The Fitness Belle

Truthful update: Sooo after I healed…I did my own physical therapy, built up the muscle in the atrophied leg, got back into good shape, lost 50 lbs (delivery weight was 197-dropped down to 147lb) in 6 months which is healthy weight loss—(I know this process like the back of my hand 🙄) then from July 2023 to the holidays I ATE and DRANK myself silly….why? Idk..I think I just felt I deserved to let loose and celebrate my triumph in what I had endured..I was a steam engine with tunnel vision.. and after just got tired and distracted….then BAM in Jan 2024 it hit me….what have I done? lol I put back 30 lbs!!!!! I knew what was happening and I just didn’t care, wasn’t in the right headspace…kind of felt lost and forgot who I once was, it’s easy to have that happen in motherhood…anyways back to the drawing board—Feb 1, I decided to get on track for myself and my family. These images are from the summer, but once I get the guts…..I’ll share where I’m at now 😰🫣and my new workout space 😳😵‍💫…also part of the problem I faced was deciding where my new workout area was going to be, I’ve learned that as much as I like having my sons see me exercise (because it’s important to model self care to them), I don’t like them in the space with me when I’m kicking my own ass/sweating, lifting heavy weights, doing my plyometrics and focusing on my form..so I’ve had to relocate my space a few times now since delivering my 3rd son. I’ve finally found a spot that works..for now at least lol 😆anyways will continue to share what this process looks like for me in upcoming posts…big takeaway, be forgiving of yourself, get back on track, or “back to drawing board” as I like to say, and figure out what is working for you versus what is not allowing you to be consistent in your fitness habits —whether it be the location, the mindset, the routine, etc.

Hi! —it’s been a while since I posted here! Lol 😆 I’m back in the ring, pregnant with my third son, but this time as promised to myself, I’m exercising throughout my pregnancy. Only 15 weeks in and a long way left to go! I’ll check in periodically with any updates I feel that would be good to share and things I notice along the way pertaining to my fitness level. So far, feeling good and more limber than my previous pregnancies, I am more energized and overall happier! First trimester was very tough this time around— felt crappy, the workouts were the ONLY thing to help in lessening the nausea and to increase my stamina. Goals for second trimester: continue to use exercise to help make the expected weight gain gradual and steady and to feel healthy and strong throughout the rest of the pregnancy. No cutting/counting calories, eating intuitively and entirely vegan/plant-based as usual, aiming for at least 3-4 workouts weekly—I’ve trained numerous pregnant people, now it’s time to apply my knowledge to my own prenatal routine🤰🏻😃💪🏼wish me luck!

On this day every year I wake up feeling this immense sadness from the horrific events that took place on 9/11/01. The day always begins as an extremely emotional one for me and remains somber mostly till the end. My workout today served as a release for some of those feelings and I am glad I pushed myself to train even though my mind was initially elsewhere and my focus was off. Never forget the bravery seen on that day and all the precious lives lost..🖤

I tend to carry my weight in my bottom half. It’s the first place I gain and the last place I lose. Yes, that means cellulite can be seen there too. Sure, there is less of it if I lose weight and there could be more at times if I gain. I’ve decided I don’t mind it much at this point in my life because you know what….. it’s all MINE, it belongs to ME lol and I proudly own every little indentation that’s there. I’m a woman and mother of two. I accept my body and to me, cellulite, is minutiae in the grand scheme of all things fitness related. So try not to spend too much time dwelling over it, I think you’ll see that it’s trivial indicator of how fit you are. If you find that you fixate on your cellulite, refocus your lens on your heart heart or the strength you are gaining. Even when I was at my lightest weight it was STILL present, so ladies I think it’s safe to say that for some of us it may always be around and well that’s just fine by me! Anyway, workout is done and it’s time to go back to mom-ing! Lol

Heyyyy—- look who decided to move their computer into the workout room! Lol so riddle me this, I’ve taught so many in person classes along with doing countless training sessions, but for some reason or another, I’ve never personally felt comfortable video taping my own workouts or being on camera in any situation come to think of it. Which is why I’m thinking, maybe it’s time! After all, I do love the saying “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” so maybe I’ll just have to apply that phrase to being on camera and record some workouts already .. I’ve also been tap dancing around possible giving a zoom class! After I learn how to set it up that is 😂DM if any of my former Belles or newcomers would be interested.

