What's the FITMOM program like?

The FITMOM program developed by our founder, Andrea Page, is very unique and comprehensive pre and post natal program for women in their childbearing years.  Not only do we specialize in prenatal & post partum fitness, but we are also a community of FITMOM Coaches who support women during one of the biggest transitions in their lives, motherhood.

I am sure many women join our program because they want to create time & space in their life to be more active. It doesn't take long to realize that caring for a newborn or young child is physically demanding- moms are constantly lifting, lowering, pushing or carrying something or someone. 

Our FITMOM+Baby & FITWOMAN classes incorporate the essential strength building women need to restore balance, core strength and improved posture.  But it's what happens inside our classes that is the secret to our longevity.  This April Andrea Page's Original FITMOM programs will be celebrating it's 15th year.  I am sure that our staying power can be attributed to the sense of community, support and connection that happens each week in our classes. 

 

 

Women who attend our classes receive support in strengthening personal relationships with

partners & spouses and increase bonding time with their baby.  Members also gather information on feeding their babies- from breastfeeding challenges to recipe exchanges for making your own baby food.  We work together in supporting one another to make healthy choices by actively exercising more, sleeping better and feeding ourselves (and our families) with healthy food  and more yummy recipes.  Women also share what's working for them & what's not as we all try to figure out how this new identity of 'mother' fits into how we see ourselves and how we feel others perceive us. 

These weekly discussions flow informally before, during and after class.   In between all of the squats, lunges, planks and push-ups friendships and connections are made.  We all leave our hour long classes feeling uplifted and empowered, and less lonely. 

 

Sadly, loneliness is a big challenge many mothers have to overcome, our classes help women feel less isolated and better connected to their community.  This has a HUGE impact on how we feel in our role as mothers which in turn, has a positive impact on our young children. 

 

Personally, I have never left a FITMOM Class feeling bad, and I don't think many of you have either (in fact I hope that is never a feeling anyone ever experiences after one of our classes!).  Instead, I hope like me, you are leave feeling energized, happy, less tense and smiling. 

 

Over the past 5 years that I have been offering the FITMOM program in Durham Region, I have had the most amazing time developing and fostering some pretty amazing connections with all of you.  In fact, without your support, our FITMOM program would be missing the most essential ingredient: YOU! 

 

Thank you so much for being a part of our FITMOM programs.  Over the next few weeks we want to hear from you, our current & past FITMOM members.  We would love for you to share your thoughts on how our programs have impacted you on your journey towards a happy & healthy mothering experience.  Drop me a line at fitmomdurham@hotmail.com if you would like to share your story or testimonial!  We would love to profile you on our Facebook Page!!!

 

xox

Your FITMOM Coach,

Jennifer :)

 

 

 

 



Who is your fitness role model?

I am really fortunate that I grew up in a very active household.  My parents were amazing role models who quietly demonstrated healthy habits that have deeply affected how my brother and I live our lives, and the lives our families lead today.

My mom and dad are still avid and energetic walkers.  As a kid my brother and I would have to run to keep up with their long leg strides, and I can remember thinking that I would never be able to catch up with them.  Family outings included regular walks/hikes at our local conservation parks where I would likely whine and complain and my younger brother would hunt for sticks far too large for his 7 year old body. During the spring and summer we would head out for family walks or bike rides in our neighborhood along the water front in South Ajax. 

My father commuted into the city every day for over 20 years.  Before supper he would engage in his nightly ritual of calisthenic exercises- push-ups, sit- ups, squats and lunges, and stretches.  I would lie on their bed and watch him as I shared the story of my day.  When I would ask him why he was exercising he told me because it made him feel better after being at a desk working all day.  This routine never took too long, 20 minutes tops before we would all head downstairs to the kitchen table where we would eat dinner as a family.

I remember one summer in particular where we spent the entire season at Petticoat creek swimming and playing outside all day.  My mom often reflects back on this time as being in the best shape of her life that summer because she swam every day.  I just remember having fun.

In my parents basement there is an assortment of small fitness equipment and a variety of DVD's.  However, unlike most fitness equipment, this stuff doesn't collect dust or store laundry.  Light weights are stored under the couch and are picked up regularly and repeatedly. 

Our meals were pretty healthy and cooked at home.  I feel like the amount of 'convenience' foods were purchased far less than other households.  We only had pop on special occasions and bags of chips were rarely purchased.  We drank water from tall glasses and refilled throughout the day.

I am thankful that I have had such great role models in my life.  It makes it easier for me to demonstrate these healthy habits for my boys.  Maybe you grew up in a similar way, or perhaps you are trying to change how you live so that you and your family are healthier and more active.  Either way, being health conscious does not have to take a lot of time, effort or energy.  The small things really do add up and they can leave a very lasting impression.

What are some things you are doing to live a healthy and active life for you and your family? 

Did you know......

Did you know that traditional abdominal crunches increase downward pressure on your pelvic floor? 


For women who are dealing with pelvic floor weakness or dysfunction post partum, repetitive crunches can actually make their condition worse! 

I know from speaking with hundreds of new moms that far too many women return to this outdated abdominal exercises soon after birth in an attempt flatten their post partum tummy, often because they did not know what exercise to do in it's place.  There are far more effective abdominal exercises that will flatten and tone your tummy after baby much better than the traditional crunch.

An isometric Belly Breathe is a much better option to strengthen your abdominals and your pelvic floor too!

Try it now:

1. Sit upright on a chair or stability ball, feet planted on the floor hip width apart.  Make sure your tailbone is not tucked under, allow for a natural curve in your lower spine
2. Place your hands on either side of your rib cage
3. Inhale deeply and feel your ribs expand
4. As you exhale, close your ribs

To progress this exercise and engage your pelvic floor too do the steps above and then add this:
5. Inhale and expand your ribs
6. As you exhale imagine picking up a jelly bean, or blue berry with your pelvic floor and close your ribs
7. Inhale and expand your ribs and relax your pelvic floor

Repeat 8-10 times. 2-3 sets