21
2008
Functional Fitness For New Moms
For 15 years I have worked in the fitness industry. My entire business is about pre and postnatal fitness. But it isn’t until you’re in the role of a mom that you realize how hard motherhood is on your body. Ask any Physical Therapist or Chiropractor and they are likely to say that new moms are one of their most seen populations.
Although new moms are not likely to spend a lot of time thinking about their body mechanics, this is when their ligaments are instable and their spine is more vulnerable to injury. It’s ironic that when a woman is at her weakest and most out of alignment, she has to take on her most challenging physical role as a mother. Workouts for new moms should consider the changes that took place during pregnancy and labor, but they also should take in to account maternal movement patterns. Moms need to learn good lifting, carrying and holding techniques, in addition to a postnatal workout.
Feeding / Nursing
New moms feed their baby every one to three hours for the first few months of baby’s life. Some of the biggest postural strains come from poor feeding positions. Some moms sit down anyplace, anywhere to feed their babies. Make sure to use a good chair with back support. A footrest can take strain off the back and increase blood flow. The most common feeding position is for mom to lay baby on her lap and literally hunch down to reach baby. The upper back rounds over and the shoulders roll forward. Instead, use a nursing pillow which brings baby up towards you. Depending on your size, you may even need additional pillows to raise baby so that you can feed in a neutral spine position. You are going to be in this position a lot so it’s important that you use good posture whenever you can. If you talk on the phone while nursing, you will undoubtedly crook your neck to hold the phone. Instead, use a headset to keep your neck in neutral alignment.
Each day, you’re on a road to good intention. You make yourself healthy meals and you are living a more active lifestyle. So what happens when you go through that Costco aisle and they offer you dinosaur chicken bites or a sample of ice cream sandwich? We must think those bites here or there don’t count. They do count and they add up. You would be surprised at how much food is offered to you that wasn’t in your plan. Whether it be doughnuts brought by some nice guy at the office or sample scones at Starbucks, it will sabotage your will power and your healthy routine. So next time you see something offered, step back and re-consider.
19
2008
Win 6 Months Of Free Stroller Strides Classes
Go to Self.com to sign up for ‘Reach your Goal” to be eligible for the free six months of Stroller Strides classes (also featured in the issue) if you complete the ‘Finally Lose the Baby Weight’ track.
15
2008
Moms Can Have It All – They Just Can’t Do It All
I’ll tell you right now that you’ll never get it all done. Your inbox will always have e-mails, you’ll always have dirty clothes to wash and your nightstand will always contain unread books.
I’m not trying to depress you: I say this only to make you realize an inevitable truth–a truth that’s in direct conflict with my belief that having finished tasks in your life gives you peace and happiness.
How many times do you tackle your e-mails from newest to oldest? Do you go through your to-do list from top to bottom? Do you answer the phone because it rings and do the laundry because the hamper’s full? This is true for almost everyone. The mom entrepreneur is juggling raising a family and a business, and she’s usually overwhelmed.
13
2008
Disney World Moms Panel
Launched in 2008, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum that provides first-hand tips and insights for vacationing at the resort from a panel of park-savvy parents. This year, Walt Disney World is looking for a diverse group of moms, dads and grandparents with vast knowledge of the parks and a desire to share their experience with others. And, due to the overwhelming response last year, the 2009 Moms Panel will expand from its inaugural 12 members to 16.
It’s truly been a resource for families everywhere; in fact, the current panelists have fielded nearly 9,000 questions from guests who are trying to plan the perfect Walt Disney World vacation.
How to apply:
Beginning September 8 through September 19, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to learn more about the Walt Disney World Moms Panel and enter. Candidates will be asked to answer a series of questions and write three brief essays; selected panelists will serve a one-year term and will each receive a 5-night, 6-day vacation to Walt Disney World for four people.
13
2008
Technorati
Writing a blog is easy. Getting your blog seen seems a bit more technical. I’m writing now to have my blog picked up by Technorati. If you know other ways, let me know!
07
2008
Theme Song For Your Life
Do you have a song that just pumps you up every time you hear it? Come on, you know that Rocky theme gets you going. Music can elicit strong physical emotion. If you have a song that moves you, you should make a point to incorporate it in your life. Make it your ring tone or set it to wake you up in the morning. My Nike+ has a “power song” that I can set to come on when I need a boost. Lately, I start each Stroller Strides corporate meeting with a theme song of the month. These have included Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” to “Fly Like An Eagle”.
Your environment should motivate you, inspire you. Surround yourself with sounds, images and items that spark your creativity and motivation.
06
2008
Weekly To Do - Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
Check almost any sweet processed food and you will find high fructose corn syrup. It is made by changing sugar in cornstarch to fructose. Why use it? It is cheaper and has a longer shelf life than regular sugar. Research is unclear but high fructose corn syrup has been associated with obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. Even if unproven, it is clear that this sweetener is high in empty calories that provide no nutritional value.
Start reading labels and avoid foods with this sweetener!
06
2008
Not just google but igoogle
Why didn’t I know about this? Have you tried igoogle? I love it! google is pretty much my very favorite search engine. I was totally fine with the all white screen and simple search box. Now it’s even better. Go to igoogle.com and you can create your own google page. Yes, you can make it pretty with a variety of themes. But you can customize it with whatever info you want to readily see. The choices are too numerous to list. You can add RSS feeds and a ton of different gadgets. My igoogle has our Stroller Strides blog, quotes of the day, the weather, a to do list and more. It’s not actually new for google, just new for me!
30
2008
Time Keeps On Slippin…
Where does the time go? Summer is over and it’s back to school, back to work for many of you. If you haven’t figured it out yet, time is not a renewable source. Once it’s used up, you don’t get it back. That’s why every minute you live is so precious. How often is your to-do list just running off the page? Let’s face it, you will never get everything done. Our society has managed to fill every nook and cranny of time, especially with new technology that allows emailing and texting. Knowing that time is slipping away, don’t you think you should use it wisely?
Make a list of the things that are most important to you. Chances are it includes motherhood, your spouse and hopefully YOU. Once you know what’s really important, re-prioritize that to-do list. If you can’t get everything done, at least spend time on the things that matter. Years from now, you won’t remember which days you made your bed, but you will remember which days you sat on the floor and played peek a boo with your baby. Now that’s what matters!
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