The Benefits of the (Baby) Cobra
The Benefits of the (Baby) Cobra

I'm no yogi, but the cobra pose is a move that we love! It helps alleviate back pain and helps to stretch out our abdomen muscles. This is a mommy approved move, but of course always get approval from your doctor and/or pelvic floor physiotherapist! This pose, otherwise known as bhujangasana or the snake pose, not only helps relieve pain in the back, but it also helps with uneasiness in the muscles of the neck and abdomen. I should also mention that the cobra pose helps to manage stress, anxiety and depression!

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FitnessILY StudioParenting, Yoga, Motherhood, FitnessComment
Arm Yourself, Mamas!
Arm Yourself, Mamas!

Sure, we lug around a heavy diaper bag all day and maneuverer busy malls carry a toddler, but sometimes this just isn’t enough to tighten that arm jiggle us moms often complain about. Tank top season might be over here in Toronto, but that doesn't mean you give up on toning those arms of yours. Last summer we shared this post on the Lot801 Blog so just in case you missed it, I want to make sure you're in the loop with three moves you can do to help you achieve shapely toned arms. Who wouldn’t kill for arms like celebrity moms Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker? Me please! Not to worry, this doesn’t involve rushing to your local gym and lifting dumbbell after dumbbell; these moves can be done right at home (with no weights required) and hopefully you’ll be sporting a tank top with confidence in no time!

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FitnessILY StudioFitness, Fitmoms, Workouts, Arm WorkoutComment
Meditation for the Manic Mama
Meditation for the Manic Mama

It’s easy to get caught up in everyday mom life and sitting in silence to meditate sounds like a far-fetched dream. I speak from experience; my to-do list stresses me out as it hangs over my head and there seems to be so much more I can do in 5 minutes than meditate. Well mamas, that’s where I was wrong.  Meditation is very much an important part of your health and wellness journey.

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LifestyleILY StudioMeditation, Health, Fitness, FitmomsComment
New Month, New Mommy.
New Month, New Mommy.

Over the past two years, my daughter and I have taken time to set aside gently used clothing, toys and books to donate to Jessie's Centre, which is a multi-service resource centre for pregnant teenagers, young parents and their children. My daughter enjoys visiting the centre with me where I also take the opportunity to remind her of how extremely blessed we are to have the things we do.

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LifestyleILY StudioMotherhood, Summer, CharityComment
A Mama’s Guide to a Successful Staycation
A Mama’s Guide to a Successful Staycation

I love to travel, but vacations sure have changed after having a baby. The idea of packing up and jetting off for a week can sometimes be daunting with a child and can take a whole lot of planning. Therefore, a staycation was a concept that I embraced with open arms! Plus, there is just something magical about slowing down in your own city and appreciating it as a tourist.

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TravelILY StudioToronto, Travel, Staycation, MotherhoodComment
Tips to Stay Fit While Traveling
Tips to Stay Fit While Traveling

We just got home from an incredible trip to Antigua! After the whole issue of losing out on travelling two weeks ago due to my mini's expired passport, this trip was definitely necessary!

I wanted to keep this post short and sweet and simply just share how we stayed active and healthy in Antigua. Yes, we relaxed by the beach a whole lot and yes, we had french fries and ice cream, but we ate healthy the majority of the time and still maintained a very active routine while on the island. 

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TravelILY StudioTravel, Health, Fitness, Fitmoms, Motherhood, Travel TipsComment
Home "Sweat" Home (via the LOT801 Blog)
Home "Sweat" Home (via the LOT801 Blog)

Sometimes it’s getting yourself out the door and to the gym that’s the hardest part about exercise. Geez, some mornings you can barely get in a shower let alone a workout. So what if there are some basic moves you can do in the comfort of your own home that can help you get well on your way to becoming a healthier and fitter mama? Sure, you might have to deal with a toddler here, a baby there and a few Thomas the Train toys during a workout, but this could be an amazing alternative to having to get your mama-butt to the gym for a 7:00 o’clock fitness class.

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FitnessILY StudioFitmoms, Fitness, WorkoutsComment
We Sweat Together ... and Dine Together!
We Sweat Together ... and Dine Together!

One thing I will never deny is my love for food! Yes, I make an effort to exercise effectively and yes, I do eat healthy - packing my meals and snacks when I go off to my full-time job. But sometimes, I need that break from the kitchen and need to enjoy some down time with girlfriends. 

This is exactly why when I heard about President's Choice launching Babylicious that I had to get a bunch of mommy friends together to dine at one of the city's finest French restaurants.

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LifestyleILY StudioMotherhood, Parenting, LifestyleComment