Hi all! Long time no see. Blogging has fallen by the wayside. Ironically, I have more fitness related material to chat about than ever before but this parentoftwokids thing is kicking.my.butt. I've been trying to be more present and decided to cut back on blogging to stay more present with the kids and off of the computer. Not to mention, by the time I have a moment to sit down to the computer to type up a post, I'd rather be sleeping! Anyway, I always return since I love it so much and it's such a great creative outlet...I've been bottling up so many amazing things I want to share! Now that Declan is 4 months old (I can't even believe it) things are finally starting to feel like they are settling down into a more predictable routine. I'm hoping to be able to blog a time or two a week but we'll see how it goes!
For now, I wanted to share a simple salad I whipped up earlier this week. It was delicious and majorly curbed the temptation to go out for Mexican food...better for the wallet and the waistline! As I've probably mentioned before, we really struggle with meal prep in this household. Thankfully, I think we always eat generally healthy and clean but we often end up grabbing something pre-made a few times a month due to poor planning. While the choices are generally healthy as well, it gets costly and obviously is typically less healthy than if we'd prepared our own meal. On top of craving Mexican the other night, we're dealing with the hot, steamy, dog days of Florida summer so trying to satisfy the craving in the form of a nice fresh salad seemed like a good challenge. I took out the blender and whipped up a very simple vinaigrette utilizing plain greek yogurt. My parents are visiting and the whole table agreed it was delicious and satisfying. Here's how to prepare it:
Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
On a large platter, arrange the following:
2 bags of lettuce (I used romaine and spring mix)
2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
3-4 diced scallions
1 can organic low sodium black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can organic sweet corn kernels (drained and rinsed)
2 avocados sliced
2 bags of pre sliced southwestern style grilled chicken strips (I used Perdue shortcuts) warmed through
To make the vinaigrette you'll need:
1 bunch cilantro (stems removed, approximately 1 cup)
1 cup plain greek yogurt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon diced garlic
Juice of two limes
Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Store extra in a mason jar for a few days.
This salad served 4 dinner portions with 2 servings for leftovers.
My parents are visiting and I thought it would be fun to present this colorful salad at the table and then offer salad tongs so people could serve themselves and pick and choose the toppings they'd like. Of course, you can construct the components of this salad in whatever way you prefer to serve it. I served the dressing on the side in a pretty gravy boat. In fact, this salad looked so pretty and was so tasty that it would be a great dish to serve when entertaining. I'm thinking this might be a hit at a future friends tex-mex themed dinner night!
Comment here and share you favorite clean, fresh, simple salads with me!
Hi All! Just popping in quick to say hello today. We're pretty much back to our "new normal" routine. My parents came to visit for about 3 weeks and left to go home yesterday. We were BEYOND appreciative for their help. It was nice to have extra hands to keep Connor occupied during my last week of pregnancy and when we initially brought Declan home. My parents live in New Jersey and we are so fortunate to be able to see them often but they aren't exactly around the corner so it was awesome to get to see them have such quality time with their grandson's. We actually call their visits Nana and Pop-pops bootcamp since it seems like Connor's skills EXPLODE every time they are around. It's funny actually...you'd think I never read to my kid or had enriching interactions...I recently messaged a friend who is a peds SLP since I felt like I needed to check in on Connor's speech-language development. Yes, he's only 18 months but in my paranoia I just felt like he wasn't quite doing a few things I expected. Anyway, a mere week later, Nana gets here and now he's saying "cookie", "baby", "moo", and some other "half words" for foods, drinks, etc. Little show-off. Needless to say, I'm relieved and it's so fun to hear his little voice express himself.
Andrew is back to work and will go on paternity leave for two months starting in June. We will be sending Connor to the sitter a couple of times per week as well. A while back, I wrote a post regarding my desire to have more flexibility in my work/home life. The way I wrote about sitters and daycare came across as if I thought this was a terrible idea. I wanted to clarify that this isn't the case at all. I don't think for an instant that myself, or others, are trying to have someone else raise their kids. That was more of a tongue in cheek way of expressing my personal feeling about wanting to be more involved. On the contrary, we love our sitter and refer to her and her husband almost as Connor third set of grandparents. They care for other kiddos as well and Connor has several little friends. It's such a positive experience for him and we couldn't have survived the last 18 months without them. I'm just happy to have the flexibility to have some extra time in my schedule to spend a full day here and there myself with the kids. A luxury for sure...and probably not something I'll do long term for years on end, but for now, it's working.
Anyway, just settling in with Declan and getting a little one on one time with our new addition. It's actually nice to have it just be he and I for a little while. I can sort of get the house in order, get used to his wants/needs and get us on a bit of a schedule. In a few short weeks I'll return to teaching my classes at the gym and then by June I'll start picking up per diem hours. I'll also be focusing on some health coaching on the side through Beach Body and I've been toying with the idea of revisiting my Stella & Dot business. I get interest in Trunk Shows here and there and typically turn them down since I just didn't have an extra ounce of time...but now my schedule may allow me to fulfill those Trunk Show requests so if you've been interested let me know and we'll see what we can do!
Before I sign off for the day, I wanted to share that I'm excited to announce that I've been accepted as an ambassador for FitFluential and SweatPink!
It's an honor to join these communities. As I discussed in a previous post regarding my ambassadorship with Girls Gone Sporty, being a member of these groups allows me to help further the discussion and mission of a health and fitness based lifestyle. I love being able to contribute to positive discussions and hopefully be a source of info and motivation for your own health journey. These groups are also a gateway to possible brand partnerships etc. I am looking forward to opportunities to partner with brands to spread the word and mission of a healthy lifestyle and bring readers info on services, products, and communities to enhance your lifestyle and journey. If you're on social media (who isn't) be sure to seek out hashtags like #fitfluential and #sweatpink to become part of the discussion and see what's going on around these communities! Also, visit each link above to link over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and other social media channels to follow!
This post is for all of you who are new to exercise...especially group fitness and Les Mills programs. This program also serves you well if you've been on a fitness hiatus for at least 3 months and are looking to get back into the swing of things.
One of the aspects I LOVE about being a Les Mills instructor is having the knowledge that the programs I teach are backed by solid and current scientific research and development. Les Mills puts countless hours into testing programs, designing workouts based on current exercise science principles, and bridges the gap between the physical AND mental nature of fitness. They put equal emphasis not only on the physical aspect of the workout but on the mental aspect as well...what keeps you coming back to class feeling energized and like you are getting results...it seriously often boils down to music selection and training their instructors to deliver the hallmark "fitness magic" which is the buzzword that described how we are guided to create a completely immersive experience for you.
