I'm a mom now!

Good morning and may everyone be safe and sound from storm Sandy.  I am happy to report that we never lost power and have no damage.  Much love and support goes out to all who were less fortunate.

 

So, I haven't posted in quite a while because LORDY baby prep is busy work!!  I know, I know, nothing compared to when baby is here.  That's part of my "problem" though, I have all this energy right now....blessed second trimester....and I think I have to do EVERYTHING I ever wanted or needed to do NOW before the baby comes and because the baby is coming.  Well did I get a wake up call a couple of weeks ago!

 

I was simply walking down the street with a friend (thank goodness I wasn't alone) when all of a sudden I stepped on uneven sidewalk and lost my balance.  Instinctively, I twisted my body to the side to protect my belly but fell all the way down to the ground.  I have NEVER been so scared in my life!  In that instant, all of those motherly instincts people tell you about kicked in full force! My ankle was in extreme pain (later to be diagnosed as an extreme sprain) but all I could think about was, "what did I do to my baby?!"  I started to hyperventilate, I knew that wasn't good, but I couldn't catch my breath because I was panicked.  The tears were welling up in my eyes, I was unable to move from the middle of the New York City sidewalk because I was just in shock. Yes, a pedestrian did stop to inquire about my condition (New Yorkers aren't all that bad).  My friend eventually got me to a safe seat where I could elevate my now swelling ankle and try and catch my breath.  I calmed down and called my doctor and my husband and my podiatrist.  I checked in with everyone that needed checking in with, and then just wanted to go home and be still so I could feel my baby move...that was what I needed.  To be sure that he or she was ok.  Nothing else mattered.  I didn't care that I relied on healthy feet for a living, the golf ball sized ankle was of no concern to me, I wanted to feel my baby move!!! 

 

Here's the kicker, my placenta is low which provides a pillow between the baby & me...whew! extra padding, but I generally don't feel a lot of movement because of it's position.  So, waiting was agony.  But that's what I did, waited.  I went home & put ice on my elevated foot, layed back on the couch giving my belly optimal space and waited with my hands on my belly.  I was sooooo happy when I felt movement!!  I finally felt like I could breathe.  It hit me, I'm a mom now and my baby comes first.  Someone else's needs trump mine.  I will do everything in my power to protect my child. 

 

I now understand why my parents agonized every time we got hurt playing soccer, were out later than expected or worried when we traveled without them for the first time.  Last year, last YEAR, not when I was a kid, my mom and I were sharing a dessert and she let me have the last bite.  I thought to myself, "How does she do that?  This is delicious!  I don't know that I would do that, maybe I shouldn't be a mom."  Guess what?  I now get it, I'd give my child the last bite of cake too.   

 

So now, I'm taking a new approach.  I DON'T have to do everything NOW!  I am almost seven months pregnant and I SHOULD slow down a bit.  THAT is part of protecting my child...making sure mom is rested, safe and healthy.   I am writing to you now with my still healing ankle elevated and relaxing on this second day of unexpected storm vacation and am quite content to be doing nothing more than that!

 

Below are belly pics!!!  I took them one week apart from each other because when it came time for the six month pic, the baby hid!  It's now almost time for the seven month pic so stay tuned....

 

24 weeks (camera shy baby)                                                      25 weeks (there you are!)



Quick hello!

Friday night we spent an exciting evening shopping for strollers at Buy Buy Baby, but tonight we're celebrating my birthday!  In honor of the date night, I got a manicure!  I am la la loving Luxedo by Essie!!!

Essie is safe for pregnant bodies because it doesn't contain the big bad "three" - formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).  When going to a salon, you just want to be careful that it is well ventilated and I take my own tools so that I don't risk infection from anyone else.  Mind you, I never did this before, but now I'm extra careful for baby's sake!

Doing something nice for yourself is super important - ALWAYS! :)

The other thing I wanted to share with you before my big night out, is my recent blog post on the Lucky Lil' Darlings blog .  They have asked me to be a monthly contributor throughout my pregnancy and this was my debut!

Gotta get beautified....more later!
xo,
Jolynn


 

Fall fashion & fun!!!

So here I am at almost 22 weeks and I think I finally look pretty preggers!!

Keep in mind, this was BEFORE I had the Ben & Jerry's :)  Rob and I just spent a lovely weekend in Stowe, Vermont...it was our First Anniversary celebration!!!  I can't believe it's been a year~and what a year it's been!