Let’s talk abs! I usually work my abs through full body compound movements. I don’t really do a lot of crunches or floor work for the mid section. I feel abs can be engaged during other exercises such as burpees..running..squats with overhead press, lunges with curls, planks variations, etc…keep in mind some exercises that you don’t think strengthen abs, actually DO, even if they are only being targeted secondary. For me, that’s good enough. Of course it all depends on what you are trying to achieve and the look you’re trying to get.
Do remember though, if you’re putting in work at the gym and are concerned you’re not ‘seeing’ abs as much as you think you should be, it may be time to think about your diet. Reflect on my two favorite sayings 1) You cannot outrun your diet
2) Abs are “made” in the kitchen!
I agree with both. I see that when my diet is tight and I’m mindful of my portions and water intake, I find that the abdominals that are existing and strong from all my hard work, can actually then be SEEN!
By creating a calorie deficit through both exercise AND diet, I am able to see the defined muscles come through as the layer of fat that rest atop them goes away alongside any extra lbs I’m trying to rid myself of. Creating a calorie deficit to facilitate weight loss for is hard to do entirely through exercise, which is why tracking calories may be the answer to your problem. For me, the work that needs to happen now to get my abs to show through even more, isn’t needed in my home workout space, it is however, most DEFINITELY needed when I prepare my meals lol! So I’m to focus on that this week!

When I workout the only thing I put on my feet are ASICS. It is the only sneaker that doesn’t give me plantar fasciitis, which was something I struggled with long ago wearing different brands that I won’t mention.. lol cough cough Nike …I’m just not a fan of their sneakers, their other apparel I have no issues with..but ASICS Kayano are my favorite sneaker which many of my former clients know already! I swear by them and recommend them especially for cross training. I truly believe all issues start from the bottom up, so take care of your feet, people!…if your feet hurt, next it could be your knees…hips..back..then limbs..neck etc so don’t mess around and get a silly injury that’ll set you back because you’re wearing silly shoes for whatever your activity is.

For any new followers: Life is funny! Sometimes you have a plan and then find yourself somewhere different than what you had initially envisioned. This happened to me. After graduate school I did not seek employment teaching physical education, which was what I had studied. I had been so engulfed in teaching fitness as a personal trainer and class instructor that I decided to make the part time job I had during school, my full time one post-graduation! I mean why not? I was young, without kids and knew if I was to try to make this a career the time had to be then! In May 2012, I made a gym space down in my basement where I would do one on one training and small group sessions with clients by appointment only. I decided it was time to expand my small home business by renting a larger commercial space in March 2014. I ran The Fitness Belle, my boutique fitness studio designed for women, till I closed it down in December 2019 to be home with my children. This was undoubtedly the right choice for me. However, I think of The Fitness Belle often and it will always bring me only the fondest of memories to reflect upon. It was a part of my life I am very proud of. When I put on that tank top or see my old logo I still kind of feel like that girl training clients all day and teaching classes while trying to learn business on a whim.. lol I think I’m definitely a better teacher than business woman, but I’m ok with that! I learned sooo much about entrepreneurship and people. The experiences the studio gave me were some of the most invaluable ones I’ve come to know in my life, so far. I do miss the space I set up, the faces I’d see on the daily and my exceptional staff. But there is no place I’d rather be than home with my children. I am so grateful for this time. So moving on..how do I get my fitness in with two little ones? Well, if I can’t always time the kids’ nap/tv hour perfectly, then I ask my husband or my mom to give me my hour to workout (when it’s possible). They know it’s a priority for me and I appreciate them helping make time so The Fitness Belle can at least stay in shape! 😜💪🏼💋

Yep, decided to take an off day. Walked in to my workout room and walked right on out, lol! Resting and relaxing. Listen to your body, give it what it needs. I’m able now to know the difference between wanting to skip a workout versus needing to skip a workout/resting my muscles. So I’ll see ya tomorrow, weights!

Drink your water, people 💦 Been getting in 3 miles every couple days, feels good to be running again. I do intervals where I jog slow and then sprint, etc. My timed mile is like 2 min slower than it used to be 😭lol that’s ok, I’m hoping to improve my time as I run more often. It’s been a while, so I’m just trying to go easy on myself and not feel too bad about it. Running leans me out and does something good to my overall physique, so I like to incorporate it alongside alternating days with the other high intensity interval training and weight lifting that I do. It’s just super hot sometimes when I go, so it’s imperative to hydrate. Some former clients would tell me, Steph, if I drink too much water I’ll be peeing all the time…I’d reply good, glad everything’s working right! lol But seriously the more water you drink the better your body gets at using it where it needs…like when you water a super dry plant the water goes straight to the bottom at first, but as the plant gets used to receiving the water it needs, it gets absorbed more efficiently and there you go, you’re not peeing all the time anymore or not as much when you become the well watered plant ..I’m Greek I can’t help it I love analogies—lol anyways, drink up buttercups 💪🏼