To be a mom is to have a day jam packed with taking care of everybody else. In between feeding, cleaning and driving we can barely get 3 sips of coffee before it goes cold. Often we end up parking ourselves on the back burner, and our mojo slips away.
Five women decided to carve out some “me time” and focus on themselves, in order to feel good again. Along the way they learned that by taking care of themselves they got happier, had more energy and were better moms. Mama mojo found!
Leisa, Mom to four little ones (9, 6, 4 and 20 mo.)
I knew I needed a change when a manicurist asked me when I was due, alongside my friend who actually was pregnant. I told her I had delivered my baby 14 months before! I was stuck in an unfamiliar body, tired and ashamed. After three tough pregnancies, terrible morning sickness and 60 pound weight gains I was exhausted.
I heard about Mama Bootcamp and knew I had nothing to lose. I could commit to 1 workout a week, doing the rest on my own time. Lorri Ann, creator and coach, mapped me out a plan for success with a whole body workout, a meal plan and plenty of encouragement. In 8 weeks I lost 36 inches and felt my balance return. I felt amazing, more confident and strong!
Soon, I was running up hills—yes running! My kids joined in too. They ate more veggies along with me, charted how much water we drank and began to exercise with me.
Because of complications with my fourth pregnancy I wasn’t able to continue. So I am here again, ready to be transformed under Lorri Ann’s guidance! It’s my second tour of Bootcamp and I am seeing results and thrilled to be running again. My husband has even broken his running shoes out to join me! I want to show my kids that daily exercise is a way of life—a healthy way to achieve goals!
“Talk about results, Mama Bootcamp delivers! It is an amazing group of women—
super supportive, non-competitive and encouraging of each other!” — Leisa
Linda, Mom to Allison & Aiden (7), Austin (5), Ashlyn (2)
I had twins and then two more children, at one point three were in diapers. My body had a large fold of stretched out skin (twin skin) which hung over my waistband. My breasts were different sizes and deflated from so much nursing. I felt depressed. I was in a funk and had no energy, so I drank soda and coffee all day long.
Finally, I had had it and I showed my dad, who has now passed away, my stomach. He said whenever I was ready he would pay for me to have the surgery. A birthday party sent me over the edge. A dad of another child said to me “do you think you should be bouncing around like that in your condition?” I told him I wasn’t pregnant – just fat. I was so fed up with wearing a size 16 and nothing fit, it all hung on the ground. I was the mom in Keds, sweatpants and bad hair.
The surgery was the first time I did something for me, not for my kids or my husband. I had a breast lift and actually went smaller and had a tummy tuck. I wasn’t looking to be some ‘big boobs’ type body, I just wanted to feel good about myself. After the surgery I lost 30 pounds right away and now after a lot of exercising and healthy eating I wear a size zero!
I did it for me, but it also made me a better mom. I can keep up with my kids now and I because I am healthier I will be around longer for them. My whole life has changed. I have confidence now, something I never had before and I feel healthy and happy!
Katie, Mom to Ames (2)
Chomping on potato chips for breakfast one morning, I ponder the fact that my routine isn’t the best. Since having my son, Ames, almost three years ago, I’ve gained a bit of weight. Sitting at a desk at a new job hasn’t helped.
I need to change my eating habits, but more importantly, do something to prevent the slow spread of my derriere. Since I spend my time chasing around a toddler, I need to be efficient. I decided to try barre work.
“With barre work your muscles get so fatigued, but that’s the goal.” Stacey Armijo (The Dailey Method) explains, “Embrace the shakiness. That’s the best way to feel your body change.” I took shakiness to a whole new level, even sitting down at one point.
I had a tough time with this workout, but the most important thing is that I showed up. I’ve signed up for more punishment -I mean workouts! I want to maintain my individuality and well-being, so that I am a healthy example, both physically and mentally for my son!
Shannon, Mom to Payton (7)
& Daphne (4)
When I moved to Sacramento I left behind some of my best friends. Then I got married and my husband and I would take off on a moment’s notice. We traveled through Europe, our weekends were full, and oh the stories I could tell!
Well, those stories - I was hanging on to them, reminiscing about the good old days. That’s when I realized I had I’m-just-a-Mom syndrome. As much as I love being a mommy, I wondered what had happened to my mojo, my friendships and to the person that my husband fell in love with.
When one of my neighbors told me she was starting a book club, my first thought was that it sounded a little nerdy and buttoned up. I hadn’t read a book in three years. Then I thought, stop the excuses, it’s a reason for us to hang out -count me in!
Turns out I love it. Now, I find a quiet spot, curl up with my coffee and settle in to read. We are a group of moms who get together to drink wine and try different foods. Sometimes we talk about the book, sometimes we don’t. There were books I just couldn’t will myself to finish and ones that I loved (The Help by Kathryn Stockett). It’s my escape, my sanity, my well deserved time out!
Lisa, Mom to April (6) & Ryan (4)
Being a stay-at-home mom for the past 6 years took its toll. My routine was little makeup, a ponytail and ratty yoga pants. It seemed pointless to wear nice clothes because for the most part I felt like a human napkin. I focused on my children.
When I finally went back to work I felt lost. Looking polished and professional was a skill that eluded me. Jill Petersen, owner of Byuti salon in Sacramento offered herself as a fairy godmother of sorts. Jill and her team wanted to give me 4 hour makeover– a complete overhaul. Are you kidding me? I was so there!
The makeover taught me some good lessons, like how to cover under eye circles, but the best part was that Jill cut my hair into a shape that will look good without products or blow drying. Jill is not only a gifted hair dresser, but she is also the mom of 4.
I left Byuti with a high I hadn’t had in years, inspired to invest more in my appearance. The other day I put on a dress and boots and my daughter said “oh, Mommy.” I threw my old yoga pants in the trash. I am back in the world again.
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