While we were away, we felt the baby kick for the FIRST time and it was nothing short of amazing!!!  I mean to think that something the size of a carrot has that much power!  I can confirm she will either be a Rockette or he will be a field goal kicker for the Giants...nope, we don't know and I don't know if we'll find out.  EVERYONE has their opinion on whether or not we should, but we're happily not taking anyone's advice.  Not even yours eager Grandma, sorry :)  Who knew my VERY traditional mom would be dying to know, and I quote, "what kind of baby I'm having"...as in her, not me...because this is what happens when your mom waits 40+ years to be a grandma...it becomes HER baby :)  And Grandpa Baca has declared this his most stressful pregnancy to date!  Keep in mind he's a father of three, but being a grandfather of one to his Advanced Maternal Age daughter is VERY stressful for him.  Funny, it's been pretty darn enjoyable and non-stressful for me :)

Look, I even hiked up a mountain this weekend...

Begin at Smuggler's Notch and hike a 1.1 mile trail climbing up 1000+ ft in elevation, and you will be rewarded with Sterling "Pond".

We had a FANTASTIC weekend full of activity and it wasn't even ski season!!!  I HIGHLY recommend Stowe, Vermont as a relaxing destination and the Stowe Mountain Lodge as a place to stay.  They took EXTRA special care of us because it was our Anniversary and can I just tell you...the spa treatments were AMAZING....the facial has really helped my baby acne :) Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for finding these amazing spots and letting us carbon copy your trip!!

So, remember my last preggers post I talked about the lack of maternity fashion?  It is NOT just my imagination, there really is NO resource for this!!  I even consulted with experts...

 

That's my friend Vinnie and me with fashion expert Stacy London from TLC's "What Not to Wear"!  We met her at this year's Fashion's Night Out and I asked her about maternity fashion.  First, it must be said that she gave my cropped leggings and crocheted dress a thumb's up...yippee!  Ok, so Stacy (we're best buds on a first name basis now) said I was right!!  There IS no place to go for advice so she gave me some of her own, which I will happily share with you!

 

1-Jersey is our friend, it will show off our bumps yet hug and hang in the right spots.

 

2-Dresses are easier than pants.

 

3-Wear open closure jackets (in other words DON'T button a blazer).  We want to still show shape in our upper body as our lower body begins to expand.

 

4-For petite pregnant peeps, keep your hemlines no longer than knee length...longer lengths will cut us off and make us look shorter and wider.

 

5-In the early months of pregnany, continue to wear regular clothes...maybe just go up in size.  Many styles still work!

 

She really is THAT good...this delicious advice was given in under three minutes!!  I can't wait to check out her new book "The Truth About Style" when it hits shelves on October 2! No, I'm not getting paid to advertise, I just like her!

 

Armed with Stacy's fashion tips, we headed out on our vacation and because I don't get to dress in "regular" clothes that often, I thought I'd use the weekend as an opportunity to try out some maternity fashions!

OK, so these are maternity skinny jeans BUT the sweater is not! This is my fall look :)

sweater is Kirna Zabete for Target, jeans are Citizens of Humanity BUT purchased at the fab Charlotte, NC maternity consignment shop, Womb and boots are my faux Frye's also from Target and have lasted several seasons!

Again, not YET maternity, but a great empire waist, knee length hem dress by Susana Monaco that I got several years ago and still looks great! Notice, mama can still rock the high heels as long as we're just going from car to Anniversary dinner :)

This was my comfy road trip wear...back with the maternity skinnies cuz they don't have a waistband or button to bother my belly in the car!  The top IS maternity from Michael Stars Maternity again purchased at the fab Womb consignment. I'll admit neither my bust line nor my belly quite fills it out....yet!

Here we go with the open closure jacket!! Nothing is maternity...in fact, the top is a dress

from Everly that I tucked into my new Kirna Zabete for Target faux leather pants!  They stretch like leggings and fit under my baby bump so they're comfy!  Notice...open closure vest?!?!  This was a Christmas present from my fashionable hubby (who pays attention when I say "oh that's cute")...it's faux fur from Rachel Zoe.  I die!!

 

So that was my weekend in a fashion nutshell.  It was so much fun dressing up and trying new things, now it's back to...

But that's ok, I'm having fun displaying my baby bump in my workout wear too!!!

 

I am finding my own way in this new body and LOVING it!!   I am also enjoying taking a daily nap, I like guessing what we're having, it's fun to read about all of the incredible things going on in my body and with our baby, and I relish the fact that if I need a snack before teaching class I have it cuz no one can tell if I'm bloated or just pregnant :) Case in point....

