After presenting to a group of new moms about how to strengthen their core, I realized that the majority of information about how to exercise is designed around male bodies. As mothers our physical needs and demands are very different. Crunches and sit ups don’t help tighten our tummies or make carrying a sleeping baby in a car seat any easier.

If you are a new or expecting mom and want guidance about how to regain your core strength and stability you can buy a package of 3, 30 minute in home personal training sessions for $120 during June.

It can be hard to get out of the house with a new baby, so I will come to you to customize a workout plan that works for you. We will establish goals, define metrics and establish a plan for you to achieve your goals. Get in touch if you are a new or expecting mom and want support on regaining core strength and stability!

Many professionals in the health world are now saying that sitting is the new smoking. Sitting is hard on your body in a variety of ways. It strains your low back, doesn’t engage your posterior chain (the back of your legs) and decreases your metabolism.

Here are some tips if you spend a lot of time sitting.

• Try to stand. Contact HR, your office manager or whoever may be in charge of ordering office equipment and get a sit/stand workstation.
• Try to move around during the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, take time to walk to the water cooler or take the long way to your next meeting.
• Do little movements. Roll your neck and shoulders throughout the day. spread your fingers wide apart and squeeze your shoulders blades together.
• Squat. Squatting is one of the best things you can do for your health, it relieves your low back, engages your legs, opens your hips and enhances digestion. We were designed to squat.
• Stretch and exercise. After work make time to move your body, get your heart rate up and stretch.

I’m looking forward to participating in this years Bay Area Dance Week. Studios, organizations and artist all over the Bay Area host free classes and workshops. I’ve signed myself up for a few classes and am really looking forward to meeting some new people. Check out the schedule at BayAreaDance.org.

From an early age I suffered from chronic stomach aches. As a young teen I discovered I had food allergies and sensitivities. That set me on my path to learning about wellness and nutrition.

After I graduated from UC Berkeley, I moved to the mountains and started a goat and sheep farm. I spent the next several years deeply immersed in the agricultural world. I explored, read, visited and listened to anyone who had something to say about food or farming. I became an activist for share-holder dairies and contributed to local and statewide legislation.

When California legalized the sales of raw milk from family farms, I felt that my time on the farm was over. I packed up and headed back to city life to complete a business program. I started a digestion-centric meal subscription business but with a new baby, getting into the kitchen was a challenge, so I hung up my apron.

I have always lived an active life. When I finally looked in the mirror after 3 years of devoting my time to someone else, I noticed cellulite forming on my thighs. While I pondered my next professional move,  I focused on my self care. I’ve never been a “gym person” but I knew I had to get moving. I signed up for the nearest and cheapest gym possible, after my first zumba class I thought “I could do this.”  

Dance combined with the breath worth of Yoga tapped into my love of movement and gave me a newfound appreciation for the breath work and grounding aspects of Yoga. I followed up with a courses on nutrition coaching and a personal trainer certification. When I reflect on the business’s I’ve started and projects I’ve worked on, I see a culmination of this moment. I am here to help others on their journeys to being their best selves through diet, spiritual guidance and exercise. I hope you will let me be a part of your journey to wellness and get in touch.

Commit to loving yourself this summer by signing up for an 8 week summer series on Saturday mornings. Preregistration is required through the Alameda Parks and Recreation Department. We will be meeting on Saturday Mornings at 9:30 at the Alameda Veterans Building room 250.

Also I’m on the cover! 🙂

Self Care is important and I want to make this movement practice to everyone who wants to fall in love with their workout. Join me on the first Monday and Wednesday of the month at Rhythmix Cultural Works for sliding scale classes.

Come love yourself, get sweaty and feel centered for $8-25 on the first Monday and Wednesday of the month.

It can be hard to find time to work out, especially with kids. I created a class for parents to get moving with their kids. Setting a good example is important. I read an article, “5 Self-Care Strategies That aren’t Fucking Mani-Pedis” by Kate McCombs about sustainable self-care that resonated with me. She claims

People who are socialized as women can struggle with self-care because they have been taught their value is in caring for others, often to the detriment of their own wellbeing; they fight against the notion that self-care is at best indulgent and at worst deeply selfish.

I want to set a good example for my daughter. I want her to prioritize her self care so that she is able to take care of others. How are you caring for yourself this week?

Join me on a Saturday March 25 for a special 75 minute Buti Yoga Class accompanied by live drumming. We will be moving to the beats of of Brett Deptula, a lifelong musician and yoga teacher.

March 25, 11-12:15

Portal 18 Oakland, 2934 Ford St #18, Oakland

Space is limited and walk-ins will not be accepted, tickets are available here.

I’m thinking of doing a Buti class for mamas to bring their babies and tots to. Anyone interested in trying it out?

Because the world is full of craziness right now I think it is critical that we practice self care and create community. Practicing Buti makes me feel grounded, which helps me address all the ugliness that is happening with love and compassion.

Call a friend and makes plans to come to Buti together and you both can come for $10. Lets support each other by strengthening ourselves and and our bonds.