Recently, Les Mills embarked on some research focusing on helping participants who are new to group exercise gain the confidence and skills to begin coming to classes and most importantly, building their fitness to keep returning and reaping the ultimate reward which is SIGNIFICANTLY improved health and fitness. I adore that this brand places such emphasis on affording you the proper tools and encouragement to be energized and successful on your fitness journey.
"This new year, thousands of well-meaning rookies will join gyms and fitness facilitieswith their resolutions at the ready.
By the end of 30 days, almost half of them will be back to square one, defeated, discouraged and no closer to a healthier life.
It turns out that fitness is just like any addiction - it all starts with a small dose. Too many people make the mistake of leaping into exercise when baby steps are what’s needed. Here are three key things to keep in mind:
Start slow – Don’t push your body too soon, leave classes when things are feeling tough
Build gradually – Aim towards staying for a full workout as your fitness builds
Mix it up – Include a mix of strength, cardio and flexibility training
But don’t take our word for it, we’ve got the science to prove it.Get Fit Together, a study conducted by Pennsylvania State University, followed 25 sedentary adults through a 30-week program of LES MILLS™ Group Fitness classes including a mix of cardio, strength and flexibility.The group saw awesome results – so awesome that they extended their life spans by an average of 3.6 years. You can read more about the results of the study here.But the really interesting news was that over the 30 week study, 20 out of 25 study participants never missed a workout – a compliance rate of 98.8 per cent – almost unheard of in studies of this type.Despite each of these programs being highly engaging, the real key was the gradual way in which the exercisers adapted to their new routine. An initial six week period encouraged them to “dip their toes” into fitness before ramping up the intensity with a full six-day-a-week exercise schedule.So instead of being overwhelmed by it all, feeling sore from overworking unfit muscles and giving up, they actually enjoyed it."
For my local friends, you're in luck. If you are looking to get started with Les Mills group fitness programing, we offer just enough programs through the local club I teach at to fulfill the requirement for cardio, strength training, and flexibility. At Gainesville Health and Fitness you can find BodyCombat, BodyPump, and BodyFlow. I'm pretty sure I can speak for any instructor on our team that we would LOVE to chat with you about getting started in each class. Most of us teach several formats and are happy to chat with you before or after class to offer advise, form pointers, modifications, weight selections, and guide you through the program. We love to keep you accountable and have fun doing it! Some of my participants have become great friends not only with each other but you with me and I with you.
Ready to get started? Les Mills has created a fabulous guide to help you plan your workouts and track your progress. I've included them below or find the Smart Start guide here.
So, what are you waiting for! There is no time like the present. Please don't hesitate to comment here or email me (thefirstrepblog@gmail.com) with any questions on how you can get started. I'd love to help reach all of your goals this year. You can do that and so much more by coming to classes. Improved fitness, check. Improved mental health, check. More confident in your appearance, you will be! New friends, absolutely!!! Can't wait to see you at class.
I have not been compensated or otherwise encouraged to promote my local health club or the Les Mills Smart Start program. Just a passionate Les Mills instructor sharing awesome tools with her participants and readers.
If you've perused any info about me, you will have discovered that I am certified to teach Les Mills BodyFlow and BodyPump.
I wasn't exposed to Les Mills until I moved to Gainesville in 2006. At the time, a friend invited me to a BodyPump class at our local club, Gainesville Health and Fitness Center, and the rest is history. Not long after, another friend introduced me to BodyFlow and I knew I had found something special. It wasn't until I discovered Flow that I really investigated what these "body" classes were about and in the process discovered the wonderful world of Les Mills. I'm a die hard tribe member and have become so passionate about the programming and mission of Les Mills.
As with anything, you either are already familiar with the concept, product, or brand...or you have no clue. This is for my peeps who have no clue.
I have so many members ask me if I choose the music and design the choreography for these classes. I'm always happy to receive these questions since it's the perfect opportunity to open their eyes to the wonderful world of Les Mills. This company has created not only an amazing community for instructors of their programs but also the participants in the programs as well. So, grab your protein shaker, kick back, and enjoy a little education on the amazing tribe that is Les Mills.
Who is Les Mills?
Les Mills is a former Olympic track and field athlete from New Zealand. The brand was developed by Phillip Mills, his son, and holds his namesake. Les Mills International is based in Auckland, New Zealand, and is considered the worlds largest distributor of fitness to music based group fitness programing consisting of 14 current formats. According to current statistics shared on the Les Mills Global website, Les Mills classes are currently offered in 80 countries, by over 15,500 health clubs, and presented by over 100,000 certified instructors, for an estimated 3.8 million workouts per week. Pretty. Darn. Amazing.
What is the Mission?
This is probably my favorite part of the Les Mills culture. Their missions is simply stated as "for a fitter planet"... "we're on a mission to create a fitter planet. That doesn't mean making people workout. It means helping people fall in love with fitness so they want to work out". The ultimate goal and mission of Les Mills is "to fight globesity". They believe that "global sustainability starts with our own health, fitness, and wellbeing. Simply put - fit body first, fit planet next". Powerful stuff! See for yourself here (now tell me this doesn't make you want to get your booty to a class and feel the energy and community!):
What are the Formats?
There is LITERALLY a program for EVERYONE. The brand offers formats in line with all of the major group fitness training concepts including step aerobics, resistance training, athletic training, flexiblity/yoga/pilates, group cycling, and even programming for kids! Rather than go into an exhaustive discussion of each format, I'd like to list them for you here and offer a link which will allow you to head on over to the each program specific website and immerse yourself in the details of each class format. Each link will guide you to a class description, FAQ's, teaser videos, current track lists, testimonials, technique videos, and a class finder to find a class near you. For my local Gainesville, Florida friends...the club I instruct at, Gainesville Health and Fitness Center, currently offers 3 programs. Our Tioga Town Center location offers BodyFlow, our Main Center location offers BodyCombat, and our Women's Center location offers BodyPump (several of the Pump classes at women's ARE OFFERED AS CO-ED so please check the schedule). We may have some exciting new class offerings on the horizon but nothing to report yet. I'll let you know as soon as I find out!