 

Last week I saw someone I used to train for the first time in months...she asked me how married life was treating me and I rubbed my belly and said, "pretty great".  She replied quite seriously, "Woah!  Who's cooking, him or you?"  She was pretty embarrassed when I said, "No, I'm pregnant,"  and I'll admit it, I kind of enjoyed that! 

 

I said it before and I'll say it again, this is AMAZING!!!! 

 

Here's one last pic, it's the 5 month bump shot (taken two weeks ago):

I'm not gonna lie...in the past few days this baby has POPPED!  I can't wait for next month's pic! 

 

Whadya think of my fashion finds?  Have some of your own?  Comment below, I'd love to hear!

 





Fall Kick Off Class!!!

Enjoy this last lazy weekend of summer everyone.....I plan to do just that!  Cuz come Wednesday morning, we are BACK on our fall fitness track!!

I am so pleased to announce that the generous people from body & eden tonics and elixers will be joining us after class with some DELICIOUS samples of their super yummy & healthy products. 

Here's a little bit about this great company:

"Bodies are smart. They know when to eat, sleep, what to do if we are sick, and how to stay healthy. So, how do we nourish and support these systems that keep us healthy and vibrant?

Body & Eden offers seasonal fruit and vegetable superfood tonics and herbal elixirs that densely pack nutrients, vitamins, and herbs needed to support and stabilize the body so that it can do what it does best, better."

 

 

Come get your intenSati workout chock FULL of inspiration and replenish your body with some super powered drinks!! 

 

You know how I love a DEAL, so be sure to REPLY in the comments below that you're coming and mention BODY & EDEN for $5 off class!!!!  That's right....MENTION body & eden in your reply (we want to have enough deliciousness to go around) and you get class for only $10!!!

 

If that weren't enough, I've got GIVEAWAYS!!!

*one lucky winner will receive a newborn package~Gerber Nuk orthodontic BPA free bottle + Cotton People organic toy

*all students receive $20 off your first one-hour massage with Anne Heckheimer

*all students receive voucher for FREE 3x3 accordian book + special "intenSati for Mommies" rate when you book your newborn or maternity photo session with Teri Fiske

 

What?!  All of that for $10 when I reply?  YES!!! It's almost like you're getting paid to take class...you're welcome!  :)

Can't wait to see you Wednesday morning....all you moms and lovers of intenSati! 

 

REMEMBER, you don't HAVE to be a mom to come and love this class!!!

xo,

Jolynn

 

 

Does this (baby) make me look hippy? :)

Actually YES!  And that's beautiful!!

 

OK, I promised blogs on my pregnancy progress and here we go!  You should know, that I have Rob's blessing to share this amazing journey with all of you, but there will be no sonogram pics...just belly :)

 

If you knew me as a teenager, you heard me ask every time I put something on I'd ask, "Does this make me look hippy?"  It was such a common phrase for me, that when I bought my first car, my family teased me that they were surprised I didn't ask if my car made me look hippy when I sat in it!

 

Over the years, I have made a living using my body (to dance and teach fitness) and work hard everyday to keep it in great condition.  I exercise everyday and eat really well.  It's a lifestyle and having a strong, healthy body makes me feel fantastic!  I still have curves..in fact the ONLY boyfriend jeans that have ever fit right are the ones J Lo, Queen of the booty, produces...thank you girl!  I knew being pregnant would be an adjustment, but I didn't KNOW.

 

The moment I found out we were expecting, people said it would be hard for me to adjust to my changing body.  I had been told that at first you just feel fat, not pregnant.  I WANTED to be pregnant, I marveled at the idea that my body could create and sustain a little life inside, I loved the idea of being a cute pregnant woman, I understood that gaining weight was a great thing in this case and that FINALLY I would be able to eat loads of ice cream :)

 

Here's the thing, knowing and ACCEPTING are two entirely different things.  For years I have been in control of my body, ME!  Now, I have no control over how it's growing and expanding.....and it doesn't happen in the usual, "I've eaten three slices of pizza and I feel bloated way."  My body is changing to make it easier for me to give birth, for my baby to live comfortably inside my belly and I have started with a body that weighs around 100lbs and stands only 4' 11.5" tall...there's NOT a lot of room in there for my little peanut!  So of course things have to move, starting with guess what?  My hips!!  Yup!  All my years of joking that I had child bearing hips and turns out I had no idea. 

