The Month of Motivation!

OK! Fall is coming up on us,and it's been way too long since my last post. My sincerest apologies, it won't happen again. As we move forward into this sweet smelling season, it encourages me tor reflect on the year so far ... happenings, events, milestones, and more. I've loved watching my family grow, and know that with each new step my son takes, I'm growing too!

After all, I never imagined myself doing the all-limbs-flailing potty dance in the kitchen for all my neighbors to see with more confidence than a Solid Gold Dancer (dating myself here) to encourage pee-pee in the potty. Now, that takes confidence!

This month we're all about motivation and goals as we move into the last quarter of 2009 and begin looking forward to 2010. What motivates us as moms? As women? What goals did we have for ourselves this year (formally or informally set ... lose weight, build strength, save just a few more dinero each month, explore some new cooking styles, paint the trim on the house, build resistance to brownies, whatever!)? Have we worked towards achieving them? Note - I did not ask "have we met them", this is not a time to beat ourselves up if "life" has taken over and we haven't quite reached the precipice to plant the flag of goal-reaching-success. My question is have we taken at least a few small steps in the right direction. If so, fabulous!

Now is a time to regroup and re-evaluate what we can do to find success personally (physically and mentally) and as moms, professionals, or in whatever other capacity our desire lies. Little things like "I WILL work out at least 4 days a week" or "I WILL try a new dinner once every two weeks" or "I WILL go on a date with my husband this month!" or "I WILL try Restore the Core (yes - blatant advertising) class this month" are great ways to start! Be realistic, and you'll find success. Find success and you'll feel fabulous and want to set more!

So, I now commission all of my readers to chime in! Set a goal, find some motivation, and share it with us! Tapping the sentence out on the keyboard may make it a bit more real ... and let's see how we do!

I'll start: I WILL organize my office this month AND incorporate5 new moves into our StrollerFit classes.

Now it's your turn - let's hear it! We can inspire and motivate each other.

Remember that strong, confident KIDS are raised by strong, confident MOMS!

Health and Happiness,

Katie

Pregnancy: Ice Cream & Exercise

Mmmm, I just finished a scoop of lite vanilla ice cream that I made yummier by adding a bit of homemade brownie (largely removing all the "lite" I suppose, but making it all that much better). I firmly believe that indulging in something a little sweet occasionally will only make me sweeter!

There's nothing wrong with moderation, and I have to keep that in mind while pregnant, too. Whether it be towards sweets, or what makes them occasionally acceptable (at least to my dupa) exercise. Exercise during pregnancy is wonderful! It boosts your mood, improves you sleep, and can help alleviate aches and pains.

I've recently received the questions "should I continue exercising?" and "should I start exercising?" when I'm pregnant, so I thought I'd share some of my thoughts and experiences. Keep in mind, people, that I am not a doctor, just a mom on her 2nd time around who is working hard, like so many of us, to take good care of herself and her family. My comments are just observations, gained from personal pre-natal experiences, and guidance from other fitness professionals.

First and Foremost, let me say that there is a 2-part golden rule: Follow the individual guidelines set by your doctor, and follow the signals your body sends you!

Once you have the above rule memorized (write it 100 times around your Friday morning decaf-skim-latte if you need to), then you're ready to move on. Ready? Really? OK.

So, I'm preggo ... Should I change my fitness routine?
If you have been exercising regularly prior to pregnancy, then in most cases, if you're healthy and your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can continue working out with some sensible modifications to accommodate your growing belly. What to do: Stick to a moderate level of exercise and avoid bouncing and jarring motions, sudden changes of position, and beginning in your 2nd trimester, lying on your back.

So now that I'm carrying another little human around with me, I'm ready to take on more! I've been pretty sedentary, but I'd like to start getting some exercise. How should I start?

Sometimes, we start new ventures at the most perplexing times, but everything happens for a reason, and being responsible for another life couldn't be a better time to focus on good health.

First, check in with your doctor/midwife/caregiver about your plans. Then, you'll need to start with gentle exercise (check out some great suggestions from baby.com) for short periods of time (about 15 minutes a few times per week) and gradually work up to a longer and more intense daily routine (about half an hour a day).

Good Activities: Walking is the easiest way to get started on a regular fitness routine and it doesn't require any special equipment other than a good pair of walking shoes! Swimming is another great option during pregnancy because the water helps hold up our extra weight.

Personally, I swear by Restore The Core, the Pilate's-based mat class we offer to stretch and strengthen your core muscles as well as relieve aches and pains. The movements can be modified as you progress through pregnancy, and incorporating it at least 2 times a week will result in stronger core muscles which will help immensely during birth! You can learn more about Restore The Core classes at our website.

In any case, being active is a good thing, but use common sense. Some of the warning signals to take a time out include shortness of breath, dizziness, and cramping (legs are common, but rest at the onset any cramping). Use some common sense, and keep in mind that you're exercising to be healthy and to gain stamina for the wonderful yet exhausting tasks ahead of you ... not to lose weight. That'll come soon enough.

Now go enjoy some of that required dairy you should have each day, in the form of ice cream with whatever yummy topping you'd like.

Good Health and Happiness!

Katie