Who Designs the Programs and How Often Do They Change?
Each program is led by a Program Director. On the links above to each program specific page, you'll get to learn a little bit more about these amazing individuals. These directors are responsible for the overall development of each release including music selection, choreography, and training principles. Of course, each program director has an amazing support system from a strong network of national trainers and presenters as well as creative direction and research from the Les Mills office. Each quarter (every 3 months) new music and choreography is made available which is dubbed as a "new release". Until recently, certified instructors received physical "program kits" which included the CD of music for class as well as a masterclass DVD, and a booklet containing choreography notes. Now the releases contain the same information and components but are only available as a digital download. Each quarter, program directors in New Zealand invite elite instructors from around the globe to participate in the filming and presentation of each new release. The instructor at home then receives the new material, including downloadable choreography notes, music track list to upload to their iPod, and a digital video of the full master class. (The videos are offered in two different file sizes to view on your desktop computer or mobile device). The instructor at home then watches the video of a full class start to finish to learn all of the cueing and choreography to teach the new class. The masterclass is complemented by pages of notes for each track included with the release which breaks down musical counts, timing, repetitions, exercise sequences, and cueing structures. Some complain that this takes the creativity out of group fitness instruction and is a "class in a box". While this may be true, and while it's not freestyle development of your own group fitness class, I love this concept as it ensures a high quality product and experience each and every time. Members know that they will be receiving a class based on the most current training and safety principles to get them results. The structure of each class is designed with science in mind and countless hours of research and development go into the class sequence and structure to maximize your results. Thankfully, music and moves are refreshed often enough, and should be mixed up by your instructor, to keep the class fun, fresh, and interesting. Here is a fabulous video to give you a glimpse of all of the passion and hard work that goes into the development of your programs:
Wasn't that incredible? It is my secret dream to be a part of filming one of the master classes some day. A girl can dream!
How Can I Get Started?
Great question. For starters, check out each program link above and use the search features on the website to see if your local health club offers Les Mills programming. If not, give them a call and start the conversation to see if you or someone you know can bring these amazing formats to your community. Already have Les Mills at your local club? Great. Stay tuned for my post tomorrow where I will discuss how to get started on your journey into group fitness with Les Mills programs and an introduction to the Smart Start program.
I NEED to Become an Instructor!
Again, head on over to this page if you are "ready to join the tribe". Here, you can locate a local club for sponsorship and schedule your initial training modules. I'd highly recommend connecting with current instructors either as a participant in class or reaching out via social media. If you don't have programming in your area, it might be wise to try to travel to a gym that offers the programs you are interested in to try them on for size, pick the instructor of group fitness managers brain, or contacting your local Les Mills agency office for more information.
Finally, does this chick (me) work for Les Mills? No! I WISH! I have not been compensated in any way to promote or endorse the programming or training discussed in this post. I am simply a certified group fitness instructor in the formats mentioned at the beginning of this post and I am employed by my local health club that offers the classes. I am a die hard tribe member and in LOVE with the Les Mills brand and culture. This post hopefully helps my current group exercise participants, new friends, and those around the world understand a little bit more about the classes they take and love. Stay tuned for more Les Mills love where I'll discuss the Smart Start program, pull from my personal archive summarizing my BodyPump initial training over two years ago, and upcoming training and experiences with Les Mills.
ONE TRIBE!
So tell me. Do you take or teach Les Mills classes? What are your favorite formats? Can't wait to chat all things Les Mills!
Confession. I've been TERRIBLE about meal prep...and eating oreos...and drumstick ice-cream cones. Facepalm. Seriously, the pregnancy cravings this last month are INTENSE and I've given in to a lot of junk. I refuse to beat myself up about this but for every poor choice I make I'm trying to make at least two good ones!
The start to this year has been...hectic...stressful...busy. So many little things keep adding up and some days I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water. It is a pleasure chasing my toddler around but it's been getting harder as I hit the slump of the third trimester. I'm exhausted literally to tears most days from lack of sleep, my day job (well, let's not go there right now...excited to be making changes which I'll share soon...no more empty dreams and half-hearted comments about changes, we are officially on the horizon of new goals and new priorities), not to mention a million other little stressor's in life. I have a bad habit of letting those things get the best of me and with it some of my attention to detail in regards to our weekly meal prep and menus has gone out the window.
Last night was no exception. I hadn't prepared what to make for dinner ahead of time and on my way down the block yesterday morning, Andrew called me asking what he should take out of the freezer for dinner. After a flustered "just some chicken", click.... I called him back and changed that to the package of ground turkey. I was craving some comfort food and chili sounded amazing. Not to mention I pretty much have a base recipe in my mind and an easily throw a pot of chili together with some pantry staples and doctor it up with other random ingredients I may have on hand. Problem solved. The best part, prep time is literally 10 minutes tops with as little as 15 minutes cook time... in our case, we let the pot of chili simmer while we finished Connor's bath and did our bed time routine. Easy for a weeknight meal and plenty of leftovers to get us through another dinner and a couple of lunches too.
There are any number of amazing turkey chili recipes available and I've tried many of them. In experimenting with various recipes, I've discovered I like flavor profiles that include cumin, basil, chili powder, and garlic. After raiding my pantry, I doctored up the following and it made for a fantastic bowl of chili. Husband approved hands down.
Clean Eating Weeknight Turkey Chili
1 package ground turkey (approximately 1 lb) 1 yellow onion diced 1 15 oz can organic black beans (drained) 1 15 oz can organic kidney beans (drained) 1 4 oz can diced green chilis (drained) 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (don't drain) 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic (don't drain) 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp chili powder 1/4 tsp mustard powder 2 tbsp white vinegar 1 tbsp Truvia natural sweetener 1 tsp dried cilantro 1 tbsp cumin 1 tsp salt sliced avocado Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add turkey, garlic powder, and onions and cook until the onions are tender and the meat is no longer pink. Add the beans, chilis, tomatoes, and all of the remaining dry ingredients. Stir well, cover pot, and simmer on low at least 15 minutes...longer to let the flavors steep. I love to serve my bowl of chili with sliced avocado. The creamy, almost rich flavor, from the avocado is a GREAT substitute for sour cream.
This chili is also amazing as leftovers. The flavors really continue to develop and it makes for a delish lunch or leftover dinner meal.
We LOVE chili in the Carey household so feel free to share your favorite recipes! I'm always looking for new clean versions to try.