 

What I found incredibly frustrating, was that although the scale wasn't moving very much, my clothes were NOT fitting right.  Well of course not!  I'm pregnant, and those white fitted jeans I love to wear so much in the summer are fitted....not fitted with room for three months of baby. 

 

Let me stop here and say I am LOVING being pregnant!  There have been no crazy cravings, I have been blessed with no morning sickness, I am still eating incredibly healthy items because I understand that I am feeding my baby with every bite, yes I am still exercising because it's good for both of us, and every night I read to Rob from a book that tells us what's happening today with the baby and me and then I rub my belly and talk to the baby.  We are creating a miracle and I couldn't be happier!  As soon as this baby acne subsides I'm sure you'll be able to see my pregnancy glow :)  This bog entry is simply to acknowledge a big realization I had, that I'm sure other expectant mothers face...which is why I'm sharing. 

 

So, back to the day of the white jeans.....here was where the shift happened.  Trying on maternity pants....that changed everything....just ask Rob how happy those $17 on sale at Target, Liz Lange maternity pants made everyone :)  All of a sudden, I didn't look like a sausage trying to squeeze into my snug summer pants, I felt good and confident, like the cute pregnant woman I imagined.  Who knew that elastic waist bands could be so comfortable?  I had literally outgrown myself and the moment I stopped trying to fit into that old skin and accepted the new, I felt liberated...giddy really.  I bought two pairs of pants!! 

 

Now we've created a bit of a monster....I've been exposed to a whole new world of retail!  There are TONS of cute maternity clothes out there!  I am having so much fun outfitting my new body...my favorite items are the ones that hug my belly so you can tell I've got a little baby in there...I am now 4.5 months or 18 weeks pregnant and I still have to tell people I'm expecting :)  Let me show you...

 

12 weeks                                                                      16 weeks

 

 

No 18 weeks pic yet....my photographer, daddy, is still sleeping.

This is the most AMAZING thing I have ever done!  Some days I cannot believe how lucky we are and that there is a little life growing inside of me...now the size of a bell pepper.  I have incredible amounts of energy right now, I also have incredible amounts of hormones flowing through me, so everyday is an adventure...probably why daddy's still sleeping. :)  He's the one, who held me when I had a crying fit about "What am I doing with my life and why am I suddenly so crazy?" and calmly said "Honey, you're pregnant, I think you're a little emotional right now."  Or when I stood in front of the mirror and screamed, "The baby doesn't live in my hips and ass, why don't my pants fit?" he replied, "Babe you're pregnant, that's supposed to happen."  That was the day he took me maternity clothes shopping :) 

THIS IS AMAZING and I am loving every minute of it in my elastic band pants! (Which I just discovered are intended to be ankle length pants, but not on this gal...perfect floor length and no hemming required!) I have released my old skin and am embracing the new!!

Recently my sister took me to a GREAT maternity consignment shop in Charlotte, NC called Womb
We had so much fun trying on all kinds of things...including a baby bump!

Moms-to-be, embrace the belly band (lets you wear your current pants longer, unbuttoned!), try the elastic waist...you'll like it, just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't look good, rouching on a top is our friend and quite flattering. This is NOT shallow, this is human nature. When we look good, we feel good.  And you know what?  Shame on the fashion world for ignoring us!  Right now everyone has their thick fall fashion issues on the stands, but there is not one magazine or website that shows us expectant moms how to make the most of OUR curves!  Yes, I get this is not the most important part of pregnancy....my primary job is to care for my baby.  I AM!  But I can look good while I'm doing it can't I?



It's National Friendship Day!!! Bring a friend for FREE!

I LOVE that's theres a day celebrating friendship!!!  I just spent a weekend away with some of my oldest and dearest friends and there is NOTHING like great friends.  So we're celebrating!!!

This Wednesday morning when you come with a friend to class, you only pay for one person!  That's right....$20 for two peeps to share the intenSati experience!  What could be better than giving your friend the gift of good health and inspiration??

**this will be our last class in August....we'll take a two week summer break and return on Wednesday, September 5

Check out this pic to see my AMAZING friends giving my growing baby some love :)  I wish they could be with us on Wednesday!!!  How about you bring your friends so I won't miss mine?!?!?!

xo,
J

photo by Lynn Scott

WOW!!!

Today's class was FANTASTIC!!  I think I may have burned 900 calories instead of our usual 800 :)  THANK YOU ALL for bringing it today!

