Tag Archives: fitness

ivivva Coast to Coast in San Francisco

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Girl power was on full display in the city by the Bay this weekend, as the ivivva Coast to Coast Festival popped up in San Francisco  at the scenic City View at Metreon. More than 250 active, stylish and energetic tween girls showed up to engage in the festivities, including the POUND workout, making it the largest class of tweens they’ve ever led!

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If you’re a fan of lululemon athletica, know that ivivva is cut from the same cloth. The brand was inspired by active girls and celebrates them, with stylish, sporty athletic wear and experiences that connect young girls through movement and aims to inspire them to dream big!

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Over the weekend in SF, ivivva offered locals fun in the sun with a tribal marker artists, a hair braiding team, photobooth, music, yoga, acro yoga, and more!

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The event also featured a yoga class co-led by 11-year old Sydney, one of the youngest certified yoga instructors in the country, and local teacher Heather McKenzie, as well as inspiring speakers from ivivva’s Dreams & Goals program including ivivva Director of Brand & Community, Allison Forsyth.

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Additionally, the girls participated in a POUND workout, the world’s first cardio jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums. So much fun for a Saturday in San Francisco! I love the idea behind this new line and I think it’s great that the younger set can be just as stylish and encouraged to workout, as their female role models (i.e. Mom, big sisters, etc…). Now if I only had a little girl…sigh! 😉

Shedding the Baby Weight

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A fellow blogger in my media bloggers group recently wrote a post offering her tips and tricks for how she lost the baby weight (without exercising), and it inspired me to share my story, and  how I have managed weight loss, body shape and (attempted) fitness after delivering 2 baby boys in 2 years.

I’ve never been a fitness fanatic or enthusiast, yes I’ve danced professionally – but the fitness part for me “was part of the job,” so I participated because it was mandatory. I am “lucky” that genetically, my build is thin and the only time I have truly struggled with weight is when I wanted to gain it.

When it comes to food, I am one of those people who could pretty much eat what I wanted and feast on desserts too…but of course that has slowed and changed with age. I had a pretty good run, but once the mid-30’s sneak up on ya, so do the cookies, cakes and carbs!

So all that being said, as I reflect back on my pregnancies and the weight gain…then striving to be at my pre-baby shape, several thoughts cross my mind. I often hear first time mother’s worry about how they will lose the weight after the baby and the the truth is, it just happens. If you don’t give the weight a reason to stick around, it won’t.

I stopped stepping the scale or paying attention to what it said when I hit 180 lbs. at 36 weeks. I’m someone who struggled to even hit 130, the rest of my adult life I have been at a solid 127, give or take a couple pounds. So yeah, picking up at least 50 extra pounds while I was with child just seemed AMAZING! And — it was the same for both of my pregnancies, it’s almost like I delivered the same baby twice…everything was so, so similar.

All in all, as much as weight loss can be about what you do after baby arrives, I believe it’s how you treat, care and maintain your body before the pregnancy that will make the difference and make it easier on you.

Get out and walk. My first word of advice for women who are concerned about the post-prego pounds is to walk. We can all walk, it’s easy. Make it part of your routine while you’re expecting, and if you already have an exercise regimen, stick to it and then modify or scale back as needed, but keep walking. Walking is a simple act of physical activity that will condition your body and satisfy your cardio needs. Go outside, hit a treadmill, whatever it is and get in a mile or 2. And — then post-baby continue to walk while pushing baby in the stroller, fresh air is a good thing, in the months after delivery!

Stay in shape. Another reason I think my body has (for the most part) returned to it’s original weight, is because it knew what to do. My days from dancing and the working out that went with that activity, have “programmed” my muscles and body to know what to do, if you will…I credit MUSCLE MEMORY! If you’re not “in shape” prior to the birth event, you can’t expect your body to know what to do after it.

Breastfeeding. I know so many women swear by that method (breastfeeding), to lose weight… and some have even had to stop because they were losing too much weight. I agree, all the calories burned will certainly help new Moms shed the pounds…but for me, I didn’t, I couldn’t breastfeed. Sure, I tried and I pumped. I even saw a lactation consultant (because I was so determined), and it never happened. In fact with my second son, the consultant boldly commented that my newborn was the worst she had ever seen! So for me, this wasn’t an option… It may help many Moms get rid of the weight, but I can’t attest to it.

Portion Control. There’s this “idea” that you’re eating for 2. Sure, I had my moments where I wanted to eat the house down before, during and after a pregnancy, but ladies, don’t use a pregnancy as a reason to overeat. Sure, it’s okay to give into cravings and treat yourself, but it’s important to still maintain healthy and nutritious food choices and avoid stuffing your face because you’re carrying a new life inside of you. That growing baby will surely let you know when they are lacking..and I’m pretty sure they don’t need to eat an entire cheesecake every week!