Happy Monday morning! Hope you had a relaxing weekend. Ours went fast and was filled with errands and random chores. T-minus 4-ish weeks until Declan makes his appearance so we're just trying to fit in as much time as we can as a family of 3 and mentally prepare for our new love bug.
Anyway, I wanted to share some exciting news. I have been accepted as an ambassador with Girls Gone Sporty!
I'm very excited about this ambassadorship opportunity. One of the main reasons I started blogging was to share my passion for health, fitness, and overall wellness with likeminded women (and men!) and hopefully inspire others in the process. Blogging and social media has proven to be an amazing (obviously) way to connect with a network of people who share this passion. It affords many of us the opportunity to share our expertise and personal experience with a huge network of individuals and hopefully change some lives in the process.
While I'm passionate about breaking down barriers between the men vs. women debate in fitness and sports, I also feel like there is still a huge opportunity to empower women with knowledge, skills, and community to bust misconceptions about women's participation in sports or how they approach fitness. I also think it remains very relevant to use discussions regarding health and fitness to promote positive body image and self esteem issues in women. For the record, men aren't exempt. As a mother of (soon to be two) boys, I plan on setting the same type of example for them as I would hope to set for daughters. Positive body image, the importance of living a healthy active lifestyle, challenging yourself physically and mentally, and respecting others for their capabilities and differences both physically and mentally.
I'm excited to become an ambassador with Girls Gone Sporty since this affords me an amazing opportunity to network with other bloggers and individuals who embrace these values. The ability to contribute to this conversation is so energizing to me. I'm not only excited to share but to learn.
Here's a little more about the mission of Girls Gone Sporty:
"Girls Gone Sporty is an online editorial magazine and a social community for women dedicated to living and leading sporty lives. In addition to providing cutting-edge content, we’re committed to creating a support system for women who are striving to be their best selves."
"What is the “sporty life”? It’s more than just fitness and nutrition; it’s an attitude that’s focused on embracing fun and adventure. The sporty woman says, “I can do anything I put my mind to, I just need the resources to do it.” That’s where GirlsGoneSporty comes in. Owned and operated by Laura Williams, a self-proclaimed "sporty girl" and her husband Lance Williams (an equally sporty guy), GirlsGoneSporty is dedicated to sharing the top products, trends and ideas for advancing the fit and adventurous lifestyle."
I'd love to invite you over to visit the Girls Gone Sporty website and follow the GGS social media channels:
You'll discover great blogs and have loads of resources for workouts, recipes, and new fitness experiences. Become part of the conversation and keep checking back here at The First Rep to follow along with me as I navigate a healthy lifestyle. Please give me a follow on my other social media channels found above to stay in the conversation. I'd love to connect with you!
I have been a HUGE Jaime Eason fan for years. I have followed her through various publications and on social media and just love how down to earth, knowledgeable, and motivational she is. Not only is her physique a source of inspiration, but she has been incredibly generous with connecting with fans and using bodybuilding.com as a forum to offer a completely FREE training program which I'm sure many of you are familiar with. It's called the LiveFit Trainer. I had started it approximately two years ago and then became preggo with Connor so I had to switch gears. Jaime gave birth to her son a few months before I had Connor and not too long ago announced that she was working on a new project with bodybuilding.com to offer a free post-natal training program. I've been CHOMPING at the bit for info and announcements and as luck would have it, she posted to Facebook today announcing the official countdown. T-minus 5 days! The timing could not be more perfect. With 5 weeks of this pregnancy to go, I'm already making a plan of attack for my post-natal training. I am already incredibly grateful to have this free and accessible resource to jump-start my program. It will be comprehensive including training plans, meal plans, and supplementation. It also sounds like many of the workouts can be performed in a short amount of time and AT HOME! Woohoo! Take a look at this amazing video introducing the program:
I also really admire that Jaime shared a peek at her post-baby body. She is HUMAN. I love how she is acknowledging honoring the hard work and changes our bodies go through to build a human and how with a little diligence, support, and a focus on fitness and nutrition, women can achieve their goals. Whether it be general health and fitness for energy to chase after the kids or for true changes in physique and body composition to achieve a specific look.
So, I was thinking. You may be aware I am a Beachbody Coach and run challenge groups using the companies amazing fitness products and supplements. I receive a commission on the sale of these products. While I intend to offer some challenge groups using these programs in 2015, I know so many new Mom's who have had kiddos or kiddos on the way that I would VERY much like to offer a FREE challenge group starting this Spring. We will all go through Jaime's new program together. No purchase necessary. Just a completely free support group hosted by ME where we will share our experience, keep one another accountable, and get through the 12 weeks as a community of awesome women. What do you say!? I'm thinking May/June time frame and we'll utilize a private Facebook group for all of our motivation and communication. Message me here or via email (see my contact info above) to let me know you're interested and I'll keep a list going. After I deliver Declan and settle in, I'll message everyone and we can get a better idea on when to start the program and finalize some details. More to come!!! Can't wait!
I had yet to officially revive my blog a few weeks ago when I attended Pure Barre while visiting my parents so this is a slightly delayed post about my experience. When I attended, I had notions of blogging again so I was sure to take careful mental notes about my experience. I've chatted some about barre workouts recently so why not continue the theme and share my experience with Pure Barre!
Unfortunately, living in Gainesville significantly restricts ones options in regards to specialty studios featuring "boutique" exercise programs. I hate that connotation a little since I think, while trendy, many of the "boutique" programs are here to stay for awhile. These boutique brands include barre concepts such as Pure Barre and Barre3, as well as SoulCycle, and OrangeTheory Fitness (P.S., Gainesville has an OrangeTheory coming this Spring!) to name a few. It's always nice to head out of town to a more populous area where these programs tend to be more popular and established. I love trying new things and would LOVE regular access to the variety. I've been trying to make it a point to take a class or try a new workout when out of town...typically easier said than done while on the road.
Knowing that we were headed to NJ back in December to spend 2 weeks with family for the Christmas holiday, I decided to scope out what the area was offering. I grew up in North Jersey and it is a densely populated, affluent area that is the perfect foothold for these studios. Luckily, I was able to locate a nearby Pure Barre Studio and Barre3 studio. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my attendance at Barre3 but was able to make it to Pure Barre. I even had great company! My brother's girlfriend is very into fitness and also instructs group fitness classes so she was more than willing to tag along and take class with me. If you've never attended Pure Barre before, keep reading for a run down of my experience, a breakdown of the class structure, my overall impressions, and thoughts about the studio.
