–It’s important to remember that the core is where movement begins and a strong core means fluid and effective movement. We end up with pain and discomfort when our muscles are doing unnecessary work. Lower back pain? Hi, meet your weak core.–

Celeste and I did a series of core strengthening exercises paired with a few balance moves and she did really great! Balance is such a huge part of overall fitness and becomes really important as we get older. We used two 5 pound dumbbells, a medicine ball, an 8 pound dumbbell, a stability ball and a resistance band. No bulky machines at the gym, so treadmills or ellipticals.  I like to incorporate the stability ball into a lot of my programs because it is a great tool and it combines the two very things Celeste and I worked on today: Core and Balance. If you ask Celeste- she’d tell you that she had a pretty darn good workout! (you don’t need a gym- you just need a good trainer!)

It’s a fine line when you are training someone you know and like. It’s fun. We talk and laugh and the hour goes by very quickly. But, I want her to succeed and it’s my job to get her across that finish line on June 5th- so I have to remember that there is important business going on here! I think we are doing a great job so far, both of us, and next week we’ll try our hand (and feet) at running outside.

As a trainer, I do my best to maintain my body and to follow the guidelines I lay out for people every day. I am, however, a human being. I know, I know, you don’t believe it. It’s TRUE! When Celeste approached me about helping her learn to love exercise, I immediately agreed. Then I started thinking…do I love exercise? Is it possible to help someone love exercise? These questions, in turn, have prompted me to take notice of my own issues as they pertain to fitness and the areas in which I could use some work. Perhaps Celeste will not be the only one subject to a test.

Ok, so two things that only the closest to me know: I hate running and I love cake. That’s two strikes against me right off the bat. When I say I hate running, I mean I HATE RUNNING. (What kind of personal trainer hates running?!)I would rather do just about anything else in the world. Bring on the GWBush water boarding. But, I see the value in it. I may never be the gal that finds inner peace while jogging through the streets of the city, but I can certainly get my butt out there and try. This 10K will be an achievement for me and really good motivation to get outside! ( As for my cake habit: one thing at a time, folks. )

As Celeste and I embark on this three month adventure, I know we will both have moments when we’d rather not be exercising, moments that our sugar consumption will make diabetics cringe and we will have moments that exceed even our own expectations. Celeste and I will share this project with you via our blogs and Facebook- you’ll get to follow us every step of the way. Heck, join us, if you’d like to!

So, do I love exercise? Yes, I do. Can I help somebody else do the same? Let’s find out.

Prenatal Power is a 60 minute class for pregnant women that incorporates cardiovascular and strength training with a focus on pelvic floor muscles and core strength. The class will be different every week but the foundation will remain the same. This class is for women who want a real workout! We box, we squat, we play with kettlebells and medicine balls- and we always sweat! If you are interested in attending the class please visit Gymnasium’s website or call me, Leanne, directly and I will sign you up! Whether you are 2 weeks into your pregnancy or you may go into labor at any moment- Prenatal Power is for you! Prepare your body for childbirth and motherhood!

As always, I aim to provide women with the safest, most effective workouts possible. I am dedicated to giving women the tools needed to stay fit and healthy during their pregnancies and well beyond.

Best in health,

Leanne Benson

CPT(NASM), Trained Birth Doula(DONA)

P.S. If a group class is not right for you, please call and we can set up a one-on-one session at my studio office. FitBirth specializes in prentatal and POSTPARTUM* women.

*whether you had a baby 6 weeks ago or 15 years ago. Moms of all ages are ALWAYS welcome!

Speaking of the holidays, I would also like to let you know about a special I am running. From now until the end of the year, I am offering 6 weeks of training (2 sessions per week) for $600. You can use your six weeks consecutively or space them out over the course of your pregnancy/postpartum/new mom life! Just mention that you’d like to take advantage of the holiday special and we’ll get started right away on your fitness program- start the new year with a fit new you!!

Happy Holidays,

Leanne

As a personal trainer, I have seen firsthand the ups and downs of fitness programs, diets and fads. I have heard all of the excuses—I don’t have time, I don’t know what to do, and I can’t. I have a conversation with each of my clients before we start any program because I am truly interested in their reasons for starting a fitness program. Often there is mention of skinny jeans and love handles, sagging breasts and jiggly arms, but rarely do I hear anything about health or fitness. I want to help women find the joy in being active and I want them to pass that joy on to their children! (Getting rid of those jiggly arms is a bonus!)

Exercising during pregnancy and after childbirth is not only safe, it is recommended. Obesity has become an epidemic in both adults and children. What better time to start setting a healthy, fit example than while your child is in the womb! Please feel free to call, e-mail, or ask a question on the site at any time! Welcome to FitBirth- I look forward to working out with you!!