Featured on Fit Mama Friday today is Alaya Wyndham, a freelance writer, wife to Chad and stay-at-home-mama to the adorable Alexander, who is 7 months old. I met Alaya when we both did the Elf for Health challenge at the end of last year and was impressed with her positive energy, wit and what an awesome fit mama she is! Alaya taught herself how to use kettlebells as a way of losing weight after her pregnancy and even started a blog about her newfound passion for the bells, KettleBell Me. During our Elf for Health challenge, Alaya also revealed another exciting project in the works – she and Chad are expecting their second baby!
Meet Alaya.
Alaya, before we start extolling the virtues of heavy lifting for weight loss, tell me a little bit of your pre-pregnancy fitness back story. Were you in good shape when you got pregnant?
Yes, I was running 25 miles a week, and hiking frequently on weekends, doing yoga and some strength work. I wish I would have done more strength work though, I now value it highly.
And did you keep exercising during your pregnancy?
Yes, I ran till I was nearly seven months when I had an unfortunate foot cramping problem and couldn’t continue. I couldn’t figure it out with new gear, and my diet was great and not lacking any vitamins/minerals so I just chalked it up as one of those things I had to accept during pregnancy. Aside from a handful of days where I was too fatigued/nauseated in the first trimester, I walked every single day of my pregnancy. Sometimes this was for 30 minutes, but sometimes two hours! We adopted our doggy Jake Fiddlemeyer in February and he and I did some epic, hilly walks together.
I was also a wine sales rep at the time, so I was driving and walking a ton for my job, and lifting cases of wine regularly like a naughty little pregnant lady. Ugh…don’t try this at home, ladies! 🙂
I also did prenatal yoga one or two days a week, and a little bit of at home barre work.
So, you weren’t really into strength training so much before having Alexander – what made you decide to take up Kettlebells?
I am fortunate and had a really great, all natural water birth, and was feeling good and strong and healthy fairly soon after birth. At 10 days postpartum I started a 30 day squat challenge to help begin to re-strengthen and shed some pounds. I only started this so soon because it felt okay (lunges did NOT!) and because finding a few minutes a day to workout was a huge release for me, and helped relieve some of the stress of newborn care. In addition to regular squats, I added a bunch of variations like sumo squats, plies, toe squats and toe plies, calf raises, and then also began adding some ab and arm work a little later on. Sometimes I was squatting at 11 pm but I did the whole challenge, and it meant a lot to me at the time. I challenged myself and was amazed that I could do all of this strength work and it did help my body begin to bounce back for sure.
Meanwhile, I kept walking by a local gym that was advertising kettlebells and my interest was piqued. I began researching and knew I wanted to give them a try. Not sure if I wanted to commit to a monthly class card, I ordered a couple of kettlebells to use at home; a 10 pound and a 20 pound. Not heavy, but I had no idea what I was doing and my body was definitely still much weaker than normal, postpartum (it’s amazing how everything softens!) so these weights were fine for me to start. Once I started working out with bells (following YouTube tutorials) I was hooked! What an amazing, efficient workout. The sweat starts pouring, and your body gets stronger, quickly. After a month on my own, I was ready to take some classes and really delve into the school of kettlebells.
In five weeks time, with 30 minute classes three days a week, I lost major inches (almost all of the remaining inches from pregnancy) and body fat. My last 10 pounds stayed on because of the muscle that I gained. But about a month later, that fell off too, as I continued to burn fat and become more lean.
I’m also back to running (though not as much as I’d like, as Alexander isn’t too keen on more than 30 minutes in the jogging stroller). I do walk every day up to two hours (wearing the baby) and take a dance class once a week. I am really wanting to get back to yoga as well, I LOVE it. It’s just hard to fit it all in and spend enough quality time with the hubs. Too many workouts, too little time! 🙂
On your blog, you write that you became obsessed with kettlebells – what was it about them that you immediately loved so much?
I absolutely love how efficient the kettlebell is. I love that it’s one piece of metal, constructed to be used to build strength and endurance. It’s a cardio and strength workout rolled into one. You can get a kick-ass workout in 30 minutes! And, results in your body are tangible, and fast. Who doesn’t love that kind of gratification? Sure, you work really hard. But you aren’t spending hours a day. You can use the bells three times a week for 30 minutes and lose inches and gain tons of strength. It’s a beautiful thing! Plus, the workouts are fun and not boring. You use the whole body while working with them, and the moves are so simple yet challenging. The kettlebell is one of the greatest fitness tools I’ve found.
Have you had that kind of obsession with any other sport or workout?
Sure, I’m obsessive by nature. I’ve been really obsessed with running for years. I am pretty addicted to long, challenging hikes in the wilderness. I’ve had phases where I did hot and power vinyasa yoga every day (I miss that!). In youth my fitness obsession was dancing. I danced from three years old through high school. If I’m not moving, I’m not me! 🙂
You clearly like to lift heavy – what would you say to encourage other women/mamas to lift heavy?
You can do it! Take your time, pace yourself, move up incrementally, and don’t be afraid to try! Ask for help or a form check if it feels safer to you. I would say fear is the number one barrier to lifting heavy as a woman.
Also: it doesn’t make you look like a man!
What has it done for you and why do you think it’s important?
