Annie Brees –  a stay-at-home-mama moonlighting as a personal trainer, is featured today on Fit Mama Friday. Annie puts the ‘fit’ in fit mama. After deciding she just didn’t really like all the usual suspects of fitness – running, triathlons, cycling – Annie decided to join a powerlifting gym and trained to compete. Married for 7 years to her college sweetheart John (they’ve been together 13 years!), together they have two gorgeous children, Sloane, 4 years old, and Adler, 2 years old. I met Annie when we were on the Sweat Pink Healthy Moms panel together and I’ve been reading her blog, Strong Brees, ever since. This Fit Mama Friday is strong, smart, witty and I’m excited for you to get to know her!

Meet Annie.

Annie, thank you so much for being on Fit Mama Friday! Tell me about pre-kids – have you always been fit? 

Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve always been athletic. I played multiple sports in high school and continued  playing softball all four years in college.  But despite the fact that I’ve always been active I was also overweight all throughout high school and college.  Looking back at it now, I’m well aware that I justified carrying extra weight because I was strong and athletic.

After college I moved north to St. Paul, stopped working out but continued to eat like an active athlete.  Big mistake!  I packed on close to 30 pounds in less than a year.  I moved back closer to home where my then boyfriend (now husband) proposed to me.  Like most brides I wanted to get into better shape for the wedding.  I picked up working out again but this time changed my diet as well.  I lost about 25 pounds and felt great.  After the wedding I continued to slowly lose another 20-ish pounds.  I was the lightest I had ever been in my adult life and then got pregnant.  We were, of course, thrilled!

And did you work out during pregnancy?

My first pregnancy I continued to work out as I did pre-pregnancy until about half way through, when we moved to a smaller town, with no access to a gym.  I used that as an excuse to quit working out and ended up counting pounds gained after 50.  My second pregnancy was totally different. By this time we had moved back to a larger town where we had a wonderful gym with child care.  I worked out until the day before I was induced.  I was able to safely make only minimal changes to my exercise routine.  On the days I felt great, I went with it.  On the days I was tired or sick, I listened to my body.  It wasn’t surprising that the second time around I only put on 23 pounds.

How did having babies impact the way you feel about your body, in terms of strength and ability?

I’m in better shape after two babies then I ever was as a college athlete.  I feel better, I look better, I’m stronger and I’m way more confident.  At the end of most days I’m pretty impressed with myself (as a lot of moms should be).  I can raise two kids, be a good spouse, manage a blog, help clients, and still reach my personal fitness goals.  Just don’t come over unannounced, my house is the pits.

My progress may not be as fast as someone who can commit more time, money, energy but I’m moving forward.  One step at a time, one day at a time…I’ll get there.

Okay, let’s get right to the power lifting – how did your passion begin? Did you join the gym and then get into power lifting? Or did you decide you wanted to do it and then find a place to train?  

I have a competitive side to me and after the birth of my first baby I tried running, triathlons and even joined a cycling team in an effort to find something I enjoyed that I could at least be “average” in.  What a goal huh?  But the problem was, I didn’t enjoy running, cycling or triathlons, or at least not like I did lifting weights.  I knew in college I was always one of the stronger women on my team so I decided to connect with a local coach in the area who specialized in bodybuilding.  I ate and lifted like an off season bodybuilder (or as best I could) for about six months.  I was chatting with a co-worker one evening when he suggested I look into this local powerlifting gym, 22nd Street Barbell, for help with my technique.  I hesitated a little but eventually went down there to check it out.  It was in a dark basement with a bunch of guys and one other girl and despite how intimidating they looked (most with tattoos and huge traps) I loved it.  They were the most helpful people I’d ever met and I’ve been lifting there ever since.  I’m leaner, faster, stronger, and more confident since beginning powerlifting then ever before.

Obviously physically, you’re in the best shape of your life. But what else does working out do for you – why is it such an important part of your life?

The gym is my sanctuary.  I can go, put in my headphones and just be.  I honestly feel better when I’m done. I have more patience, I’m happier, and I have more energy – just ask my family!  Of course all the other benefits like health and improved appearance aren’t too bad either.  And…if you promise not to judge…there are days when I just need a break from my kids.  I love them with all my heart but the added incentive of a little alone time to jam out to my tunes doesn’t hurt.

I promise I didn’t judge. I totally understand, trust me! You’re a stay-at-home mama – is it ever a challenge to get your workout scheduled in your day?

I love my gym and it’s filled with some of the strongest men and women in the nation, it’s not a commercial gym which means no child care.  I have to find time when my husband is available to watch the kids.  My husband is hands down one of the most supportive men I know but like many moms, I’m sure, I just can’t get over the “mommy guilt” of asking to go there four times a week in the evenings in addition to training clients a night or two every week.

So, how often do you get to work out?

I lift four times a week.  The other days can be considered “rest” days but I often try to get to the gym for some high intensity interval training sessions, mobility and stretching work or just enjoy a fun group exercise class.

