Today on Fit Mama Friday, meet Emma, the fit mama behind Be Mom Strong. As a nutrition specialist and a part-time personal trainer, it’s no surprise that Emma makes it a priority to eat healthy and workout. With 2 year old daughter Gentry, as well as Baby #2 due August 20, she needs all the energy she can get right now! As of publication, Emma is still pregnant, but you might want to check out her Instagram to see if there are any adorable newborn baby girl photos soon!
And what is your workout schedule, usually?
I get up at 5AM and workout from about 5:15 – 6:15 AM every morning, even if it’s just stretching. I teach six workout classes a week to both adults and toddlers at local gyms, which are at 10-11 AM Monday through Thursdays. Sundays are usually my “active recovery” day and Saturdays are for trying out new, fun classes that other people are teaching!
Have you always been into fitness? How long have you been a fitness instructor?
I did competitive gymnastics from age 6 through college. I have always been physically active, but just got into teaching classes when my daughter was born two years ago.
Did you work out during both pregnancies? What were you doing to stay fit?
Absolutely or else I would drive myself and everyone crazy! I’m addicted to endorphins! I really only had to scale back running this pregnancy because of lower back issues. With Gentry, I was able to run 4 miles the day before she was born. This pregnancy is a little different because I was teaching so many classes. Luckily, spin felt amazing so I’ve been able to do that at least three times a week, along with under 30 minute HIIT workouts and barre!
Spin is such a good pregnant workout! I love this quote from one of your blog posts last week: “One guy that takes my spin class made the comment last night, “you’ve GOT to be kidding me” when I showed up to teach.” 🙂
Does your whole family eat the same way? Is Gentry good about eating her veggies?Well, my husband is already healthy. He makes sure everything he puts into his mouth has a purpose towards his training. But, I have converted him from nasty GU’s and unnatural supplements to REAL ones. Luckily he has also noticed a difference in his performance, so he’s kept it up. With Gentry, I notice that she doesn’t bat an eye when I feed her a kale burger, or salmon. Other children aren’t used to eating those things and I see a lot of parents say “they’ll only eat pizza or chicken nuggets.” I’m sure we will get to that point and I DO NOT claim to have the perfect eater, but I want to teach my girls that food fuels the body, and that by choosing the correct fuel, you can do anything.
What’s your motivation? What gets you to the gym when you’re just not feeling it?I work out for the way it makes me feel. Even on rest days, which are important, I can feel myself being sluggish and not wanting to accomplish much. I love the feeling of being productive, and working out seems to give me the motivation to do that later in the day. And, I would be lying if I didn’t like the way a little cardio and toning makes me look in a bathing suit (well, when I’m not pregnant!)
Why is it so important to be a fit mama?
I look at other moms that are constantly dragging, or in foul moods complaining about their lack of fitness and I’m motivated to keep going. Like I said, exercise gives me MORE energy, and I can’t afford to have any less with two kids under the age of two! It also keeps me sane. I don’t feel bad dropping my daughter off at the gym’s daycare because I know she’s getting social interaction and I’m releasing any stress that’s built up. It makes me a better and more patient mom… usually!
So, mama – what’s the plan post-newborn snuggling time? Do you have any big goals on the horizon?
I am scheduled to run a half marathon 3 months postpartum, but with no time goal in mind. I would love to qualify for Boston and beat my previous half marathon PR (1:28).Ha! I love that you have no time goal…but you kind of have a time goal. 😉 A woman after my own heart. Thank you so much for being my featured mama on this week’s Fit Mama Friday! I can’t wait to ‘meet’ Baby #2 on social media soon!
Fit Mama Friday – Fit Dad Friday
Every Friday on Fine Fit Day I feature a Fit Mama or a Fit Dad story of how and why a fit and healthy mama or dad ensures fitness is a priority in her or his life. You’ll read about all kinds of parents and their fitness stories. Some are stay-at-home parents, some are single parents, some juggle more than one job on top of parenthood, 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 and dads on Fit Mama Friday – Fit Dad 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!
Wow she really is fit. No way she looks like she would be due this month.
Emma is super fit – she is an inspiration to me!
I’m with her, getting some sort of activity in gives me so much more energy than laying around!
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat recently posted…The Reality of Being Told NOT to Exercise
I know, I remember feeling like I needed to constantly move in the third trimester, even if it was walking or stretching. I just felt so much better in motion than sitting. I do also remember some pretty glorious naps in the last few weeks, though!! 😉
LOVE the quote from the guy at the spin class she teaches! Ha!!! Awesome
Me too!! I really hope Emma put that class through their paces after hearing that! 🙂
Oh hell yes! I already adore Emma – I mean, how could you not? I really want to race with her one day since we have similar pacing!!…although her half PR is one minute faster – hahaha!!! I have no doubt she will rise to the challenge of parenting two beautiful girls, with strength and determination. Great seeing Emma here today!
Allie recently posted…I’m Making PRO Compression Socks The Yoga Pant of the Active SAHM
Emma is awesome – she is a super speedy mama, for sure! I can’t wait to see pictures of teensy tiny baby #2! 🙂
emma is amazing! love her focus on family and helping others get fit, even when she is 37 weeks!!
I know, there’s something unbelievably badass about teaching spin only weeks away from labor! She is amazing. 🙂
Wow – I’m impressed with Emma and her commitment to fitness – I will have to head over and check out her blog!
Kim recently posted…Some Tough Decisions
Oh, you’ll love Emma’s blog! She’s taking a little hiatus while she’s waiting for baby, but Be Mom Strong is a great read. She’s funny, fast and smart. 🙂
This is such a great feature.. It’s a lot of fun to “meet” new bloggers and get a peek into everyone’s healthy lifestyles. And I completely agree with Emma on the link between sweating and productivity!
Tara Newman recently posted…Sherpa Wife Chronicles: Ironman Lake Placid 2014
I think probably I’m just intrinsically nosy and that’s why I enjoy doing this series so much! I love finding out how being fit impacts mamas and their families and what works for them.
LOL! I would love to see the guy after spin class realizing that no one was kidding him. ha! Love the commitment to exercise. Even rest days don’t sound like much rest for Emma.
Carla recently posted…Ain’t Nothing Gonna Break My Stride
I meant to ask her if she deliberately made it a harder class after hearing that comment! ha ha
Love Emma!!!!! 🙂
I have a question for you Emma…..What did you switch your husband to for fuel instead of GU. Fueling is one thing I just have not gotten a grip on for my marathon training/racing! I currently can barely suck down a couple of GU’s during a marathon….
Jen@milesandblessings recently posted…A hospital stay & some fun news!
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