Relax. When I had my first baby, I was super determined to get back in the swing of things and hit the gym. A few months into it I just couldn’t shake the last 10 pounds…come to find out I was pregnant again! However, I also felt that my jump to get back in shape, also affected the way my c-section scar healed, like I probably should’ve taken it a little easier for a little while longer. Anyway, after my second son arrived, I didn’t stress. I adhered to the notion above and let my body do what it needed to do, and I was careful not to over exert myself, although looking back, chasing a new-toddler while toting a newborn was exercise enough!

Patience. I guess the last thought I wanted to share is that we need patience. Be patient with your body, it has just performed nothing short of a miracle. I may be back at my pre-pregnancy weight, but my shape is ALL NEW! I’ve done a few stints of juice diets, eating clean and have tried to ramp up my fitness routines…but at the end of the day I’m okay with me. Every woman is different and while I can stand on my soapbox and tell you what worked for me along with all the other Mommy Bloggers who have their own stories, the truth is there is no one right way to lose the weight. So I encourage you to be patient, don’t compare and give yourself some credit, because having a baby is no easy task.

It’s crazy for me to look back and realize it’s been almost 2 years since I was last pregnant, time really does fly. I still have weight and fitness goals and my tummy sure isn’t as toned as I want it to be, but it gives me something to work on. And — if you surround yourself with like-minded people to walk, workout and get fit with, it makes the journey (before and after) even more special.

Haute Mom: Heather Vines-Bright

2014-04-23 16.21.28Name:  Heather Vines-Bright
Child: & Age: Raiden, 7
Hometown/Current Location: San Jose, CA/Tempe, AZ
Quick Bio: I am a full-time working Mom and Fitness Competitor/Model and I have a passion for inspiring people to find the true beauty within themselves by helping them feel better and look better through my fitness blog, health coaching and motivational speaking. My motivational speaking platform “Bright Girl Speaks” targets adolescent girls and young women.  I talk to them about proper nutrition, exercise, body image, self-esteem and confidence.  This is important to me because growing up I was bullied and battled with many body image and self-esteem issues.  I want to share my stories with these girls and be a positive role model to help them through some of those difficult periods.

www.brightgirlfitness.com
FB: Bright Girl Fitness
Instagram: Bright Girl Fitness
Twitter: @BrightGirl_Fit

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: My workout time is definitely my way of keeping my sense of self. It’s my one hour to unplug from being a wife and mommy and a time when I don’t have to worry about work, cleaning the house or making sure homework is done. I just listen to my music and know that I am doing something good for myself, my mind and my body.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
Due to my busy schedule, I incorporate fitness into my daily routine however I can. Whether it be a 5:00am gym workout, quick workout on my lunch break, going to the gym after work, a 20 minute jog or walk or ladder drills with my son. I try to dedicate at least 4 days a week to working out.

Haute Mom Feature

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: My son is extremely polite and caring. I feel that I have helped develop those characteristics by setting a good example. I always make sure he says please and thank you and even though he is an only child he is very giving and always thinks about others before himself.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
Since being a Mom I have learned that there is nothing more important than my family.  It is easy to get caught up in work, but I always try to put my family first and if that means changing my workout schedule or reprioritizing certain things then that’s what I will do.  I know that I will never get back certain moments so I try to cherish and remember them.

Barre Workout “Works” for Moms

This post was written for 53 Weeks by Erin S.

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Let’s be honest, once you have a little one calling you “Mommy,” chances are your workout routine may have some gaps. But before you throw in the towel on getting your pre-baby body back…you gotta check out a barre class!

There is some major buzz these days about “Barre Workouts.” It is the hottest workout on the market—Why? Because it works!!! In a nutshell, a barre workout is a combination of low impact, isometric conditioning, yoga and Pilates. Every “barre” class/company has their own signature spin on this effective workout, but the overall feeling and results are a long, lean “dancer-like” physique. Regardless of age, your fitness background, if you are pregnant, or just had a baby, have knee injuries or only put on yoga pants to go to the grocery store…a barre class will help you lose weight, build strength and transform your figure. No dance or fitness experience is necessary to take a class, as the energy from the instructor and the music will motivate you to get fit while having fun, all in one hour…and the results you see will keep you coming back for more!

