Fit Mom Motivator-Constance Petot

True Strength of a Healthy Mom

Definition: A fit mom motivator is someone that takes pride in being a healthy, active &/or fit mom.  She is someone that strives to do better and wants to help other moms do the same. She is a strong woman that tackles challenges and her main focus in life is to create balance so that she and her family can live a happy and healthy life.

Basic Info

Name- Constance Petot

Age- 33

Number of Kids- 1

Occupation- marketer of Powerstrips by FG Xpress

Favorite Color- Green

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How did you get into fitness?
 In 2004 I was a resolutioner, crazy right?  You think most people that start that time of year fail, but I took this bull by the horns.  I studied nutrition, I implemented, I would go to the gym with a book to learn all I could about exercise and by 2008 I was stepping on stage to win 2nd in a Figure competition.  I competed until 2011 and did really well.  I got pregnant in 2012 and had my son in Jan. 2013.  I didn't work out during my pregnancy, it was such a huge regret, but as soon as I got the ok from the doctor I was back in the gym and on a new mission to be a fit mom for me, not for the stage.

2) What does being a fit mom mean to you?

 Being a fit mom means living my life in balance with focus.  I want my son to grow up knowing what it means to value yourself and your body.  I also want him to see that hard work is necessary to have the things you want.

3) Whats one thing you would say to a mom that wants to be a Fit Mom? 

Start.  There is nothing wrong with being behind, but you must start to be great.

4) Funny Story about being a Mom that you wish you would have known prior? This could be related to your pregnancy, delivery or having kids grow up. 

Man!  I knew that getting implants would be tough with plans to breastfeed, but I never realized just how big the girls would get through pregnancy and then while he nursed!  I had to go get old lady bras because nothing else could support them and all my other bras would dig into my shoulders.  It was sooo uncomfortable!

5) How do you manage life as a mom? Most people find it hard to find balance while being a mom.  How do you find your balance? 

 I workout 1st thing in the day, no excuses.  If I try to wait til later in the day it won't get done.  Find what works for you and stick to it.  Now that my son is eating solids it's great.  We eat the same foods and I know that I am giving him a good start by taking the extra time to cook our meals instead of finding quick fixes.  That's more important to me than having an extra few minutes.

6) Are you someone that focuses on nutrition? If so what is your nutrition structure and if not what is important to you about nutrition?

 I just keep it clean right now.  I eat smaller meals, but I don't count calories or macros.  By maintaining intense exercise my weight stays steady and I can indulge from time to time.

7) Do you workout weekly and if not what do you do to stay active? 

6 days a week.  I lift 4 days and do cardio 2 days.  During my lifts I try to do super sets and giant sets in order to keep me burning and sweating.

8) Any words of advise to new moms trying to be healthy while having kids? This could be Organization, priority, balance, nutrition, fitness, mindset, spiritual, environmental related or anything that you think is important in being a healthy mom.  

Don't beat yourself up.  Love yourself.  If you have stretch marks and your hips are a little wider, love yourself.  

*Her Favorite Color is Green which means:

The Color Green

The color green is the color of balance,
harmony and growth

(http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/color-green.html)

PLEASE check out Constance and fallow her Fit Mom Journey at: 

https://www.facebook.com/ConstancePetot?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/fgxpressnow?fref=ts

Fit Mom Motivator-Megan Melone

True Strength of a Fit (female in training-mind & body) Mom

Definition: A fit mom motivator is someone that takes pride in being a healthy, active &/or fit mom.  She is someone that strives to do better and wants to help other moms do the same. She is a strong woman that tackles challenges and her main focus in life is to create balance so that she and her family can live a happy and healthy life.

Basic Info

NameMegan Melone

Age 35

Number of Kids 1

Occupation Teacher/Nutrition Consultant/Makeup Artist

Favorite Color Red
*See the meaning of the Color Red when you finish reading her questionnaire*

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How did you get into fitness?

I started working out with a friend after a bad breakup to burn off some steam about 10 years ago.  I had NEVER been athletic or lifted weights before in my life… My body responded well and I was encouraged to compete by a personal trainer at my gym.  I competed for a few seasons before having my son. 

2) What does being a fit mom mean to you?

Being a Fit mom means setting an example for my son of health!  Being a single mom, I want to be here for a long time for him and I want him to be a healthy child and eventually a healthy adult. 

3) Whats one thing you would say to a mom that wants to be a Fit Mom?

Do what works for you… Some people find performance sports work best for them, and others find working out using body weight and bands in their home to be a good fit. The best workout is the one you will DO!

4) Funny Story about being a Mom that you wish you would have known prior? This could be related to your pregnancy, delivery or having kids grow up. 

Ha… Well… Long story short, but when I got to the hospital (my mom drove me), I was dilated to 9 and 100% effaced… By the time my dad got there, I was in FULL ON delivery… LOL  He walked in while I was amidst the hard work… It was NOT funny then!  I screamed “GET OUT”  he said “WHOA” and left… REALLY REALLY awkward but now it’s funny.

5) How do you manage life as a mom? Most people find it hard to find balance while being a mom.  How do you find your balance?

