Fit Your Life

photo by Roughley Originals Every single one of us is different. One of the most amazing aspects of my job is to witness the vast differences between each pregnant body as they exercise and how their body transforms postpartum. Most women will have similarities between their own pregnancies and births. Many women can even find a few similarities with other women as they discuss their stories. I think you would be hard pressed to find two stories more similar than mine and Jamie’s are, which is truly incredible, as we have only known each other for 18 months. That being said, they are not identical stories and for that reason I will also be sharing my story of regaining strength, alignment, and function through the help, expertise, and guidance of a pelvic health physical therapist. photo by Roughley Originals After one miscarriage, my husband and I went on to have two healthy pregnancies. Our oldest daughter Brooke was born by urgent cesarean section in April 2014. ...

The evening air is cooler, the sunrise is later, and it seems like we are all settling back into our routines. I love fall. I love the crisp breeze and wearing scarves. Even for those of us not in school or without little ones in school yet, the fall is still a great time to hit a reset button. Small changes in our daily routine can have huge impacts on our health and overall fitness goals. Wake up 15 minutes earlier each day to sneak in a quick sweat or stretch. Challenge yourself to test out one new healthy recipe weekly. Carry around a water bottle to make sure you are hydrated. Focus on your alignment throughout your work day or while playing with your little ones. Schedule a class or two to attend every week to make yourself accountable to others. These are just a few ideas, but the list is lengthy! How are you adding a little extra health to your daily life? A little does go a long way and remember, do not strive to be perfect. Strive to find a healthy balance ...

Somedays all you need is a good stretch.  The occasional morning, I will wake-up and my body is begging me to forget about the workout I had planned. It is asking me to please grab my mat, the foam roller, play some calming tunes, and enjoy deepening into each stretch. If our family's schedule allows, these weeks, I also try to squeeze in a yoga class, because if my body is asking for that down time, I can guarantee my mind is also needing it.  Full Body Stretch spend approximately 30 seconds in each stretch (up to 60 seconds if needed) Downward Dog Start in downward facing dog with hips high. Press through your hands to push your heels closer to the floor. Lift one heel and then the other to "walk your dog". Continue this for 15 seconds and then hold in downward dog for 15 seconds.  Kneeling Lunge | right Kick your right foot high and bring it forward to land beside your right hand (in between your hands). Drop your left knee and lower through your hips until a...