I was introduced to barre in 2010 before I became pregnant with my daughter. I had been a fitness instructor since 1998, so I was in relatively good shape. However, once I began to introduce barre to my routine, I lost inches in my waistline, my arms became leaner and more toned and I was even getting remarks from friends saying, “Are you doing something new?” The following year I found out I was pregnant (Yay!) and was also thrilled to learn I could also keep up my barre work. I swear that having this workout in my life was something that kept me healthy during my pregnancy both mentally and physically but also kept me lean and limber to prepare for childbirth.

While pregnant, there are a few modifications such as no deep twists, no lying on your stomach or flat back…and of course you always want to get your doctors approval before starting any workout while pregnant. I also found that I needed to take a few more “rests” and drink plenty of water. But during class, I felt strong and I felt beautiful…and even graceful with the belly.

I have a lot of mama’s in my classes that come just for their “me” time. We don’t have much time for ourselves, so when we get to our workout, we need it to be effective, motivating and fun. A barre class is your answer. When it all comes down to it, we just want to look and feel graceful, strong, toned and even a bit sexy. It is the awesome combination that you need for overall body conditioning mixed with amazing core moves and exercises to increase your flexibility. You step out of class feeling lengthened, strong and centered and ready to tackle your Mommy Duties!

Do you want to create the Barre8 experience for others? Become a Barre8 Instructor!

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Barre8 Instructor Certifications available in an exciting and jam packed 1-Day Workshop! Learn how to create the Barre8 experience and become an instructor!

For more info, check out: www.barre8.com

My name is Erin Salvetti and I am the owner and creator of Barre8 Fitness. If I can be of any help with answering questions or helping you find a barre class near you, don’t hesitate to email me at: info@barre8.com

And — If you’re in the market for footwear for a barre or yoga workout, you will find some great reviews here.

 

Haute Mom: Janet Jones

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Name:
Janet Jones
Child & Age: Ava, age 4
Hometown/Current Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Quick Bio: Creator of The Vixen Workout and Leader of The Vixen Army, Janet Jones began her professional dance career as one of the Miami Heat Dancers. Janet has worked on projects such as the MTV VMAs, Latin Billboards, Latin Grammys, HipHop Source Awards, Vibe Awards, Premios Lo Nuestro, Premios Juventud and the American Music Awards. She has had the opportunity to work with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Nsync, Brian Mcknight, Diddy, Mase, Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Simpson, David Bisbal, Olga Tanon, Alejandro Sanz, Usher and Pitbull to name a few. In 2012, Janet created The Vixen Workout, a cardio dance fitness class, to give women everywhere juggling the work-life balance an opportunity to cut loose in a club-like atmosphere, but with in a secure environment.  The Vixen Workout is the latest fitness craze that is spreading across the country with sold out classes for more that require a waiting list in South Florida and New York.  For more information about Janet Jones and The Vixen Workout visit, www.vixenworkout.com

Connect with Janet:
Facebook – http://facebook.com/Vixenworkout
Twitter – @Vixenworkout, @JanetJonesDance
Instagram – @Vixenworkout, @Janet_Jones

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: Chocolate milk and a fuzzy blanket or a “mimi” as she calls it, are my daughter’s comfort items. So, in our fridge I have reachable sippy cups with milk and a chest with all her “mimis.”  I also keep a “mimi” in every car just in case she gets sleepy in the car ride.

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: Because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you need to give up the things you love. I used to be a dancer, so dancing was definitely part of my identity. The Vixen Workout helps me scratch my performing itch while getting a killer workout. Keeping your sense of self makes you a happier person and in turn a better mommy.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: Accept help. Talk to your friends about feeling overwhelmed (all new moms are), and don’t feel guilty if you are. Catch up on sleep every chance you get. You are not a bad mom if you take time for yourself. As a new mom, simply getting a mani-pedi can be the equivalent of a weekend getaway. Enjoy every second, as cliche as it sounds THEY GROW SO FAST!

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I incorporate “me” time, fitness, and girls night all in one hour of Vixen.

Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I’m pretty easy going, her daddy is definitely the disciplinarian.

Q: Share your best or favorite place for a family vacation and tell us why.
A: We have the best memories just spending the day at the beach. Ava enjoys it so much.

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: The first time Ava said “Mom, I love you”…. I died.

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: I make sure she feels so much love from everyone she’s around.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: I always imagined myself as being the strict disciplinarian because that’s the role my mom had with me.  I’m the opposite, Ava runs me!

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: The same style I had before baby.  Heels, great jeans and a tee or tank. All because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you have to dress like one. I’m still Janet, just much more fabulous because I have a baby now.

Q: What’s the best surprise you’ve ever done for your kids/family?
A: Surprise road trip to Disney!

