Meet Christine

What were you doing for exercise before and then during your pregnancies? I know you guys have to walk Rocco a lot, because he’s such a big dog – was that enough?

Actually, during both pregnancies I did prenatal yoga as well. For me, it was the best thing I could have done. I wasn’t really in a routine of yoga before getting pregnant with Natalie – I had done a few classes here and there – but starting at 12 weeks I went once a week. Since the classes were specifically prenatal, it was really gentle, safe and focused on breathing and being able to relax, calm and center myself. It was amazing and it really helped with the birthing process for both my kids. It was actually one of my favorite parts about being pregnant, as strange as that might sound!

I did some yoga while pregnant, too – it felt so good to be able to move, especially when even small tasks like tying shoes were becoming difficult!

Yes! I loved how I could have this huge belly but still be able to do the poses – pigeon, tree, warrior. I loved the stretching and the movement, as well as just the peacefulness of it. I had a really amazing instructor, Deborah. It always helps when you connect with the instructor. Afterwards I always felt relaxed and strong.

With my second pregnancy, with Vinny, I had some back issues, some sciatica and doing the prenatal yoga, along with bi-weekly chiropractic visits and a belly band, was so helpful for relieving that pain and discomfort. When I had Natalie, I was able to give birth drug-free, using the breathing and calming techniques I’d learnt in the yoga classes. But Vinny decided he wanted to come out feet-first, and well, that led me to have an emergency c-section, the complete opposite of what I wanted. Once they told me I had no choice and they had to get him out, I was able to just completely relax my body. If I didn’t go to yoga, I don’t think I would have been able to do that.

Was it harder getting back in shape after Vinny’s birth because it was a c-section?

It definitely took me a few months to get back into the swing of things after Vinny was born, for sure. Unfortunately (for me!) I had to be in a wedding party only a few months after my due date. I’d ordered the dress when I had no idea what size I was going to be. Turns out I was really optimistic with my guess! So there was a big challenge for me to have to fit into this dress! Since I was unable to really exercise post c-section for quite a while, I had to focus on my eating. I made simple changes that I felt really good about. I cut out the simple carbs like bread and pasta. I still ate “good” carbs like sweet potatoes, because I was breastfeeding, so I needed all the extra calories. I just stopped snacking on junk and made sure that the extra calories I was eating were real foods like fruit and vegetables.

Once I was able to get going again, I went on daily, long walks with Vinny and Rocco. Now, I really think that Rocco was my saving grace post-partum, with both kids. He’s a big dog that needs to get out for long walks everyday, so I got exercise and some fresh air. We walked every single day for about an hour. I’m not sure how much distance we would cover, but I would definitely work up a sweat!

Christine’s workout buddy Rocco with his BFF’s Natalie and Vinny

So, are you still practicing yoga?

No, I’m not. The place I loved going is just not convenient. The prenatal classes I went to during both pregnancies were on Sunday, so it was only about 20 minutes travel time. But during the week, when the regular classes are held, it could be anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes to get there. That’s 3 hours when you factor in the class time and I just don’t have that available. I went back to work pretty quickly after Natalie was born, so I was even more pressed to find time.

How do you manage to stay in shape? I know your job involves a lot of visiting clients with samples, so you’re on-the-go a lot. You need to be fit, right?

Now I’m back working again and I’m juggling it all, I definitely find it challenging to get in a “work out.” My workouts these days are not about going to the gym to exercise. I still walk Rocco, which is my cardio workout. Then, my upper body workout is schlepping samples in and out of my car. The boxes and bins weigh at least 15 pounds, sometimes more. Most of the time when I’m visiting my accounts, I have to park a few blocks away – so there’s my lower body workout! Did I mention I have San Francisco as my territory? Those hills are not kidding.

My other form of working out is my kids. Vinny is over 20 pounds at just 9 months old. I actually do lifts with him, which he loves, and which keep my arms nice and toned! Then there’s Natalie, who’s really active, so we do a lot of playing at the park and running around. When I carry both kids up the stairs home every day, I figure I’m carrying at least 50 pounds!

You mentioned you started watching what you ate when you were recovering from Vinny’s birth – what are your eating habits like now?

I’ve always been a pretty healthy eater, but paying more attention has definitely been a post-kid thing. Now, I like to set a good example of healthy eating habits for the kids. Snacking healthy, eating organic when we can, eating balanced meals, drinking lots of water, things like that. We don’t have a lot of junk in the house, so that helps. Personally, when I’m at work, I’ve been much better about not stopping at Starbucks or a local eatery to grab a quick lunch. Instead, I bring a bunch of fruit wherever I go, or I try to stop home to make something healthy.

If I was eating junk and not able to take the time to walk Rocco, there’s no way I would be able to be as active as I am with my kids. When you are super active with your kids, it definitely helps to build up your stamina and strength. And Lord knows, when your kid is just about to fall, all of a sudden you can jump 10 feet to catch them!!

It sounds like you’re the epitome of ‘functional training’! Everything you do is physical, so that makes you strong and able to juggle your work and mom-life. Do you think you’d ever go back to more traditional exercise like yoga classes or the gym?

If I had time for yoga, yes! I do actually have an event coming up in June which I’ve been meaning to start training for. It’s a 5K mud run with obstacles. They say you don’t have to complete every obstacle, but really, where’s the fun and challenge in that!? I’m not sure how exactly I’m going to do the training, but living in the Bay area means there are plenty of great places to get outdoors and get in a good workout. It’s just so hard to find time! I really do need to start training, though, and plan on starting soon!

Good luck with the 5K mud run! That sounds like so much fun and I want pictures after you’re done. 🙂 Thanks for being  featured on Fit Mama Friday and showing you can stay healthy, strong and fit by building your workout into your lifestyle!