Guest Post- Brandy from Alaska Fit Mommies

 

Today, Brandy from Alaska Fit Mommies, is doing a guest post! She has been able to take her love for her kids and fitness and turn it into a business. Be sure to visit her on her blog at Alaska Fit Mommies and like her facebook page! Take it away Brandy!

"Fitness is becoming more popular and exciting as we continue to reap the long life benefits of being fit and healthy.  Getting in your workout, no longer means sweaty gyms or the same old boring routines.  Have you checked out all the different fitness styles lately?  Just to mention a few:  cross fit, tabata, zumba, yoga,  running clubs, at home videos, gym memberships, beach body, body rocking, kettle bells and my favorite ~ stroller fitness.  All of these programs are amazing in their own way, loved by many, get results, and some targeting specific audiences. 

As the owner and founder of Alaska Fit Mommies, I can say with confidence that I have found my style of fitness.  My love for fitness didn’t start until after my first daughter was born and I was hooked during my first stroller fitness class.  I was unaware of all the awesome benefits of working out with a group of moms who have their kids’ right beside them.  It didn’t take me long to fall in love.  As a mother, it’s important to be a positive role model, make healthy eating choices, socialize with other moms, and incorporate strength, cardio, core and flexibility into your workouts while keeping it fun.

Stroller fitness targets all the main muscle groups with a variance in exercises moves.  Many exercises are compound movements and who doesn’t want to get the most of your workout?  All exercises can be modified to fit every fitness level and our kids are having fun while learning some very basic moves that are beneficial to them.  For example, the other day I was doing dishes and my 3.5 year old daughter, Hannah, began doing single leg squats, step ups, pushups, dips and jump squats on our stairs.  This certainly was not the first time she began doing exercises out of nowhere, but it just confirms to me that I am making the right choice in my fitness style and showing them that fitness can be fun.  My 15 month old is already doing frog jumps, yes; you can call me a very proud mommy!

Being fit and healthy is a lifestyle I choose to live and it takes hard work and dedication.  I do enjoy getting my workout in other ways but stroller fitness is my style and it’s well rounded so I am able to foster the benefits it gives me mentally, physically and emotionally.   I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try a new style of fitness and make sure you are benefiting in all areas that are important to you.  Choosing to be a fit and healthy person can be fun, I promise!  I think Chalene Johnson states it well, “Just like finding your love soul mate is rewarding, discovering your workout soul mate changes your perspective on taking care of yourself.”

Thanks Brandy! Be sure to come back and visit to read more guest posts!

Move Me Fit and Creative Movement Classes

 I got the opportunity to try out the Move Me Fit class and my kiddos got to try the Creative Movement class that was held at Alaska Dance Theatre this past Wednesday. The Move Me Fit class is described as this: "Our class, taught by classically trained Pilates instructor is designed to lengthen and strengthen your body. We will learn about our bodies strengths and weaknesses, and use that knowledge to gain stamina, flexibility, coordination, and muscle tone. "

 This was my first time ever doing Pilates. As you can see in the photo of the instructor above, a lot of these moves are using your core. Well...in my case TRYING to use your core. Three kids and two C sections can do a number on a woman's body! But that is the purpose of the class is to strengthen your core, right? This is a great class for all those mommas trying to retrain those abs. The instructor was great at explaining what to do. She also modified the poses since I had a herniated bellybutton.

 This is an hour long class that will work you. Required focus on how you are using your muscles. I was sore for 2 days after. The drop in rate is $7 a class or you can get a $60 10 visit punch card. The great thing about this is while you are working on your rocking body, you can have your little ones taking the Creative Movements class right next door!

 Here is the description for the Creative Movement class, " Explore the joy of movement through the elements of space, time and energy. The course develops the creative potential, builds self-esteem and helps all students experience success." This class is for 3-5 year olds and it's $70 for a 4 week session.

 Kaden was a little disappointed at first to be the only boy in class. He was rolling his eyes at me. When did he turn 16?! Brooke was so excited to go dance. It was cute seeing the other girls in their leotards and tights. I snuck out of my class later to see what Kaden and Brooke were doing in class. I heard the instructor ask them to pretend to be ice skating, so they all skated around. It was great to see them using their imaginations and moving around. There was time for direction and creativity.

 This photo cracks me up.  Brooke was hoping everywhere, I'm sure Kaden was asking a question, and I love what is going on in the background. Teaching this age is like herding cats. The teacher was so kind and calm. She allowed the kids to move but kept them focused. She had commented that Kaden was rolling his eyes. I guess he is "too cool."

 Overall, I really enjoyed our visit. Reminded me of how out of shape I am! The only negative thing I think is the price of the Creative Movements class. Kind of spendy. But it would be worth it for you to work out and know that your kid is using his brain and being active instead of sitting in the childcare of the gym.

 If you want more information, visit the Alaska Dance Theatre site or call them at  277-9592.

The Music Canvas

 I know a couple of you are looking for something to do with your little ones since school started. Have you heard of The Music Canvas? It's a great music program for babies to kindergartners! Oh and adults as well! Classes start this week so go register!

 Last spring the kids and I enrolled. I just want to set this up for you, Kaden was 3, Brooke was 20 months and not walking and I was 5 months preggers. That being said, we LOVED the class! The class was small enough where Mrs Brooks knew all the kids names. She invited us in and said "don't worry if the kids get up and walk around or even sit and not participate." You can tell she knew kids! Trying to control my kids in a class setting is sometimes like herding cats, impossible! I thought she was very inviting for the kids and me.

 So there is a welcome song that you sing every class. Can I just tell you that I use that baby, a year later, to grab the attention of my kids!! Yeah, I use songs when my kids are not paying attention and it just draws them in. I don't know what it is cause it sure isn't my voice! So yes, the songs are very catchy. I didn't know them at first but we caught on fast. It's so much more then just sitting down and singing. There is dancing, movement, and instruments that my kids loved.

 When the instruments were first brought out my first thought was, "oh I'm NEVER going to get that egg shaker from Brooke and there will be lots of screaming." But guess what, Mrs. Brooks had this little song and Brooke actually listened! Not only did she put the shaker back but did it without tears and high octave screaming! So I still use that little trick today. Singing puts kids in a trance I'm telling you!

 Okay so singing isn't your thing? No worries, Mrs. Brooks does MOST of the work for you! All you have to do is bring the kids and be excited about it! Remember they feed off of you. You get a CD so you can listen to it at home or in the car. The kiddos can learn all the words as well as you. The songs are catchy, I was singing or humming them at 2am diaper changes.

 These classes are also great for kids with special needs. I was curious to see how Brooke would do in the setting. She loved it! It was another therapy session for her but one that Kaden and I got to be involved. She got to work on motor development with clapping, dancing and holding instruments. There is also a social aspect because Mrs. Brooks was engaging her and the kids. I loved watching Brooke move to the music. It helped me forget about all her limitations and watch her delight in being a kid. To this day, Brooke is always dancing and singing.

 The kids saw it as a fun time to sing and dance with other kids. I know it was a fun time but also knew the importance of the stimulation that was going on in their brains. There is a lot of research out there on the importance of music to kids when they are young. This is a great article on the importance of music at a young age.

 I definitely recommend this class! They are 45 minute classes and last 10 weeks. There are several locations and times so it can fit into your schedule. Visit here to see the class schedule. Mrs. Brooks also does private lessons. If you sign up, be sure to let her know Alaska Kids sent you!!