Monday Makeover: Fit Moms for Life 6 week challenge, Will you join me?

Some new and exciting news for those of you who follow this blog closely, or for those of you who are new... welcome!

Here's a bit of background first:
Since becoming a stay at home mom health and fitness has become a major focus of mine.  So much so, that when Fit Moms for Life founder Dustin Maher asked to have 50 leaders start community groups focused on overall health and fitness I decided to consider it.

My degree is in social work and I've always enjoyed being in a position to help others.  My philosophy has always been focused on helping at least 1 person.  If I can make a difference in 1 person's life that is an accomplishment. 

I finally decided to watch the informational webinar, but was dragging my feet.  However, I stuck to it and became so excited!  But then I had to decide if I was going to follow through and commit or hold off.  I remember something my old boss, Steve, told me years ago, "Look back with no regrets."  I knew after thinking about this statement, I would regret it if I held off on this decision.

Looking to the future:  The week of September 23rd to be exact! Postponed for now, will update soon.
Now I'm committed to this 6 week challenge and am looking for people online and local to participate in it.  I will be a leader and participant. We can do anything for 6 weeks and I want YOU to join me!

So what exactly is this 6 week challenge? And who is it for?  This 6 week challenge is designed to awaken the importance of you taking care of you…. the whole you.  Physically, mentally and spiritually this program guides you through the challenges of making amazing transformations in your life by giving you the tools and the support network you need to become the most fit you’ve ever been. You don't have to be a mom to participate, in fact you just need to desire to participate in the program.

Those wishing to join me in this 6 week challenge can sign up online via my affiliate link: HERE. The cost for the program is $99 (plus s & h). Once you ave purchased the program, we will meet once a week for roughly 60-90 minutes.

The meeting with consist of:

• Sharing our “wins”  from the week.
• Working out together as a group (the online group might not be able to do this)
• Watching an educational video teaching various lessons with subjects such as Mindset, Nutrition, Environment, and knowledge to  carry this information into our everyday lives.
• Group discussion.
• Weekly goal setting.

In addition to the weekly class, members are encouraged to work out at home to 30-minute FM4L workout DVDs 2 or 3 other times per week; to follow the 6-week food plan of easy, healthy, fat-burning recipes; and to complete fast, fun “homework” exercises that will keep their energy level going up and their weight going down.

Feel free to check out the Fit Moms For life website: http://www.fitmomsforlife.com/
If you are interested in this program please email me or connect with me on facebook:
youniquemom@gmail.com
Angie Youniquemom

Monday Makeover: Postpartum PT Discharged and Working out!

I have some exciting news to share:  After 2 months of physical therapy I have been discharged! Celebration dance over here!!

For the first time in my life I finally feel that I've had success with physical therapy.  Now, in no way do I think my low back issues are gone.  However, I'm stronger and have exercises to do at the gym.  I was told to come back if needed because life happens and my hamstrings are tight (darn genetics!).

For those of you that have kiddos, I highly recommend finding a gym that provides childcare if it fits into your budget. Either that or swap childcare with a friend.  It is so worth it for me right now!  I go to the gym, drop my kids off in the childcare area, and head to the cardio equipment.  After 30 minutes of interval training on the eliptical machine, I do my 30 minutes of physical therapy exercises. 

Once my workouts are finished and I pick up my kiddos(who are just as happy as I am...yup even my 6 month old is all smiles!), I'm in a much better place to take on the world!  My back feels much better, I'm getting my workouts done AND all this is giving me energy to get housework done, do projects and enjoy my kiddos.  I even went grocery shopping last night and enjoyed being pain free!

That's all I have time to share for now, but stay tuned next week..I'm hoping to have pictures of all the pt exercises that are now part of my workout routine.

Links to my other Physical Therapy posts:
May 27th, Postpartum workouts
June 10th: 1st postpartum physical therapy update
July 1: Physical Therapy Update

Monday Makeover: Postpartum PT

After having a baby it is a challenge to get workouts in.  And, even more of a challenge with back issues.  My body just doesn't do well recovering from a pregnancy and it takes time. I'm hoping tomorrow to add in some bike riding, but I've barely had time to get my pt exercises done.

I have almost been in physical therapy for 1 month.  I'm starting to feel like I'm gaining some strength!  Although, I'm pretty sure I did too much this week because my back has been sore, and not necessarily a good sore. I see my physical therapist tomorrow.

My pt exercises consist of:

bridges...lots and lots of bridges (I've decided this is a form of torture ;-)

planks and more planks (double ugh, this is tough after having a baby!!)

Those are the main exercises, which means there's always a way for it to be modified as I get stronger.  None of the above exercises have ever been used in my physical therapy in the past, which makes me hopeful that they might just work.  It also means I'm destined to be doing all those exercises for the REST. OF. MY. LIFE.  But, hey, if it works it will be worth all the pain and hard work.  I'm ready to be able to function without back pain.

The above video shows you how to do a bridge(if the video isn't loading or showing click HERE) .  I don't do mine that slow, but at least you will get the proper technique.  That is the basic bridge, which is what I started with.  I have now graduated to crossing my arms while doing the bridge which does make it more challenging.  There are many ways to torture modify, but for now that's what I'm focusing on.

I'll update you when I have more time this month...the next few weeks are a bit busy!