Zumbini for the Bambini

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Zumbini is one of the newest crazes to hit the parenting scene, and if you haven’t heard of it yet…you’re hearing it here, now! Zumbini is a music and movement class for children, ages 0-3. It is part of the Zumba Fitness program, so it’s packed with Zumba flavor, but I wouldn’t say it’s the equivalent of Zumba for babies. I first heard about this “music” class from another parent in my children’s play group and my initial thought was that it might be too “girly” for my boys. I guess I was thinking of the choreographed Zumba classes I have sampled where the fitness routines had lots of booty shaking and hip rolling! ha!  Zumbini logo

Well, let me tell you, it is hands down THE BEST “Mommy & Me” type class I have ever taken my babies too. Despite my preconceived notions about it possibly being too feminine and dance-ish for my “rough and tumble” tots, I really wanted to cover the class for my blog. So, I contacted Miami-based teacher Ashlee Cramer who also happens to be the Creative Director for Zumbini. She wrote the program for Zumba and after experiencing her in action, I am so glad I decided to try it out. I’d like to think my boys get their musicality from me, I have a background in dance and my father has always enjoyed his amateur career as a musician, his mother (my paternal grandmother) being a professional pianist and music teacher. At any rate, my older son has already showed so may signs of having a natural rhythm, from dancing, making beats and listening to all kinds of music… and he just shined in Miss Ashlee’s class. Whether it was playing the drums, moving to the music, singing along, using the scarves or experimenting with the various instruments brought out, he was fully engaged and entertained from start to finish!

I love Zumbini’s high energy and the style of interaction encouraged between the parents/caregivers and the “bini babies.” In fact you are asked not to talk to the little ones during the class – NOT easy, but it allows the instructor to take control and for the music to takeover! The program is still really new, so it’s just starting to spread across the country, and instructors are being trained and added every week. Watch this clip I created during my visit to Ashlee Cramer’s Zumbini class in Miami…

 

To learn more about Ashlee Cramer and her Zumbini classes in Miami, visit her website >> http://ashleecramer.zumba.com/ You can also visit the Zumba website to find a Zumbini location and instructor near you >> http://www.zumba.com/en-US/party/classes/class-zumbini

Haute Mom: Katy Widrick

katyName: Katy Widrick
Child & Age: Audrey Saison, 16 months
Hometown/Current Location: Orlando, Florida
Quick Bio: Katy Widrick is an admitted fitness freak who blogs about Healthy Living in a Hectic World at http://katywidrick.com. A full-time television and multimedia producer (Growing Bolder, distributed nationally), Katy is also a new mom (http://bugchild.com), a triathlete, half marathon runner and vegetarian. She’s passionate about helping others use the latest tools and technology to connect with the healthy living community. While she loves green smoothies and kale, she believes in moderation in all things — including moderation. So don’t be surprised to see her with a cupcake in one hand and a large coffee in the other. Katy does not consider herself a natural athlete — she still shudders when thinking about the timed mile runs in 4th grade P.E. class — but she has fallen in love with fitness and says it has changed her life. It has also helped her maintain a 40-pound weight loss, and inspired her to become a group fitness instructor to help others become fitness freaks, too.

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: I sweat! Keeping fitness and healthy living a priority helps me with a very stressful workload — so I run, I swim, I practice yoga, I dance and more. Having that sense of purpose helps me put everything in perspective and hopefully, it’s helping me serve as a great role model for my daughter!

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: I’m still a pretty new mom myself, so I remember the great advice I received. Overall, I think my advice to moms (and dads!) is to not stress about stressing. 🙂 My daughter spit up frequently when she was a few weeks old and it freaked me out! Even though people were telling me everything was OK, them trying to calm me down only added to my anxiety (when I would hear “trust your instincts,” I would want to scream — “I have no instincts! This is my first time at being a mom!”). So be OK with not being OK for a while, but know that things do get much, much better. One day you’ll think — I’ve really nailed this parenting thing! And you’ll be right!

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Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I work long days, but I make sure that fitness is a part of almost every one. Sometimes that means running on my lunch (ha!) break or arranging for my husband to pick our daughter up at daycare so I can go straight to a spin class. Often, it means working out before everyone else is up, or after they’ve gone to bed.

Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I like to say I’m a Type A hippie. I had an unmedicated, hypnotherapy birth with a doula, and I am a breastfeeding, vegetarian, baby-wearing kind of mama. On the other hand, I’m addicted to technology, so I have a blog for/about my daughter, and I know I’ll be the stricter one of me and Audrey’s Daddy!

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Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: There have been so many great moments, but I think watching my daughter pull herself up to a standing position was the one I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Watching her struggle and achieve something, all with a smile on her face, inspired and touched me very deeply. Now, of course, she’s off and running!