I currently do Pure Barre in the comfort of my living room. The company offers a nice selection of DVD's and equipment filmed in different studio locations and guided by the founder of the technique, Carrie Rezabek Dorr. They even have two prenatal based home workouts available which I've been incorporating into my routine. As long as you have a sturdy high backed chair to hold onto, you can accomplish your own home version of PB easily. Sometime in the future I'll be reviewing the various DVD programs I've tried but I digress, back to the live studio experience.
I was so pumped to be able to attend a live class. Though I love DVD based fitness, especially for programs that are offered live but I don't have access to, it is always wonderful to be able to experience the energy of a live class. The music is always a little better, the energy of the room and other participants fuels your workout, and if you have an excellent instructor, you get the benefit of more clear form recommendations and even hands on adjustment.
The studio where we attended class was located in Wyckoff, NJ, about 15 minutes from my parents home. Yay for convenience! The studio is located in a newer shopping center and was easy to find. Upon entering the studio, it looks and feels very similar to other Pure Barre locations I've seen. The decor is a sort of rustic/modern with the bold Pure Barre logo and a nicely arranged, though small, check-in and apparel/accessories retail area. It's a smart concept to offer for sale the "uniform" of the class including stylish leggings and tops, headbands, water bottles, and of course, the sticky socks! We arrived about 15 minutes early as instructed for first timers and we were greeted by a very friendly receptionist who gave us our paperwork and introduced us to the instructor. I needed another pair of sticky socks for my home workouts so for $12 I was able to purchase a cute turquoise and black pair...though any socks should do.
(As for what to wear to class, long yoga pants or leggings are encouraged though capri length works too. Shorts are frowned upon and you probably wouldn't want to wear these anyway since you will perform many positions where "gapping" in shorts might be revealing. The longer pant also keeps your muscles warm. As for tops...a supportive, fitted yoga cami or tank will do the trick. Many will also wear a breathable but long sleeve top as well. The sticky socks are meant to keep muscles warm and provide a little extra traction though the studio floor is carpeted. The concept is a little weird to me since I'm so used to doing yoga and BodyFlow in bare feet on a yoga mat...but the socks are encouraged so...when in Rome...)
We were then greeted by our instructor Deihdra. She was incredibly welcoming and gave us a complete run down of how to prepare for class. We were instructed to leave shoes in the lobby, don our socks, and followed her to a room in the rear of the studio complete with cubby's for bags/coats, water cooler, bathroom/changing area and equipment storage. (FYI there is no childcare area or showers). Also in this area is their "100 club" bar. Participants who have completed 100 classes are recognized for their accomplishment and sign their name on the bar for recognition. Cute :) Deihdra then explained the structure of class, helped us choose equipment needed for the class (this particular day we used light hand weights, resistance tube, a small pliable ball, and a nice cushy mat). There were options for hand weights from 1-5 lbs. Since I was about 28 weeks pregnant at the time and trying to manage my intensity I chose 3 lb hand weights. I informed Deihdra that I was expecting, though it was hard to miss, and she was very helpful. Though I had already informed her I was familiar with my prenatal Pure Barre home workouts and was a group fitness instructor, she was more than willing to chat with me about exercises she had planned for the class so I was better prepared to modify. (PS, Pure Barre, or similar fitness programs, are an excellent low impact option for pregnancy.) She explained to us that she would check on us often and since we were new, to anticipate some hands on adjustments from her. She was quick to eliminate any notions of intimidation and told us to work at our pace and within our comfort zone.
We then took our places for class. There were about 12 other participants at the 8 am class. The studio itself is somewhat dark with bright ceiling spotlights directed at the walls featuring large scale photographs of women performing different Pure Barre exercises. The ballet barre extended the length of each opposite studio wall, the walls were mirrored, and the floor was carpeted. I sort of love and don't love the overall feel of the studio. It's hard to explain. While I think the styling is modern and sort of trendy which is appealing, it's also sort of dark and moody. There were times when the lights were lowered a bit and I had difficulty seeing the instructor. While it may not have been my studio style preference, it would also be unfair to say that it detracted from the overall class experience. Given my preferences, I love to practice in bright, airy studio spaces...feeds my personal energy better...but at the end of the day it's more about the workout for me. The most important part...the studio and carpeting were VERY clean. There is nothing worse than a dirty fitness space.
It was clear Deihdra has a great rapport with her participants, many of whom were clearly regulars. The women in our class were of all shapes and sizes and age groups. They all had friendly banter between them and were welcoming to us as well. No cold shoulders or icy stares here! The instructor started the music and the warm-up began. I really enjoyed the music choices...faster paced current hits and some retro throwbacks. Very motivating and drove the workout.
As for the structure of the class, you'll perform some work in the center of the room starting with a warm-up which is a series of knee lifts, reaches, core work including planks, and stretches once you're warm. You'll then grab your light hand weights and begin a series focusing on upper body. After this segment you'll head over to the barre and perform different sequences of plies, leg lifts, and pulses using a "tucked" pelvis. Work then moves back to the floor or up against the wall under the bar for core work and more seat/thigh work. Between most exercises or exercise segments and at the end of class, you'll perform stretches to improve flexibility. The key throughout each segment is understanding the technique. In Pure Barre speak, the technique incorporates the concept of working from a tucked pelvis and performing small, near isometric movements. The instructor will frequently say "pulse" or "up an inch, down an inch". Who knew such small movements could make muscles burn! To learn a little bit more about the barre concept, head over to a recent post titled Let's Talk at the Barre. Deihdra was great about checking in on us, especially me, to make sure our alignment was good. Because my belly sort of affected the position of my spine and pelvis, I was appreciative that she took a few moments to periodically check on me and adjust my form or offer me a more comfortable way to stand or position for safety. Being pregnant, I won't lie and say I didn't have to modify some of the class. I wasn't able to perform some of the traditional ab work and the core work against the wall was a little bit difficult with my belly in the way. It was easy enough to substitute a different exercise or modify the moves to fit my needs. At this point you may be asking "did you feel the shake"? Heck yes we did! I definitely had to take breaks and I've been practicing barre for a little while! I'm not sure my muscles will ever get used to this form of training where is feels "easy".
