The Fit Skool | by Kelly

October 7, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
4 Comments

10 Month Baby & Postpartum Update

I’m not so sure that you all enjoy these baby & postpartum updates, but writing them helps me reflect on the past month and all the progress that Ava and I have made together.

She has grown drastically this month, both physically and mentally. This past month has been by far my favorite month with Ava.

Ava is 19 1/2lbs and 29 1/2 inches long! (she is in 98th percentile for length) I am still pulling for a basketball player or a rockette.

New Things for Ava

Ava is now WALKING… she is getting more brave and stronger each day. It started out with 1 step, then 2, then 8, then 10. Pretty soon she will be running
She loves pancakes, eggs, apples, pineapple, squash, sweet potatoes, meatballs, chicken, green beans, etc

Her absolute favorite fruit is a banana, the girl can already eat 1/2 of it in one sitting. Her appetite is just like mine.
You can give her cheerios any time of day and she will eat them
She likes her sippy cup. We only give her water right now.
Ava can clap her hands, usually she claps on her own terms but sometimes she will clap with us when it is appropriate
Waving bye bye! This one is hit or miss.
Dancing with her arms up over her head (hands down my favorite!)
Playing on the playground, in particular the swing and the slide

She has 4 top teeth and 2 bottom ones, those top teeth caused her a lot of pain and made us sleep a little less these past 2 weeks
New words.. gaga, nenene which is her version of no. She looks at Cooper when he steals her toys and says nenene (she primarily says mama, baba and dada) yesterday she said buh-bye for the first time!
When the gate is up on the stairs, Ava is not happy! She will basically let out a fake cry and she needs someone to move it so she can make her way up the stairs.
She loves Elmo, I’m not going to lie Elmo’s laugh makes me giggle too. SO if you need to smile click on this Elmo YOUTUBE Video

Ava loves balloons and when we are in the store she laughs at them.

Ava does NOT like….

Socks! She pulls at least one of them off within a minute of putting them on.. and if she isn’t fast enough Cooper will. He loves her feet.
She doesn’t really like when we feed her, she wants to do it herself. Mrs. Independent
Being left in a room by herself.
Crazy, scary halloween stuffed animals and decorations at CVS.
Begin stuck in the car seat for too long, she needs to be on the move.
She hates diaper changes, and is Houdini on the changing table.
The word no, she laughs instead… NOT FUNNY.

Well I am sure these 2 lists could go on forever but those were all I could whip together right now.

My update!

A while ago I said I was going to stop these status updates, but my body and my goals are still changing so I want to share my progress with you.

My weight is the same.. and probably will stay within a 2-3lb range.
I have gained upper body strength, I increased my weights with all my exercises!! I am SO proud of that accomplishment!
I did not reach my pull-up goal, I am not going to lie… I never practiced.
My Core is a lot tighter, thanks to Paleo-ish clean eating and lifting more weights

MY GOALS for the next 2 months before we hit the 1 year postpartum mark is to keep getting stronger and to work on my pull-ups. It has been difficult to get some extra time to focus on them, but I am going to make a conscious effort too. I might need to invest in a Pull-up Bar!

What are some of your accomplishments this month?

Did you have a goal that you reached?

What new changes would you like to see with your body, and how will you make it happen?

October 6, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

Weekend Recap & Launching the new workout

Hi!!!

How was your weekend? Were you busy & productive? We had a lot going on, but I liked it.

Friday night Is typically our low-key night. Butttttt my dad offered to hang out with Ava while Marc and I grabbed a quick bite to eat at or local favorite restaurant Barcelona. We shared some delicious tapas and it was a nice mini date night out!

(These were a few of the tapas we got: Chili Brussel Sprounts, Hanger steak with Truffle Sauce, Spinach & Chicken Casserole)

When we got home from dinner, I fed Ava and put her down for the night. Shortly after Marc and I watched some TV Shows on Demand that we missed from the last couple of weeks. I don’t typically watch a whole lot of TV during the week, so we play catch up on the weekends when my body wants some rest on the couch.

What are some of your go-to shows? I am a huge fan of Scandal & Grey’s so I was super pumped when the Fall Season kicked off last week!! I am one of the few people that have been watching Grey’s since it started. I seriously get super pumped when it is Thursday!!

The weather Saturday was crummy and literally made me not want to get out of bed. Ava was my reasoning for getting out of bed, that little girl wakes up ready to go, she gives me energy. My mom stopped over in the morning, and I practiced the new Group Power workout with her. Instructing the workout is the only way I get better

After I finished practicing, I quickly showered and got ready before Marc’s family arrived.

It was sooooo nice to spend time with them.