Special congrats to our mommy friend who after YEARS of trying all kinds of methods of motherhood, has just adopted a beautiful baby boy!!!!  We were celebrating YOU today!

Speaking of celebrations........we're having another one NEXT WEEK!!

Because we will NOT be having class on Wednesday, May 30, due to the Memorial Day Holiday, we are having our MOMMY TALK one week early!!!  (class will resume on Wednesday, June 6)

I am thrilled to announce the return of the lovely and talented Erin Williams, owner of Erin's Faces!  This time she's talking summer skincare for you and your family. She will have samples of her amazing and natural skincare and makeup line!

 

Drumroll please.............Erin will also be giving away a FREE product from her amazing line and I will be giving away a FREE class to one lucky winner!! How do you win? Easy...

Step 1: sign up to receive Erin's blog
Step 2: if you're not already subscribed to mine....hop on the list here on this page!
Step 3: come to class on Wednesday, May 23 and be entered into the drawing for the fabulous prizes....it's ALL going to ONE LUCKY WINNER!!!

AND....the fantastic peeps at Lolë Showtique NYC have given me these gorgeous summer scarves to give away to the FIRST TEN PEOPLE who tell me they're coming to class in the comments section below!!

Sati, skincare, scarves, sassy warriors!!! This Mommy Talk is gonna be one to remember! 

Don't forget to sign up for the blogs so you can win prizes, RSVP for class to get your scarf and tell me if you need childcare from the incredible professionals from Lucky Lil' Darlings (24-hour advance RSVP required)!!!

Invite your friends!!   (They don't have to be mommies....they just have to enjoy working out next to some pretty inspiring ones!)

We're building a community and getting some sweaty inspiration (almost) every Wednesday at Ripley Grier 72 @ 131 W. 72nd St!

See you in class!
Jolynn

NO class tomorrow, Wednesay, May 9, but FUN stuff ahead!

image from http://chibird.tumblr.com/

 

It's a BIG May full of changes & celebrations!!!  Please read carefully because there is A LOT going on and I don't want you to miss a bit of it!

First, a friendly reminder that we're giving moms the day off from class tomorrow, Wednesday, May 9, BUT we'll be back to class the following Wednesday, May 16! 

THEN, on Wednesday, May 23, we are having our MOMMY TALK one week early!!! 

I am thrilled to announce that the lovely and talented Erin Williams, owner of  Erin's Faces will make a repeat performance at our monthly talk.  This time she's talking summer skincare for you and your family.  She will have samples of her amazing and natural skincare and makeup line!



WAIT!  It gets better...on May 23, Erin will be giving away a FREE product from her amazing line and I will be giving away a FREE class to one lucky winner!!  How do you win?  Easy...

Step 1: sign up to receive Erin's blog
Step 2: if you're not already subscribed to mine....hop on the list here on this page! 
Step 3: come to class on Wednesday, May 23 and be entered into the drawing for the fabulous prizes....it's ALL going to ONE LUCKY WINNER!!!

Finally, because of the Memorial Day Holiday, we will NOT have class on Wednesday, May 30. 

We'll resume classes on Wednesday, June 6.

Whew!  That's it!  Come join the intenSati fun!!  Invite your friends!!  We're building a community and getting some sweaty inspiration (almost) every Wednesday at Ripley Grier 72 @ 131 W. 72nd St!

See you in class,
Jolynn

April showers bring May flowers!!!

I want OUR garden to GROW!!!!  Sooooo for the ENTIRE month of April, when you bring a friend to class....it's 2 for the price of 1!!

Yes, you both can come for the drop-in rate of $20...that's $10 / person!  (Childcare costs additional.)

No, there is no limit to the amount of times you may do this....bring a friend EVERY week!!!  I am raining savings so our garden is flourishing in May! 

Spread the love, forward this note, it applies to EVERYONE!!  New AND current students!

Can't wait to see you!
xo,
j

New month, new series!

RSVP today for childcare tomorrow :)

courtesy of Karen Salmansohn

This month’s series all started brewing in my brain when I watched this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqkKa3bDb2o&sns=fb

I have too many seeds that I’m trying to water!!  For some time now, I have essentially been CEO, CMO, COO, creative director, executive assistant & office manager of THREE businesses while trying to start a family, settling into a new home, be a newlywed and a good friend & family member.  Guess what?  There’s not enough water for all of the seeds!!  Sound familiar to anyone? 