A few final thoughts. Overall, the class was amazing and I wish I could attend regularly. As I mentioned in my prior post about barre workouts, while it wouldn't be my sole workout program, I'd love to incorporate a live class more regularly. I'll have to stick to my DVDs for now. If you're thinking about trying a Pure Barre class, the website has some great resources including some videos reviewing technique tips, etc. Also, keep checking your local studio's schedule since they often scheduled classes called "breaking down the barre" where they review many of the foundation exercises and concepts in detail. I've included a video below that is a great review of what to expect when you show up for your first class. As for price, this is a big factor for many people. I can't lie and say the class or packages were cheap. One class cost $24.00. Clearly, there is savings when you invest in a package. For example, new client packages will set you back $99.00 while packages lasting 3 months could set you back close to $300. An entire year of unlimited classes will cost you just north of $2000. Based on some quick research, each studio location across the US appears to be fairly competitive and consistent in their pricing.
So tell me. Have you tried Pure Barre? Another barre concept class? Do you do barre DVDs at home? I'd love to hear about your experiences and results!
Now is the time for me to mention that I have not been compensated by either Pure Barre or the local Pure Barre studio for this review including attendance at the live class or my use of their home DVDs and equipment. I independently decided to purchase DVDs, attend the class, and pay for my class. I subsequently chose to review my experience on this blog.
I do hope you were able to make it past the title of this post. Do me at LEAST that courtesy. I really hate that my immediate reaction to thoughts of those reading what I'm about to write are to run and duck for cover or steel myself against venomous commentary or lectures about breast is best...save it. Please. Because I do agree with breast is best (for the most part). I just sometimes wish it weren't.
The breastfeeding debate has become exceptionally tiresome, has it not? More and more I come across blog entries, news articles, and Facebook chats with exhausting, often downright vicious, back and forth over the breast vs. formula debate. My husband and I discuss this occasionally...since together we made the decision on how to nourish our first child, and now how we will nourish the next...and in his ever sage observations made the following comment...and I'm paraphrasing... "at what point does everyone realize we're all winning here? The sheer fact that the participants in this debate even CARE to WORRY about where their child's sustenance comes from already makes them parents of the year". I couldn't agree with him more. Andrew honey, if you're reading, you're always right (haha there, I said it, forever etched into eternity on the worldwide web...and yes people...my husband is generally always right even though I don't always want him to be). Anyway, I'm not sure why this is such a polarizing issue. There are various methods to effectively nourish a baby. Some of us use a substance our bodies naturally produce and some of us choose not to. So. WHAT. Again, as long as you choose something, breast milk, or formula, or gasp, BOTH...congrats! You're doing a good job.
When we were expecting Connor, I never really thought twice about breastfeeding. I wasn't voraciously consuming tons of literature and I didn't necessarily spend inordinate amounts of time studying about breastfeeding. Actually, I'm not really sure how I decided that we would be breastfeeding the baby except to say that it just felt inherently natural. I didn't even really have much context to go by since, to that point, I wasn't particularly exposed to close family or girlfriends breastfeeding their littles. I was not breastfed. My mother in law claims to have breastfed my husband but couldn't offer much in regards to experience or recall as to the timeline. So, while I didn't read every breastfeeding book at my local library, my studious tendencies did lead me to do a little reading and we decided to take advantage of a breastfeeding class offered by our hospital. It was all beneficial info and I very much went into feeding Connor with an open mind. I was aware there may be challenges and felt prepared to handle any issues that may arise. I also gave myself ample permission to truly play the process by ear. If we hit a speed bump, I would deal with it as it came, roll with the punches... and I gave myself permission, with the full support of my husband, that if for one instant the stress of trying to figure it all out was impacting how we felt about feeding our baby, a transition to bottle and formula it was. We both agreed that it would be far more important for us to feel emotionally stable and with a low level of stress than FREAKING out at 2am because I couldn't get milk out of my boobs or because I was in excruciating pain or something. Honestly, which benefits baby more in the long run? A strung out, stressed out parent grasping at straws to make something work or a cool, calm, collected parent, at peace with their decisions and able to easily adapt to challenges and overcome them with little emotional upset, regret, or shame. So while I mentally prepared for challenges, expected them even....here's the thing...my little dude latched and we never looked back. Ok, you can hate me a little for that part.
So, Connor loved to eat from day one (you should see him now...shoveling fistfuls of anything you put in front of him). His precious little mouth was made for nursing and apparently so were my boobs. I am eternally grateful and proud of my body and my baby. While I went into breastfeeding with the notion that its success was NOT going to be the be all end all of my experience as a new mom, I was certainly happy it was working. Actually, my husband and I used to joke that we should probably keep the success to ourselves since it's no secret that many struggle. My milk came in right away, the lanolin and ice packs sat unused on the nightstand, and when I started pumping I made enough milk to make any dairy barn a small fortune. There was ONE small problem though...I didn't really enjoy it. Collective gasp! I'll give you a minute... seriously, try to compose yourself. There are all sorts of things we don't enjoy and yes, quite frankly, I didn't enjoy breastfeeding all that much. For awhile I felt guilty about this..."I have NO reason to feel this way!" "My baby is a champ". "I'm such a selfish bitch". "Some people can't do this, you should be grateful!". I would repeat these notions in my head constantly. Still didn't change the fact that more than 50% of the time, I would have rather not been breastfeeding.
I should probably take a minute to clarify here. I didn't COMPLETELY hate it. There were certainly some precious, amazing, tender moments with my little guy. But honestly, there were other moments where I just wanted my body back. I wanted to share the feeding responsibility. When I went back to work I despised, DESPISED, being attached to that damn pump. While he never caused me pain, Connor was just a frantic feeder and you literally couldn't get him latched fast enough. As he got a little older, he was sort of aggressive and it became physically exhausting to be punched, scratched, and pinched all the time. When I returned to work when we was 8 weeks old, I expressed milk with a pump. While it was relatively easy and pain free, it was just incredibly time consuming to now have to figure out how to set aside time in my busy day of patient care. For the record, my employer was super supportive...and as a matter of fact, I don't think would have ever had the foggiest idea if I had spent fifteen minutes pumping or two hours... so the time constraints were completely self imposed but still real. I was busy. And some days it came down to a struggle between making sure my patients got seen and scheduling pumping sessions. Working in a hospital, it's not exactly easy to know when you're patients are ready to work with you or when you can get them down to radiology for a swallow study... which may need to happen at a moments notice... so some days it was hard to fit it all in. I also like my personal space. I know, I KNOW! To a degree this goes out the window when you become a Mom but I just got to the point where I refused to feel ashamed for liking my personal space and the acknowledgement that my body needed a break and I needed a minute to physically and mentally regroup. It became far more important for me to share the feeding responsibility with Andrew or other family and be able to pick up my baby refreshed and happy rather than resentful that he needed to use my body, AGAIN. So, while I hated pumping, at times it was a blessing since a bottle of expressed milk could easily be given by someone else if I needed a break. Although, I admit this was still rare since I know the most important way to keep supply up is to breastfeed directly so many times before work, after work, overnights, and on weekends it was still up to me.
