAY I can do that program.” But, I decided to give it a try and after 90 days, my results were amazing. I could not believe that after 2 kids and after hitting age 40 that I was in the best shape of my life. I even had the pleasure of working out with P90X creator Tony Horton in person a few weeks ago. It was wonderful to thank him personally for having such an impact on my life. This is now a lifestyle choice for me for sure. I am trying my best to set a good example for my children and to help other moms fit exercise into their busy lives with my fitness coaching.

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

Ah, the time excuse. I hear it all the time. Moms need to put themselves back on top of their priority list. We get so caught up in trying to care for and please everyone else that we often lose ourselves. I can’t remember who said it, but “A healthy and happy mom makes for a healthy and happy family.” I find that this is so true. I think we can all make time for exercise. It is so important. Even in the early days of 15-20 minutes a day made such a difference for me. Get up a little earlier and get in the exercise before the day gets busy and filled with excuses. Break up exercise intervals. Even 10 minute exercise bursts 2-3 times a day can make a difference. I even workout with my kids sometimes. They love some of the exercise DVDs. You may be surprised by what they can do and how much fun you can have together. However you do it… make time. It is so worth it.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

Hmm, now that’s a tricky one. I like so many exercises. I suppose I would have to say anything that combines upper and lower body at once. Squat thrusts or mountain climbers are a good example. These exercises work upper, lower and even core all at once. They are a great way to tone your body, and get in cardio in short bursts.

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

I try to strike a balance. I used to be a cardio gym rat, but I sort of felt like just that, a mouse or rat running on one of those wheels. I was sort of thin and sort of in shape, but not quite. Blending cardio, strength and even a weekly yoga session (or something similar) for flexibility is key.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

Turbo Jam creator Chalene Johnson is the one I credit with helping me with this the most. In a number of her workouts she reminds participants to just get started. If I really don’t feel like working out, I remember what Chalene says, “Just give it 10 minutes, and you will want to do more, if you don’t, you can quit.” I am so thankful that probably 99% of the time those 10 minutes really do make the difference to get my mind and body ready to do more.

Q: Random question: What is your favorite snack food?

I am having fun exploring new snack ideas. My favorite these days is celery sticks with peanut butter. I suppose there is nothing extraordinary about this idea, but it’s one I had never tried and I love it! It is so satisfying when I am having cravings for something unhealthy.

Thank you Jenn for being an inspiration!
You can see more interviews with other fit moms (and dads too!) over here.