So this month I’m going to focus on ONE business and give it tons of energy, support, focus and see what happens!  But guess what?  I’m a little scared…cuz it’s the one I REALLY want and I keep letting fear hold me back cuz the more you want something, the more fear comes up to greet you, and my words were reflecting this!

The words we choose with which to speak about our lives MATTER!  I know this, but I needed a reminder.  Fortunately, I have smart friends who reminded me J  I’m now doing the same for you. 

Lucky for me, I have a power posse of women….we hold each other accountable for what we say we’re going to do, who we say we want to be, etc.  The other night I was saying things like “I’m trying to start…..I want to try…..I need to figure out…..”  These lovely ladies gently suggested that I change the way I speak about my dream because even the language I was using suggested I wasn’t REALLY in the game.  They’re right!  Our words matter…it’s why we use them in class! 

YES our desires come from our heart, but if we don’t also support them with our thoughts, our words and our actions, we’re nothing more than dreamers and we are WARRIORS!  We SAY what we want, who we want to be, and we DO it!

So, NO MORE TRYING, I AM IN IT!!   

If you’re willing to BE IN IT with me this month, tell me how in the comments section below.

Soooo excited to be IN THE GAME with you!!!

xo,

j

WHAT WE’RE SAYIN THIS MONTH

My passion is my focus

All worries melt away
No more trying, I am in it
I am livin’ large today!

What I want is here right now

Who I am, I celebrate
If I can see it, I can be it
Joy is mine, I will not wait!

I play full out
I believe in me
I do my best
I set my dreams free!

I am stronger than I know

I’m inspired everyday
Oh the places I will go
When love leads the way!

I water one seed
I feed one flower
I live my dream
Every minute every hour

Very exciting......

I just designed sparkly new postcards for class!!!!  Now it will be even easier to spread the word about this amazing energy we're stirring every Wednesday morning! Do you know some place that should have a stack?  Tell me!!

February's FREE gift!!

Happy Tuesday!!

It's the month of love and to show mine for you, I have a GIFT!!!!  When you purchase a class four-pack, starting at just $60, you get a copy of this fantastic cook book for FREE!!

"Now, in MY FATHER'S DAUGHTER, Paltrow offers personal stores of growing up, tips on how to involve kids in cooking and balance healthy foods with homemade treats, and, most important, her belief that sharing food with friends and family is one of the best ways to show love." - from her book jacket

Giving YOU this book is one of the best ways I know how to show love right NOW!! 

RSVP for childcare today...see you in class tomorrow at 9:30 @ Ripley Grier 72!

Q & A with the VERY pregnant, VERY inspiring Natalia Petrzela!

Are you wondering WHAT IS intenSati? Are you pregnant and think “I can’t do that while I’m expecting”? Do you have a child and tell yourself “I don’t have time to workout”? Are you finding it tough to motivate yourself to just do it? Do you want a child and yearn for a supportive community where you can have questions asked, fears laid to rest, and encouragement given? Read on…….

intenSati superstar, college professor and supermom, Natalia Petrzela graciously and beautifully gave me her perspective on the incredible ways intenSati has changed her body, improved her life and made her a fantastic mom!  AND she is expecting her second child VERY VERY soon...check out her inspiring picture.  Think you can't do intenSati while you're pregnant?  Think again!!

Natalia, how long have you been teaching intenSati?

5-PLUS YEARS, SINCE 2007.

What made you decide to become a leader?

DESPITE LOVING MY CHOSEN CAREER IN ACADEMIA, I HAD ALWAYS "MADE THE JOKE" THAT "IN ANOTHER LIFE I WOULD BE AN AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR" SINCE I SO ADORED GROUP FITNESS AND TAKING CLASSES HAD REALLY TRANSFORMED MY RELATION TO MY PHYSICALITY AND SELF MORE BROADLY. WHEN I STARTED TAKING INTENSATI IN 2005, I NOT ONLY FOUND THE BEST GROUP FITNESS CLASS I HAD EVER TAKEN, BUT IT TAUGHT ME THAT ANY SENTENCE THAT BEGINS 'IN ANOTHER LIFE I WOULD..." IS BS! IF YOU REALLY WANT SOMETHING, YOU CAN MAKE TIME FOR IT IN THIS LIFE! IN 2007, PATRICIA MORENO BEGAN TRAINING LEADERS, AND THERE I WAS, READY TO GO (BUT NOT WITHOUT SOME BIG CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME IN TERMS OF MY TOTAL LACK OF SKILLS AS A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR!)

