Marina Kaydanova is my featured mama today on Fit Mama Friday. Single mama to her gorgeous little boy Sam, 8 years old, Marina decided to try Pilates when Sam was just a toddler. Now? She’s not only incredibly fit, she also helps others get that way, since becoming a Pilates instructor and opening her own studio! Find out how Pilates changed Marina’s life.

Meet Marina.

Marina, you’re amazingly fit and healthy now – have you always been this way?

Well, I have to admit I’m a foodie!  Convincing myself that you crave the taste not the amount didn’t exactly work for me, so I was always on a plump side as a teenager. I started to watch what I eat around age 16. In terms of fitness,  I never had a routine, but I would try to go to the gym on my lunch break or before work just to do cardio – like most people in the corporate world. Sometimes I ran outside, when the weather permitted but it was always on and off.  I never took any classes or weight-lifted.

 And you continued working and going to the gym while you were pregnant with Sam?

During my pregnancy I ran for the first few months and remained active and walked a lot for the remainder.  I was very weight conscious and stuck to what doctors told me and only gained 20 pounds.  I ate a lot of fruits over the summer and pomegranates when it became colder.  I did have few episodes of craving meatballs from IKEA and caviar.  For the most part, staying away from refined carbs worked for me, although a cake here and there doesn’t really count when you are pregnant! 😉

So, after Sam was born, were you focused on losing the pregnancy weight? 

After I had Sam I stayed home with him for the first 8 months and my only workout was pushing the stroller! When I went back to my corporate job, I realized I had no time to work out at all and the few free hours that I had I was trying to spend with my baby.  I was more career oriented than anything else.  I was 27 – a young and ambitious project manager working 70 hours a week. I didn’t have time to think about fitness.

What changed your mindset and the corporate career path?

When Sam turned two and first went to day care, I began a project which allowed me to work from home for some time. I often felt tired and burned out and realized that something was missing.  One of my neighbors was teaching Pilates from home, so I tried it.  I started taking few classes a week and fell in love with it.  I was stronger, happier and my body felt amazing.  I started exploring other means of working out: Exhale, Physics 57, Boxing, Kickboxing, Yoga, but Pilates was always something I never gave up.  That led me to Balanced Body Foam Roller workshop led by Joy Karly. Joy inspired me to continue my education program with Balanced Body, while I continued my private lessons with her.  As a result, after 11 years of corporate work I opened my first studio where I was able to teach as well as enjoy my newly acquired hobby.

What a huge change! How long have you owned your own studio? What’s your own workout schedule like, now you’re not only a mama, but a fitness professional and business owner as well?

BK Pilates is my second studio. The first studio was nearly 5 years ago, which I opened with a partner – now I’m by myself. I will have a one-year anniversary on March 1 this year, around which time I’m going to start offering Balanced Body Instructor Training workshops!

Currently I teach Pilates and try to squeeze in an hour for my own workouts.  The challenge is to dedicate an hour for myself only.  I enjoy circuit training occasionally as well as ashtanga yoga, plus seasonal sports.  I’m always open to any activities especially seasonal ones: biking, hiking in a summer, skiing and skating in the winter. Sometimes I take private training with my son and we challenge each other in push-ups.

Have your eating habits become more lenient now you are so active physically?

Yes, I always eat healthy it’s my choice, my lifestyle, but I don’t limit myself especially when I’m out, I can avoid red meat but can also enjoy a great burger if i want it. I love breads and popcorn as well. We all have our weaknesses 😉

I’ve actually begun posting photos and recipes for shakes and juices on my Instagram account daily, since so many clients ask me for advice.

What is the best part about being a fit mama, for you?

Staying fit and making healthier choices keeps me very happy, energized, strong with a younger spirit.  It benefits me as a mother because it’s one thing to watch your kids doing something active, but it’s so much better to be able to do it with them.  We always have something to do, a shared activity which makes our bond stronger.

Thanks so much for being on Fit Mama Friday, Marina! It’s so amazing when a love of fitness becomes the way you can make a living as well! Congratulations on all your success. 

Check out the BK Pilates website; follow Marina on Twitter, Instagram (for amazing smoothie & juice ideas!) and Facebook!

 

Fit Mama Friday

Every Friday on Fine Fit Day I feature a Fit Mama story of how and why a fit and healthy mama ensures fitness is a priority in her life. You’ll read about all kinds of women and their fitness stories. Some are stay-at-home mothers, some are single mothers, some juggle more than one job on top of motherhood, but they are all committed to a fit and healthy lifestyle. As you’re getting ready for your weekend, I hope you’re inspired to be active after reading about these kick-ass mamas on Fit Mama Friday!

 

Do you want to be featured on Fit Mama Friday? Or do you know someone you’d like to see featured? Please contact me for details!