I love seeing Ava and her cousin Natalie together. They love each other and it is too cute to see them play, Natalie is clearly the ring-leader.

Once the rain cleared up.. Natalie enjoyed splashing around in some puddles! I probably should’ve taken my shoes off and joined her, she was clearly living in the moment it was the favorite part of my day.

When I woke up Sunday, I was confused as to what day it was! Does that every happen to you? I guess since I was heading to the YMCA at 815 for Group Power, I felt like I was going to work but really I was going to participate in a class.

We had quite the group and I’m pretty this workout confused our bodies in a good way.

In the afternoon we went to Marc’s softball party at Fairways Restaurant in Greenwich. Luckily my mom was there to help us entertain Ava, she had a lot of energy.

It was a beautiful fall day outside!

They had a live band at the restaurant and the music was great, I am sure Ava’s little ears were ringing when we left.

Shortly after we took this picture Ava crashed from all of the festivities so we headed home.

And nowwww I am off to teach the new October release of Group Power. Wish me luck, my muscles need it!

What is something fun you did this weekend?

Do you like rainy days?

October 3, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

Things I am loving this week!

Are you guys excited to dive into the weekend? I am!! We have some family coming down from Rhode Island on Saturday, Sunday we are launching Group Power so I will be attending the class in the morning, and in the afternoon we have a softball party to go to for Marc’s team.

Anyways, lets talk about some of the things I am loving this week:

The Dolphin Hop exercise (in case you missed yesterdays post)… we practiced it again last night in Boot camp class. I know you all loved it!

I typically only drink water and a little coffee in the morning, however these POLAND SPRING SPARKLERS are pretty good. Sometimes you need a little flavor in your life.

Plus bubbles taste different.

I had a couple chocolate cravings this week, and this Dark Chocolate Nut & Sea Salt KIND Bar did the trick. The sprinkle of sea salt on the top adds a whole other element!

I constantly have my clients ask me for Snack ideas. Yes, these are CHICKPEAS but they are coated with cinnamon and a tiny bit of sugar, so you get a delicious combo of sweet, salty & crunchy all in one…. you should try them! They also come in other flavors.

VITAMIN WATER.. I don’t drink these all the time but I do like them before and after workouts on occasion. Sometimes they are a little sweet so I will mix 1/2 of it with water to dilute it. This one is high in B-vitamins and I really like the fruit punch flavor.

I think these should make the post every week, but I love that Stop & Shop sells PLANTAIN CHIPS now.

Read the label closely…. at the top it says “Healthy Addiction.” That makes me laugh.

These should really come in a large bucket though, because honestly this container doesn’t last long!

annnddd last but not least this post wouldn’t be complete without this picture of Ava.

My girl climbs everything, literally everything! We are in trouble….

Happy Friday!!

October 2, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
4 Comments

The Dolphin Hop Exercise

On Tuesday in Boot Camp, We tried out a new exercise called THE DOLHPIN HOP

I learned this exercise from Tony Horton, the creator of P90X3. The dolphin hop focuses on your core and upper body. I liked it a lot! I even practiced it after class Tuesday night.

You start in the Plank position:

With your feet together, legs straight, you use your core to lift your hips up and you hop your feet in.

Return to your starting position and repeat!

I love learning new exercises. It keeps me motivated as a personal trainer and group instructor, and it helps challenge my body as well as my clients!

Do you like learning new ways to challenge your body?

What new exercises have you learned in the past month?

October 1, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
6 Comments

WIAW- I got my Omegas

I have to admit, I have been quite lazy with my food the past couple of days. Yesterday was an off day for me. I don’t have too many days where my mood is off, but it was, and I didn’t feel like focusing on food at all.But no worries, I managed to keep track of it all for you guys! You kept me motivated. Please excuse my boring food choices, but I blame lack of food prep Sunday for my simple meals/snacks.

My breakfast staple is a couple of over easy eggs with sauteed spinach and some potato hashbrowns! Runny eggs have so much flavor! I had a Dunkin coffee too

After training a couple of clients I was quite hungry and snacked on a Banana & Coconut Larabar. It helped keep me full for a bit.

I also Snacked on some carrots & salted cucumbers with hummus… I was clearly still hungry.

Lunch rolled around and I was fortunate for some leftovers from dinner Sunday.. Blackened Salmon, Sweet Potatoes & Green beans. I have been loving salmon lately.. we finally mastered how to cook it!! I took a picture of all the food on one plate but it came out terrible.

With my lunch I had this Mama Chia, Green Magic Pouch. It has pretty good flavor!

It was a very “SNACKY” day on my part… what Marc likes to call my grazing days. I had a Macintosh Apple with some peanut butter for another snack.