I am not only a mom, I am a single mom, and a business owner.  Sometimes I want to scream, but I find ways to just find joy in life!  I look at my son and all of my fears melt away.  Plus, I have a ton of help… My family is amazing and my mom watches my son during the day while I am at work. 

6) Are you someone that focuses on nutrition? If so what is your nutrition structure and if not what is important to you about nutrition? 
Yea, nutrition is paramount!  I could give you all kinds of anecdotes about why nutrition is king, but the reality is you can’t LOOK fit and feel 100% if you’re putting crappy fuel into your body. It’s hard to convince people who are used to training 2-4 hours a day of this, but when you have little time to spare, you have to eat clean and spend less time in the gym to survive. 

7) Do you workout weekly and if not what do you do to stay active?  
Well… confession time… I don’t go to the gym much at ALL anymore.  When I said nutrition is king, I LIVE that!!!  Thankfully, my nutrition background helps me, but I have clients who are in the same boat (single moms, work full time, not a lot of time to get to the gym)… You can workout at home, using little to NO equipment. 

8) Any words of advise to new moms trying to be healthy while having kids? This could be Organization, priority, balance, nutrition, fitness, mindset, spiritual, environmental related or anything that you think is important in being a healthy mom.

Yes, lots:

1.      Take time for yourself… Just to allow yourself to breathe.  Send the kids off to the grandparents or hire a sitter so you can get out, see a movie, go to the spa, have a PJ night with the girls… Just don’t forget who YOU are.  It’s easy to have our identity wrapped up in being a “mom” but this is part of the balance that is necessary (in my opinion) to properly parent (with some energy and remaining grounded).

2.      Get some rest.  If that means going to bed early, napping… Whatever, but stay rested (and drink a lot of water).

3.      Keep your children on a STRICT schedule… Especially regarding sleep. 

4.      Only feed your child what you will eat.  Making your own baby food is easy… Making YOUR own food is easy too.  If you won’t eat it, don’t give it to your child.

5.      Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Whether it be your spouse, family members, friends… Nobody can read your mind.  If you need help, ask.  Sometimes I feel like we try to be super-mom and that isn’t fair.  Don’t forget you’re human.

***THE MEANING OF HER FAVORITE COLOR RED***

This color is a warm and positive color associated with our most physical needs and our will to survive. It exudes a strong and powerful energy.

Red is energizing. It excites the emotions and motivates us to take action.

It signifies a pioneering spirit and leadership qualities, promoting ambition and determination. It is also strong-willed and can give confidence to those who are shy or lacking in will power.

Please visit Megan through her facebook pages, instagram or websites for more motivation, inspiration or Fitness/Makeup Information :)

Instagram: MeganMeloneMUA

Facebook:

Nutrition Page: https://www.facebook.com/MeloneNutrition

Makeup Artistry Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Megan-Melone-makeup-services/202668816417684

Makeup Web Page: http://MeganMelone.com

Nutrition Page: http://TheDietDocChicago.com

6 week Postpartum Update- Top 15 of Why YOU SHOULD BE PROUD!

Hello Everyone, 

  Its Measurement Monday and I have decided to do things a little bit differently this time.  For the past 3-4 years I have not really been one to focus on the scale since I have always been aware that I train to gain lean mass.  My body can look completely different if I am 135 pounds of not lifting vs 150 and lifting.  I prefer to be the body type that looks like they lift.  With that being said, since doing the measurement Monday I started focusing on the scale more rather than how I felt, what my body actually looked like, how I am blessed to be progressing and that just because my pre pregnancy pants are nowhere near fitting me after 6 weeks that its totally okay.  I am energized, healthy, happy and balanced (goal is that Rachel Novello and I will start posting picture updates every other week and the week we dont post pictures we will update with improvments or things we learned that week) 

   I wanted you guys to know that if you are being consistent, if you are getting stronger, having more endurance, feeling energized, happy and healthy that you should do like I am and make a top 10-15 list of reasons why you should be proud even though it may not feel like you are progressing (as quickly as you like). Here is my list and I hope this will help you get started creating your own. Part of transforming is mind health so let this be one step towards a healthier mindset.