Yes, because pumping and doing your patient care notes is JUST as comfortable and easy looking as this... I will admit though, the bra for the pump flanges was pretty clutch.
Here was the other problem...initially, breastfeeding made me feel weird. Not weird as in boobs are sexual so why are we using them this way weird. Not weird as in I don't want people to see my boobs I'm too modest weird. Not weird as in this isn't natural why am I doing this weird. Breastfeeding, literally, gave me the strangest sensation, physically and mentally. During my first few weeks of nursing, every time I would begin a breastfeeding session, I would literally have a few minutes of the oddest feeling...almost like a mild panic attack. At other times, it's hard to describe...it would feel like this dropping sensation in the pit of my stomach...and sudden restlessness and irritability and then onset of extreme thirst. I couldn't nurse without water or Gatorade nearby (and I HATE Gatorade). I thought I was a little crazy honestly. It only ever lasted a few minutes...and was moderately uncomfortable at best...and then it would go away and I'd sort of forget about it until the next time. After the first few weeks, it went away altogether. As I begin to mentally prepare for baby #2's arrival, I've been recalling that feeling so I decided to do a little Google search to try to figure out if there was something to describe this experience. And would you know it...there is! No joke, there is a legitimate medical diagnosis for what I was experiencing... ha! Leave it to my body to have some obscure issue with breastfeeding. But it's real, and while not well researched or reported on, the theory is MANY more women than have been identified experience it, and yes it has a name. Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). Seriously, there is even a dedicated website (www.d-mer.org). You are not alone!
According to D-MER.org "“Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex is a condition affecting lactating women that is characterized by an abrupt dysphoria, or negative emotions, that occur just before milk release and continuing not more than a few minutes. This is a physiological response (not a psychological response) that appears to be tied to a sudden decrease in the brain chemical dopamine immediately before milk let-down."
Who would'a thunk it. It is important to note that the site goes on to clarify that D-MER IS NOT an aversion to breastfeeding, related to postpartum depression, a psychological response to breastfeeding, or a general dislike of breastfeeding...although, arguably, it's experience could potentially contribute to these other issues. Rather, D-MER is thought to be related to an inappropriate drop in dopamine that occurs when milk is released during let-down. When dopamine falls inappropriately, it can cause symptoms of negative feelings. Fascinating really, and interesting to have a true explanation for my odd symptoms!
So, I should probably circle back at this point. As the title of my post suggests, I'm not entirely looking forward to breastfeeding. I'm more nervous about it this time around. I have other factors to consider including what will be a needy 18 month old and a return to work after only 8 weeks once again. Not to mention the knowledge I now have about the pros AND cons from my first go-round. As I buckle down for the home stretch of this pregnancy, I'm reminding myself of the following: I give myself complete permission to take it day by day again. I certainly do believe in the benefits of breast milk and I'm happy to attempt to feed my next baby like this again. I'm allowing myself the permission to play it by ear as I did last time. The minute something isn't working and the minute the scale tips towards distress with the process I'm allowing myself permission to throw in the towel. If our next little guy is as much of a nursing lover as Connor...great, we'll do it. If he sucks at it, haha no pun intended... fine, we'll trouble shoot a little and see how it goes. And depending on IF and HOW my symptoms of D-MER present themselves...that will factor in too. With Connor, we quit breastfeeding at 6 months. Honestly, it was a combination of my being ready to call it quits and that he sort of was too. He started solids and was showing a lot more interest in those and his bottle than he was in me. At that point, he was getting really used to receiving expressed milk via bottle and his lessening desire to actually nurse directly from me effected my milk supply, not to mention I got an abscessed breast cyst which needed treatment so my supply tanked. The stars aligned and it was just sort of a naturally good time to quit. He transitioned to formula with no issues, and no guilt from us, and is currently a thriving, rarely sick, 17 month old who hasn't met a food he doesn't like and is ALMOST weaned from his bottle. I've seriously given the kid a pass with the slow wean from the bottle since he NEVER accepted a paci and he's slept 12 hours straight since he was 6 months old. You can start hating me again for that. This kid rocks.
So, time will tell! I'm incredibly excited to meet our new addition and I'm curious to see how nursing again will all pan out. Either way, I am already at peace with whatever decisions we will need to make and I feel good that no matter what we are doing the right thing for our baby.
So, talk to me. Be honest with yourself and not ashamed... have you ever felt less than in love with breastfeeding? Have you experience D-MER? I'm especially interested to know what other Mom's have experienced this.
Happy Sunday everyone! Today, I wanted to formally announce my reinstatement as a Team Beachbody Coach. I'm so excited that I decided to reinstate my business. A few months ago, I had started my business as a health and fitness coach with Beachbody products on top of my group fitness instruction and full time job. Unfortunately, it coincided with some time consuming changes at work and my discovery that we were expecting baby #2. I had started my business off strong and was several weeks into my first challenge group when I just completely lost steam. The first trimester exhaustion got the best of me and my type A personality was having an up hill battle with trying to fit it all in. I was trying to take care of myself, take care of a group of women dedicated to improving their health, chase after my thriving toddler, and do my best at work. Something had to give. So, I sadly had to disappoint my challengers and disband the group (they were all working so hard, I felt awful) and take a step back to re-evaluate. I let my business hibernate but it's been on my mind all of these months.