Strength gives me confidence. I love knowing that I can lift heavy because I’ve worked hard. It also makes me feel like I can handle more — in an emergency, I won’t be a wimp. I don’t need a guy to lift stuff for me. I’m balanced out, and strong for my son! My body is powerful and can do work. The more I work, the stronger I get. It’s all very simple, yet very rewarding.
Working out feels good. It keeps my mind clear and sane. It’s the best therapy. It’s rare me time. I love being strong. I love looking and feeling fit. I love the energy it gives me. I am more positive, happy, motivated, confident and successful when working out regularly. Movement has always been a big part of my life. It’s just a way of life!
I notice you eat Paleo – did you do CrossFit at any point? Or it’s just an eating/lifestyle choice?
I’ve never tried CrossFit. I have friends who are really into it. I’m sure I would like it but have prioritized other forms of working out that I’m already committed to/in love with, like running, yoga and kettlebells! CrossFit is expensive and I don’t feel the need to add it in at this time. I started Paleo to optimize health/energy and to lose pregnancy weight.
I’ve been a fairly clean eater for a long time. I was diagnosed with a gluten allergy seven years ago, so I am gluten free. We shop at farmers market every week, loading up on tons of vegetables and fruit. We eat a lot of seafood and grass fed meats. Prior to pregnancy and during, I had plenty of dairy — cheeses, yogurt, ice cream. Postpartum I nearly gave up dairy, grains (except oats) legumes and sugar and became about 90% paleo. I wanted to lose the baby weight and also fuel my body in a super clean way, that would give me energy and leave me feeling light. Paleo was really seeming to work for me; I felt great, became lean and then I got pregnant again! 🙂 Haha…as soon as my body was back, boom!
I’m SO excited for you! Tell me how this pregnancy is going – how is your body handling it with your healthy eating and working out? Is it challenging?
With this pregnancy, enter morning (read: all day) sickness, and bring on the gluten-free carbs and dairy. Paleo sounds way too harsh right now, and not what my body wants. I know people do it, but it’s not for me. I’m hoping once I’m in my second trimester in a few weeks, I can begin to rely less on carbs and dairy, but I won’t completely cut them. Right now, often times, I’m just eating what I can stomach. It’s amazing how pregnancy can completely take over.
My fitness challenges now are finding enough time and overcoming fatigue. Also, eating enough calories to support pregnancy and breastfeeding while dealing with nausea. Talk about complicated!
Do you have any plans or goals for maintaining your fitness, or for getting back into shape after you have Alexander’s little brother or sister?
I gained 38 pounds with Alexander, and I’m okay with that. It took me 6 months to lose it and get back into shape. I’m hoping I can gain a little less this time around, and that I can keep running throughout this pregnancy. My plan is to do much more regular strength work and eat as cleanly as possible once I’m out of the severe nausea phase. But really, if I can keep up with Alexander through another healthy pregnancy, and have another natural water birth, I will be so very happy. And if I can manage to lose the pregnancy weight and get back to fitness in 6 months after number two, I will be ecstatic. But really, health and happiness for my whole family really are the most important things to me.
It’s obvious how important family is to you! 🙂 How has being a fit mama impacted your family? Why do you think being fit is so important for motherhood?
Chad was healthy when we met, but he eats mostly gluten free now because of me, and his already lean frame became down right svelte (it’s so easy for guys!). And we are close, and inspire each other to work out. He’s been a runner for a long time, but we both feel motivated by the other to workout and keep up with our training. It’s healthy and awesome! He’s pretty much the bee’s knees! 🙂
My kiddo has what Chad calls my “big personality.” He’s very energetic and smart, and he’s a connoisseur of life already; he knows what he wants, and he wants high-level interaction, almost constantly. He’s not a kid you can lie down and walk away from like some babies are rumored to be. He’s active, interactive and intense. I love helping him learn, discover the world and laugh — this kid has an awesome sense of humor already! So, needless to say, I need a lot of energy to keep up with him. Working out gives me that energy. It also lets me spend a little regenerative time on myself, which is critical in balancing out the non-stop giving of being a SAHM to this little firecracker!
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions and be featured on Fit Mama Friday, Alaya! I am so thrilled for you on your second pregnancy and hope you get your energy back soon! You are such an inspiring fit mama.
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!
What an inspiring feature! We have a lot in common… I’m also a runner, got more into heavier weights after having my daughter (also in a smooth, natural water birth) and am now 12 weeks pregnant with #2. 🙂
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted…Running in the first trimester
Laura, this is so awesome! Looking forward to keeping up with your story! Congratulations!
Alaya recently posted…Baby, It’s Cold Outside – 5 Must Do’s For Your Winter Weather Workout
Yes, both you and Alaya are inspiring rockstar fit mamas! 🙂 I am loving following along with your second pregnancy, Laura, you rock!
I love all of your shares!!
Alaya is truly an inspiration!!! Love to see women who aren’t afraid to lift heavy!!!
Kim recently posted…Friday Happy Hour
Thanks, girl! Cheers!
Alaya recently posted…Baby, It’s Cold Outside – 5 Must Do’s For Your Winter Weather Workout
Thanks, Kim! Alaya is such a positive force – she looks amazing and you can see the benefit of heavy lifting for sure!
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