You work part-time as a personal trainer, like me. When did you become a trainer? Before or after kids?

I became a trainer after kids.  As a stay-at-home-mom being home with my kids is my first priority, but I still longed to feel like I was contributing to something outside of our four walls.  Personal training combined the perfect mix of helping individuals with their exercise routine and a flexible schedule.  I wouldn’t change my job for the world!

I’m sure, as a trainer, you’ve had female clients tell you they don’t want to “bulk up” – why do you think so many women are afraid of lifting heavy? Why is the “get bulky” myth still out there?  

Oh man, I’ve heard it all…. It’s not safe, I don’t want to look like a man, I just want to tone, I won’t burn calories, I don’t sweat when I lift weights so it’s not working.  I see two main reasons this crap is still hanging around…

1. Some women don’t want to lift (heavy) weights.  Of course I’d encourage every woman to include some sort of resistance training in their exercise routine but the bottom line is it’s not for everyone.  I throughly believe that exercise should be something you enjoy (or at least don’t hate/dread) and if you’re reaching your goals via cardio exercise and feel good about yourself then rock on.  If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.  I’d cry if someone was telling me over and over again that running was the answer to all my prayers.  NO THANKS!  But here’s the catch – if you’re one of these women who isn’t interested in lifting just say, “no thanks”. Don’t give some BS answer like “I don’t want to look like a man,” because clearly we know that statement no longer holds any truth and honestly, I find it offensive.

2.  I think the other reason these myths still exists is because there are some big name celebrity trainers (and fitness magazines who interview them) encouraging women not to lift over three pound weights.  I won’t name any names but this mindset certainly isn’t helping. (Gosh, I can’t imagine who Annie is talking about! 😉 )

The good news is that I believe we’re headed in the right direction.  I see more and more women not just participating in resistance exercise but actually lifting weights and liking it.  Gasp! 🙂

Amen, sister. As a powerlifter, I imagine the way you eat is very healthy and attuned to your goals. Can you talk about what your diet was like prior to having a family and getting into awesome shape, and what it’s like now?  

My pre-pregancy diet was definitely cringe worthy.  I remember back to post-college days being in St. Paul alone on a Friday night and ordering enough food to feed a family of four and eating the majority of it in one night.  Or running to Jimmy John’s and ordering two, TWO sandwiches just for me.  I drank venti pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks in the fall like it was my job and often ate breakfast from a gas station.  I loved food and I still do, but now it’s different.  I wasn’t happy back then and even just writing those foods breaks my heart.  I can’t believe I would treat myself like that.  I wouldn’t ever knowingly let anyone I love eat like that, so why would I do that to myself?  *Cringing*  See, I told you… 🙂

Today, I eat whole foods as much as possible with a focus on high protein due to all the resistance work I do. Breakfast is usually egg whites, oats and peanut butter (it sounds disgusting but trust me, I wouldn’t eat it if it didn’t taste good).  Lunch is usually leftovers from dinner or something that I prepared the Sunday before. I’m a big fan of cooking once (i.e grilling 10 chicken breasts at once) and eating multiple times.  Dinner is almost always a meat and a veggie. It’s not the most exciting thing but I’ve found spices really add a lot of flavor to food.  If I can’t remember the recipe by heart or it takes more then 10 minutes of prep time I won’t make it.  It has to be simple.

How has being fit benefitted you as a mom? Has it impacted your family positively?  

It’s probably saved my kids and husband’s lives a time or two.  Just kidding…sorta.  As I mentioned before working out gives me much needed patience.  In addition to that, I can’t even imagine how tired I would be chasing after them if I wasn’t in shape.  It’s wonderful, but exhausting.  And let’s talk about carrying that car seat carrier around…how does one do that without huge biceps? All joking aside, I’m dead serious when I say climbing up inflatables or carrying your kid  and their bike four blocks home when they’re too tired to make it back home is hard work.  Thankfully, it doesn’t even phase me now.

My husband, John, needs little help living a healthy lifestyle.  He’s one of “those guys” who can just workout and eat clean without much thought. He makes his mind up to do it and it’s done. (Don’t tell him I said that). He actually inspired me last summer when he completed his first IronMan triathlon.

As far as our kids go we try to lead by example.  We talk about making healthy choices based off what’s best for our body.  I talk about exercise (when I’m going, what I’m doing, why it’s good for our bodies, etc) and let them know they can join in or lead us in a walk, run, bike ride anytime.  I’ve been pleasantly surprised by what my four year old has soaked up.

Your recap of your first ever power lifting competition was one of those posts where I thought, “THIS is what being an athlete is all about.” I know it was disappointing to you in some ways – are you planning to do another meet?

It’s not set in stone but it looks my next powerlifting meet will be in June.  Until then I will focus on getting my weight down about five pounds so I don’t have to cut too much for the meet (it’s kinda like wrestling), continuing to gain strength and improving my technique.

Annie, thank you so much for your time on Fit Mama Friday! Good luck with your next meet and keep rocking on, mama!

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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!

 

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