Today, I took another leap of faith and decided to reinvigorate my business. Those of you who know me know that, for the most part, my job as a Speech Pathologist doesn't exactly fill my cup. I've been very vocal that some of the most rewarding hours of my week are spent with my group fitness participants or "coaching" family and friends in improving their health, fitness, and lifestyle. I truly see this as a full time career transition in the future but I'm trying to be patient and let that happen organically. As a matter of fact, a few weeks ago I was this close to purchasing a local business franchise, Fit4Mom Stroller Strides, which focuses on fitness for mom's of all ages. The franchise was for sale and in many ways, the program aligned with my goals and current business ownership capabilities. Unfortunately, the opportunity to purchase the business coincided with a few stressful weeks for us in regards to work status, childcare, and finances and left me unable to commit. I had to pass up the opportunity. I moped about it for a few days but since I always believe everything is timed for a reason it was probably all for the best. While that entrepreneurial dream and career move didn't come to fruition, I still have the opportunity to continue working towards my goals in other ways.
At this time, my Beachbody business is perfect for the time and financial investment I can make. It directly achieves my desire to help others and connect us all in the effort for improved health and wellness. Why only reach those who can actively participate in my live group fitness classes when I can help so many more of you who I don't get to see several times a week, who are interested in another method besides trekking to the gym, or who don't even live in my community...or who I don't even know personally, yet?! Since my teens, a large part of my fitness regimen has been home based through workout DVDs and home based equipment. Beachbody uses these exact methods to make fitness accessible to everyone. Honestly, gym workouts are great but I know I've mentioned many times that some of the better workouts I've ever done are home based. Don't let those DVDs fool you! There are some TOUGH programs out there. I know myself and others have been able to achieve some of their best results with home programs. Once upon a time I paid for an expensive trainer and I swear my results were the same if not worse than sticking with home based workouts. Why not achieve better results at a fraction of the cost with me? Of course, I love the energy of a live group fitness class but our challenge groups, personal coaching from me, and the support of the community we can create will more than fill in for that gap... all while affording you the flexibility to meet your fitness goals on your terms, with the time you have, and the financial commitment you can make.
Some of my favorite programs:
I'd love to help you achieve your goals so feel free to message me or email me at thefirstrepblog@gmail.com or bbcoachcatie@gmail.com (I check both!) I'd love to give you guidance and resources on picking the perfect fitness program for you and offer nutritional coaching and support. Once I pop this baby out, we'll start a challenge group to get in shape! I'd love to invite all new momma's to join me. And if you're not, that's ok too! Stay tuned this spring for challenge group announcements.
Finally, does my passion for all things fitness resonate with you too? Wondering how you can help help friends, family and beyond with the tools to improve their life? Then we should chat. I'm building a team of like-minded men and women who can join me on this journey. A little extra income doesn't hurt either :) Message me!
I promise this blog is not intended to be a diary of all things prenatal fitness related. Obviously, since that is my reality right now, it's forefront in my mind and the topics flow naturally. Plus, I know lots of Momma's and Momma's-To-Be who might benefit from my knowledge and experience. Either way, I'd love for you to keep checking in as I intend to address all aspects of fitness and wellness. In the coming months, I have some exciting ideas to share here, experiences for which I'd like to take you along for the ride, and much more! But for now, lemme bitch about my cankles...
Holy. Moly. With my pregnancy with Connor, and now with Declan, I've been largely spared from the edema. However, I know many women who have suffered with the swell. Unfortunately, this is largely something you probably can't control. As pregnancy progresses, changes in blood chemistry will cause fluid to shift to your tissue. Not to mention the pressure your uterus puts on your pelvic veins and vena cava pooling all of your blood below your knees, resulting in marshmallow extremities. Pregnancy is so. sexy. The big barometer tends to be the day when you have to stop wearing your wedding rings. I'm eternally thankful that I've been spared having to banish my bling to my jewelry box...but my ankles! Awful. I'm on my feet all day running around a hospital as a speech therapist and it's doing me no favors in the lower extremities. By 4:30 my legs are feeling tight, swollen and look awful. If this is your plight, the tips you can find online have helped me. Here are my favorites:
- While you should avoid standing for long periods of time, physical activity is good and keeps the blood flowing. I've been walking and doing workouts like barre, yoga, and resistance training with prenatal modifications.
- Avoid extra salt.
- Drink LOTS of water...side effect of having to pee more than I already do sucks but it's good for you!
- Nightly leg and ankle massages with my Mamma Mio Lucky Legs Gel...thanks to my amazing husband who would probably feed me grapes too if I let him. My elephant ankles are eternally thankful for the pampering.
- Some people swear by compression hose or socks. I haven't gotten on board with this yet. While I'm sure it will help...and while it's technically winter here in Florida...those just sound so hot and uncomfortable.
Finally, do me a favor. Keep an eye on the swelling in your legs. It's generally cause for concern, and a call to your doctor, if he swelling is sudden, severe, or if one leg is more swollen and painful than the other signaling issues with blood pressure or blood clots.
Ok, so convinced staying active can help control your poor puffy legs? Good. Now to dress the part. I wanted to share my favorite pregnancy find...Old Navy Active Maternity! Due to the nature of gym wear, I was able to get away with my normal gym wardrobe for about 20 weeks without fear of stretching out my clothes too much...or just looking unsightly. However, though 20 weeks remained, it just wasn't long enough to warrant expensive investment in maternity active wear...even though I practically live in yoga pants if I'm not in scrubs. Cue Old Navy. I actually LOVE their active wear line. One of my favorite pairs of compression tights are made by them. Their gym duds are well made and at an attractive price point. They even get in on some of the cute trends like patterned leggings. Same holds true for their maternity versions of their active wear line. While there isn't a HUGE selection, I was able to choose some super comfortable, very affordable, quality pieces to get me through the last half of my pregnancy. I kept the styles simple but I was able to score a cute pair of compression capri's in a trendy pattern. I purchased the following:
1/4 Zip Top - Perfect for chilly Florida days heading to and from the gym or as an extra layer for walks and outdoor workouts.
Smocked Side Tanks - in sky, carbon, and black. SUPER flattering, wicking, and comfortable.
My FAVORITE - Compression Capris in black jack print. Also purchased in black. LOVE the full belly panel. Keeps things smooth and they stay up. Love the subtle, trendy pattern as well.
Catie is a group fitness instructor and is certified in Les Mills BodyPump and BodyFlow, as well as AFAA Aqua Fitness and Fluidity Barre certifications. She is passionate about fitness and health. She loves trying new programs and daydreams of opening her own fitness studio...someday! She is wife to an amazing husband, and Mom to two incredible sons. Fur children include two crazy dogs and the world's greatest cat.
