Transformation Nation

If you've made the decision to embark on the journey of pregnancy, you probably have a million questions and concerns running through your head as you move into this phase of planning and trying. And as a busy, parent-to-be who values fitness and well-being, you may be wondering about how this is all going to affect and change you body.  I know for me, personally, it was the reason I got into this work. I spent 10 years in NYC as a professional modern dancer and the changes my body was going to go through during pregnancy was a big concern. That may sound vain, but my body was my business. I had spent my entire life training and strengthening it to be able to rehearse and perform. I wasn’t willing to risk injury or not being able to return to dancing in postpartum.  And here’s the most important thing I learned: PREVENTION IS KEY.   If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or already trying, now is the time to start taking some proactive steps to physically prepare your body f

Being a busy career professional and mom during pregnancy and postpartum can be overwhelming. We have been conditioned by society to think we “can have it all”.  I’m not here to burst your bubble but I often find that “having it all” means that our personal health and wellness tends to suffer.  To the world, we look like we are all put together but secretly suffering inside.  Juggling multiple responsibilities often leaves little time for self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I don’t have a magic fix for you, but I do have a few #lifehacks that my clients and I have picked up along the way. To simply sum it up, it’s all about simplifying your daily routine and reducing stress (note the bold highlight on that one).  Let’s start with one of my favs… NUTRITION Nutrition Tip #1: Plan 5 meals I know what you are thinking, “Joanie, please don’t tell me I have to make a meal plan.”  I’m sorry to say it, but streamlining your grocery shopping and meal prep by planning your meals in a

As parents, we often go to great lengths to ensure the well-being of our little ones. But have you ever considered how your own body's imbalances and habits can affect your baby's development? (As if we don't have enough to worry about it, right?! ) This parenthood journey is not just about taking care of ourselves, but also creating a balanced environment for our children. There is a fascinating connection between muscular imbalances in parents and their babies. I've seen, first hand, with clients how correcting these imbalances can create change and have a positive impact on both you and your child's body. The Ripple Effect: Parents' Habits and Baby's Muscular Imbalances A client of mine is a mom of 2 and I noticed one day while we were training with her baby (because #momlife) that she consistently held her baby on her left hip and side.  I asked her to do the next set of exercises while holding the baby on her right hip instead of left. When this happen

  Pregnancy is an incredible journey that brings about numerous physical changes.  With these changes often come discomforts and challenges. Thankfully, incorporating gentle stretches into your daily routine can provide immense relief.  Let's dive in and discover how a few strategic stretches can help you find comfort, relaxation, and a deeper connection with your changing body. Stretch #1: Cat-Cow:   During pregnancy, the spine undergoes significant changes to accommodate your growing baby. The Cat-Cow Stretch is a gentle flowing movement that helps release low back tension, promotes flexibility and helps you increase mobility in your lumbo pelvic region which is also prone to take on extra strain and postural changes during pregnancy.  It can provide a gentle massage to the abdominal area, stimulating blood circulation and promoting digestion and can also help alleviate discomfort caused by gas and bloating. As you move through the Cat-Cow Stretch, focus on syncing your

Are you a morning person, an afternoon warrior, or an evening exerciser? Regardless of when you prefer to break a sweat, it's important to consider our body's circadian rhythms when determining the best time and types of exercise to do. Morning Exercise: For those of you who love to wake up early and get moving,  (I'm up by 5:30am most mornings.  This is my absolute favorite time of day!)  morning exercise can be an energizing way to start your day. Cardiovascular exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, can help get your heart rate up and kickstart your metabolism. Plus, you'll feel more alert and focused throughout the day! If you prefer a gentler start to your morning, try a yoga routine to increase your flexibility, strength, and focus. Afternoon Exercise: If you're someone who finds that mid-day slump hitting hard, instead of reaching for a coffee, an afternoon workout can help you power through. Our body temperature is at its highest during the afterno

If you are expecting, you want to do everything you can to keep your baby healthy - and that includes creating a safe and healthy environment at home. Unfortunately, many of the products we use every day can contain harmful chemicals and toxins that can be dangerous during pregnancy.  Luckily, a few simple changes can make a big difference.  Here are some tips for eliminating environmental toxins in your home: Choose natural cleaning products. Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you and your baby. Instead, opt for natural cleaning products made with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. They're just as effective and much safer for you and your baby. Use air purifiers. Indoor air can be even more polluted than outdoor air, thanks to things like furniture, carpets, and household cleaners. Use an air purifier to remove pollutants like dust, pet dander, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air. Avoid synthe

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming - especially when it comes to fitness. You want to stay active for both you and your baby, but you also want to make sure you're doing it safely. That's where a pregnancy fitness specialist or trainer comes in! But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few things to keep in mind: Look for a trainer who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. When it comes to prenatal exercise, not all personal trainers are created equal. You want to find someone who understands the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and how to modify exercises to keep you and your baby safe. Look for a trainer who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum fitness to ensure you're getting the best possible care. Check for certifications and accreditation in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. Anyone can call themselves a personal trainer, but you want to make sure you're working with

Pregnancy can be tough on your body, but staying active is important for both you and your baby. While exercises like yoga, walking and swimming are great for your overall health, don't forget about the importance of strength training! Building muscle can help prepare your body for the physical demands of labor and delivery, and can even help prevent common pregnancy-related injuries like pelvic floor dysfunction and low back pain.  Here are 6 safe and effective strength training exercises to try during pregnancy: Squats Squats are a classic exercise for building lower body strength, and they're perfect for preparing your body for childbirth. Make sure to keep your back straight and avoid going too deep to prevent injury. Lunges Lunges are another great exercise for building lower body strength, and they can also help improve your balance. Make sure to keep your knee directly over your ankle to prevent injury. Deadlifts Deadlifts are a fantastic exercise for building overall

  We all know that pregnancy has the potential to be a wild (and wonderful) ride.  As with all wild and wonderful things, it's important to make sure you're fueling your body with all the right things to enjoy the ride.  That's why I'm a HUGE lover of snacking.  Especially if you are busy and not always making the time to sit and eat a properly balanced mea.l.  Snacking is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients, keep up your energy and curb nausea!  Check out this list I've put together and if you take the time to plan ahead, you'll be well on your way to reaching for nutrition fixes when in the midst of a snack attack!  Here are a few of my favs: Greek yogurt with berries   Think, protein, calcium, and antioxidants all packed into a satisfying sweet snack. Hummus and veggies Hummus is a great source of protein and healthy fats.   It's the perfect way to spruce up raw veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. It's also been said that "crunch