What would you say is the biggest benefit you have felt from making intenSati part of your life?

INTENSATI HAS NOT ONLY KEPT ME IN THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS (AND TWO PREGNANCIES), BUT IT HAS MADE ME BETTER AT ALL I DO. IT HAS EXPANDED MY PERCEPTION OF WHAT I AM CAPABLE OF, AND HAS EMPOWERED ME TO GO FOR HIGHER LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE EVERYWHERE FROM GYM TO CAREER TO MOTHERHOOD.

You're a mom to a fantastic little boy, with another child on the way. Do you think this practice has helped you with motherhood, and/or pregnancy in ways unique from other workouts?

ABSOLUTELY. IN THE BROADEST, MOST PHILOSOPHICAL SENSE, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ATTRACTED TO INTENSATI BECAUSE I THINK IT PROMOTES A REALLY HEALTHFUL BALANCE BETWEEN FOCUSING ON YOURSELF AND BEING OF SERVICE TO OTHERS, AND ALSO ARTICULATES HOW THOSE TWO GOALS CAN BE MUTUALLY REINFORCING. UNDERSTANDING THAT BALANCE, I THINK, IS CRUCIAL TO BEING A GREAT MOM BECAUSE IT CHALLENGES THE REDUCTIVE IDEA THAT THE BEST MOM IS JUST ONE WHO LOGS IN THE MOST HOURS WITH/THINKING ABOUT HER CHILD. WHILE I HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR STAY-AT-HOME MOTHERS, I THINK INTENSATI HAS GIVEN ME THE TOOLS TO DEVOTE MYSELF WHOLLY TO MOTHERHOOD WHILE STILL GIVING TREMENDOUS ENERGY TO OTHER AREAS OF MY LIFE. A LOT OF THAT HAS TO DO WITH ONE OF MY FAVORITE AFFIRMATIONS: "COMPLAINING IS A WASTE OF TIME!" ONCE YOU ARE AWARE OF HOW MANY UNPRODUCTIVE THOUGHTS YOU HAVE IN A DAY, AND YOU CLEAR THOSE OUT, YOU HAVE SO MUCH TIME TO DEVOTE TO SO MANY THINGS! IN A MORE CONCRETE SENSE, INTENSATI IS A GREAT WORKOUT FOR PRETTY MUCH ANY WOMAN, AND CAN BE MODIFIED THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY RIGHT UNTIL THE END! THE SHAPE INTENSATI HAS GOTTEN ME IN DEFINITELY HELPED ME STAY FIT IN PREGNANCY AND BOUNCE BACK QUICKLY AFTERWARDS. I'M CONFIDENT IT WILL WORK THIS TIME TOO!

What do you think of combining the workout of intenSati with the community building for future and current moms?

I THINK IT IS GREAT. ESPECIALLY ONCE YOU HAVE A CHILD, IT BECOMES THAT MUCH HARDER TO CARVE OUT TIME TO SOCIALIZE. IF YOU ENJOY THE PEOPLE YOU EXERCISE WITH, IT MOTIVATES YOU TO GO WORK OUT. I ALSO THINK THAT THIS COMMUNITY IS NOT JUST LIKE ANY GROUP YOU WOULD MEET AT THE GYM - BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF INTENSATI, IT TENDS TO BE A VERY POSITIVE, SUPPORTIVE CROWD, WHICH IS ESPECIALLY WELCOME DURING THE INEVITABLE CHALLENGES OF MOTHERHOOD!

As a mom and instructor, what does offering on-site childcare during class mean to you?
IT MEANS MORE PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE, WHICH IS FANTASTIC!
 

We have a monthly "Mommy Talk" about relevant topics that can help new moms, those who might want to be someday and those who are well on the motherhood path.....what is something you wish you had known before you had your son?

I WISH PEOPLE HAD BEEN A LITTLE MORE HONEST ABOUT SOME OF THE YUCKINESS OF DELIVERY AND RECOVERY... THAT WAS BY FAR THE HARDEST PART OF MY PREGNANCY, AND I WAS A LITTLE SURPRISED! THE GOOD NEWS FOR MOMS TO BE IS THAT IT ALL PASSES.