JZ Top 15 of Why she Should be Proud even If the Scale Wont BUDGE

1. I Birthed a Child Completely Natural 6 weeks ago (22 hours labor & 5 Hours Hard Labor)
2. I went from holding one infant a week before having Ahrianna to being a full time mom (minus my "Me Time" or if Brandon takes her when I nap/shower)
3. I lifted my ENTIRE Pregnancy even at the end when I was still nauseous, gained 12 pounds from swelling in the last two weeks, worked 12 hour night shifts in a hospital and even did overtime up until I was 33 weeks pregnant.
4. I ate clean 80% of the time throughout my pregnancy and since having Ahrianna I have ate clean 99% of the time (I had a few pieces of chocolate and ate a moderate amount of desserts yesterday at the Super Bowl Party).  For the most part I don't have any cravings. I think having a higher fat diet has helped with my hormones which is ultimately in control of most cravings (besides the mind game cravings).
5. I listened to my OB, Brandon and myself and did not workout for 2 solid weeks postpartum.  This one was tough for me because by the time two weeks rolled around I was desperate to get out of the house but you better believe I cried the entire way to the gym and even took a video to show other people that I struggle too with making myself a priority at times but if we take care of ourselves then we can be better parents.  I'll be honest the minute I went to the gym and came home I was recharged and ready for the day.  It didn't matter that I didn't have any sleep the night before, that my back ached from breastfeeding or that I wasn't able to get any of the house cleaned. I was energized, focused and excited to do more at home. 
6. For the last 4 weeks I have listened to my body. I have not restricted my calories (to the point of being unhealthy), I have trained with purpose, passion and patience (you must be patient when you are used to lifting like a beast and now have to lift like a newbie. I was back to doing bodyweight exercises but that was okay because I was able to have my "me time" in the gym and that felt AMAZING)
7. Not to repeat number 6 but I have been consistently lifting 4-5 days a week for the last four weeks and have stuck to limited to no cardio.  Its better to do less cardio in the beginning because you do not want to have to go to any extremes to cut during contest prep season. I try to do my cardio/conditioning with the purpose of increasing my endurance.  I never appreciated being able to run with ease, lift with power or do drills without wanting to pass out. I was the newbie in the gym again and I'm proud that I didn't let that discourage me.
8. I'm proud that the first week I started lifting again I struggled to do 15 bodyweight squats and now I can do 115 for 15 reps easily (full time under tension).
9. I started leg press with 90 pounds which felt pretty tough to doing 360 pounds + 210 pounds of my trainer pushing his entire bodyweight against it (for added resistance) today.
10. I DID A PULL-UP!!!!  I mean.... I had assistance but I don't care! When I was pregnant the thought of doing a pull-up made me want to cry and when I tried doing just a few I would be so short of breath I needed to rest for 3+ minutes.
11. I started tracking my food a week and a half ago which was a little emotional for me at first because for any of you that know me know that I have a past history of having an unhealthy relationship with food/exercise. Long story short I competed for 2.5 years straight without a break, had a boyfriend who was my prep coach (nutrition, workouts, bodyfat, posing, supplements, sleep, you name it), I went through some nasty hormonal imbalances from dieting too long, I was on Dr Phil on April 2012 (http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/1821) and he sent me to an Eating Disorder Facility for 8 weeks. Once I returned home I ended things with my then fiance, moved out, met Brandon, started to prep again, got pregnant, had ahrianna and now plan to pursue my passions of competing but with an ENTIRELY different level of awareness. So when I said that tracking was a little emotional it was only because I had not done it for so long, that I had to revisit that past so I could be aware of my emotions and that for the first time in a long time I felt a small sense of fear with contest prep (if you guys are interested in this topic I can go into detail with another blog about my fears, why I am determined to do a show, whats different this time and so on.)
12. I asked for help when I needed it. There was a point last week when I was so tired I was scared to breastfeed Ahrianna.  It was in the middle of the night while I was trying to breastfeed that I almost dropped her because I fell fast asleep (just fyi: I did several things to try and not fall asleep and had her on a boppy pillow). This was quite the reality check for me. Its okay if I need help and cant do it all. I have a loving fiance who wants to help.
 This is a BIG ONE FOR ME!!!  I rarely if ever will ask for help.  I tend to be the person that helps others rather than let anyone help me.  However, I have come to realize that as much as I find joy in helping other people that other people find joy in helping me.  This is something that I am getting better at it but it definitely does not come naturally.
13. I took Ahrianna to her doctor appointments by myself after the first one and then took her to the grocery store (after her 4 week appointment).  I tell you what!?!?!  I have a lot of respect for moms out there (or full time dads).  It's not easy taking kids to appointments or out on errands for the first few times while they are infants.  Kudos to everyone that is trying to be great parents!  Its one of the hardest but best jobs on the planet.
14. That I have not had any outbursts due to lack of patience with Ahrianna, Brandon or life.  I know being a new mom with CrAzY hormones we are more susceptible to lash outs and I feel like I have been very positive throughout my pregnancy/post pregnancy (Feel free to ask Brandon or people close to me.  Its funny because my mom and my best friend swore I would be quite the spit fire during pregnancy but for the first time in my life I feel like I am present in my thoughts, I am aware of my actions and I can control them both)
15. My body is curvy the way that I like, my body is getting stronger the way that I like, my body is functioning more efficiently the way that I like and that my body does NOT define who I am........the way that I like.

The point of this list is to NOT TOOT my own Horn but to show you that when we take the time to look outside our physical expectations that we can really see the beauty and value in the Journey to reach those goals.  I hope you join me in making your own list so that you also can feel proud of where you are..... EXACTLY IN THIS MOMENT!

This video is proof that there is so much more to life then physical expectations (this is not me saying those goals are not important but that we can start to prioritize where our energy is used. Its a shame if we spent our time feeling upset for not being thin enough, lean enough or muscular enough when we can HAVE A BLAST just knowing that our goals will come if we stay consistent, listen to our bodies, stress less and love more!