What is something you want to know now as you're about to bring another baby into the world?!
AS INTENSATI-CIZED AS I AM, THERE IS A LITTLE VOICE IN MY HEAD THAT SAYS "OK, SO YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP ALL THE BALLS IN THE AIR WITH ONE KID, BUT DO YOU SERIOUSLY THINK YOU CAN MANAGE IT WITH TWO? COME ON..." I KIND OF WANT TO KNOW THAT I DEFINITELY CAN HANDLE IT ALL, BUT THEN AGAIN, CONVINCING MYSELF IS PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE WORK, SO I AM TRYING TO CHOOSE TO ENJOY THE UNCERTAINTY, AND TO CHANNEL IT INTO AN EXCITED SENSE OF ANTICIPATION RATHER THAN ANXIETY.

You are in your third trimester of pregnancy with your second child now, and you go FULL OUT when you teach, how long before your due date will you continue to teach?

AS LONG AS I CAN! I HAVE BEEN MODIFYING WHAT I DO AS MY BODY TELLS ME I CAN MOVE DIFFERENTLY AT THIS POINT, AND I WILL KEEP DOING SO RIGHT UNTIL... I NO LONGER CAN. I LOVE THAT I CAN KEEP TEACHING WHILE PREGNANT, AND THAT PEOPLE ARE INSPIRED IN DIFFERENT WAYS BY HAVING A VERY PREGNANT INSTRUCTOR.
 

How soon after you gave birth to your son did you return to the studio?

5 WEEKS, TO THE DAY! I HAD THE CHECKUP WITH MY DOCTOR IN THE AFTERNOON, AND HEADED STRAIGHT TO THE GYM TO TAKE PATRICIA'S INTENSATI CLASS! I TAUGHT A FEW DAYS LATER AND WAS SOOO HAPPY TO BE BACK.
 

You are such an inspiration because you looked even BETTER after you gave birth!!! How did intenSati help you get your your fab bod?

AS I MENTIONED, THE WORKOUT IS UNPARALLELED, BUT I THINK MOST IMPORTANTLY IT GAVE ME THE TOOLS, LANGUAGE, AND CONFIDENCE TO SAY "I'M COMING BACK BETTER THAN EVER!" RATHER THAN TO SETTLE INTO THE KIND OF COMPLACENT LANGUAGE I OFTEN HEAR WOMEN USE ABOUT THEIR BODIES AFTER HAVING A BABY. IT IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE THAT IT IS HARDER THAN EVER TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR FITNESS ONCE YOU HAVE A KID TO TAKE CARE OF, AND EASY TO SETTLE FOR "JUST OK." BUT IT IS FAR FROM IMPOSSIBLE! INTENSATI ENABLED ME TO GO FOR GREATNESS AND TO REALIZE THE GOAL I HAD OF GETTING IN THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE BEFORE GETTING PREGNANT WITH MY SECOND A LITTLE LESS THAN 2 YEARS LATER.

What's the hardest thing about practicing intenSati while you're pregnant?**

THE HARDEST THING IS THAT YOU REALLY DO HAVE TO HOLD BACK A BIT TO STAY WITHIN THE SAFE RANGE OF THE RPE (RATE OF PERCEIVED EXERTION) SCALE, AND YOU JUST DON'T WANT TO HOLD BACK IN A CLASS THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO PUSH, PUSH, PUSH!

What's the best thing?

THE BEST THING IS BEING ABLE TO KEEP DOING A CLASS YOU LOVE AND KNOW THAT IT IS SAFE TO CONTINUE DURING PREGNANCY...

Thank you Natalia!!!! You inspire me even more today than you did yesterday!

Join us Wednesdays for intenSati for Mommies!

9:30am, Ripley Grier 72, 131 W. 72^nd St.
24-hour advanced RSVP required for on-site childcare from Lucky Lil' Darlings

** We always want to be aware of your heart rate and that it is not rising, falling or working at too high a rate. Because we speak affirmations throughout class, you are always monitoring this. If you can't speak, you're working too hard. Also, a good warm up and cool down is essential for pregnant women...we need to make sure there is proper blood flow to the uterus and your heart. IntenSati incorporates a gradual warm up AND cool down. In fact, after the cardio portion of class we do a lower body strengthening section before we stretch to ensure your heart rate is safely slowing down.

More and more studies are being done on the benefits of exercise during pregnancy but you know your body best. Please listen to it. If something doesn't feel good to you, don't do it. This class is designed to let you work at the level of intensity appropriate for you.

Of course, ALWAYS speak with a doctor before beginning an exercise program. However, the general rule is if you've been active it's beneficial to stay active.