Dinner was Chicken Cacciatore with some Pasta & a side of Broccoli. Mmmmmm

After boot camp I whipped up a Pumpkin Pie Protein shake. I was quite impressed! It may have been just a tad bit too “pumpkiny” so I may need to tweak the spices a bit before I share the recipe.

That’s a wrap…

what did you eat? Do you ever have snacky days?

Check out more WIAW posts at Peas and Crayons blog

September 30, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

4 Foods with More Potassium then a banana

I recently read this great short article titled 4 Foods With More Potassium then a Banana. How could I not click on it? Before scrolling down, see if you cam guess which 4 foods have more potassium then a banana.

When you exercise, you lose water and also electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride to name a few). Potassium helps to maintain proper fluid balance. “Potassium helps your muscles to move, your nerves to work, and your kidneys to filter blood.” (Webmd) For more information check out Potassium: Heart Benefits.

If you have low levels of Potassium you may have low energy and endurance during exercise.

I am sure most of you have had bananas post workout, but here are some other options to try to help promote recovery after your workouts.

Potassium Sources:

1. AVOCADO

2. SWEET POTATO

3. PLAIN NON-FAT GREEK YOGURT

4. COCONUT WATER

Luckily I am a fan of all these options!! Are you?

Do you ever get muscle cramps?

Are you ever super thirsty after a workout?

I have never really had muscle cramps before. I always try to stay well hydrated which probably helps and after my intense workouts, I make sure to have some sort of potassium food source as well as replenish my other electrolytes!

September 29, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

Weekend Recap & Bachelorette Party!

How was your weekend?? Mine was so fun and of course flew by. The weather was gorgeous and it almost felt like summer. I may or may not have wore a bathing suit at some point. It felt weird!

Friday was a low key night at our house, we had some take out.. I had a delicious grilled chicken salad from Arcuri’s. This salad dressing is so good I could drink it.

I got up early Saturday morning, ate a quick breakfast and then headed to the YMCA to practice Group Power with a co-worker. I like the new workout a lot and I cannot wait to launch it next week! This workout focuses on using heavier weights so I was definitely sore later in the day

When I got home I refueled quickly with a protein shake, some fruit, and mixed nuts. My afternoon was dedicated to getting ready for my friends Bachelorette party! (Well lets be serious, It doesn’t take me long to get ready… I exaggerated, It may have taken me an hour tops)

My friend Lauren came over around 5pm and then we headed over to The Bachelorette’s parents house for the start of the night.

They had some appetizers and cocktails for everyone to enjoy

We all had fun chatting and taking lots of pictures. Here is a pic of me and my best friend Danielle.. the future Mrs. Murphy

Once the party bus arrived we all hopped on and headed to a Karaoke Bar in NYC

we all had tons of fun singing and dancing.

Have you ever been on a Party Bus?? They are s0 much fun.. I think I can speak for everyone, when I say we had a blast!

When I woke up Sunday morning I realized how much I need my sleep! Do you feel the same way? I slept from 1am until 7:00am Saturday night.. which clearly wasn’t enough sleep. My body was like; “what happened?” Thank goodness I have the best husband ever. He went out and grabbed us some Dunkin Donut Pumpkin Coffees.. (1 pump of pumpkin flavor!) it cuts the sugars by a ton! You should try it.

After my coffee kicked in and my sleepiness wore off, I was ready to go. I spent some quality time with my little Ava. We enjoyed the weather outside at the park, watched some football, and chilled.

When Ava took her afternoon nap I went for a long walk/run.. it was such a nice day to be outside!

I had no interest in food prep yesterday.. I was productive but wanted nothing to do with the kitchen! SO I guess our meals and lunches will be on the fly this week. Oh well!

NOW, it’s time to teach Group Power and get my sweat on

PS: How funny is this picture of Ava…. apparently dinner wasn’t good enough, she was searching for something better!

September 26, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

Things I am loving lately!

In case you missed my post yesterday here are 5 Healthy Ways to Enjoy the Fall. It looks like the weather around here this weekend is supposed to be about 80 degrees… that is more like beach weather and I am hoping to get outside as much as possible.

Things I am loving this week

So Ava has a little cold and on top of that she is teething, lucky for us she surprised us with a 5am wakeup! (I didn’t love that, but it’s not much earlier then we normally get up) I decided to make some Homemade Pumpkin Coffee to get me going! Shortly after I took Cooper for a nice early morning walk.

This coffee is my go to in the Fall.. it is so simple and tasty. I cannot get enough!!

Speaking of Fall my dad gave us a bunch of these JUMBO Apples. I am pretty sure it is one of the biggest apples I have ever seen and this picture does not capture the size. Maybe I should retake it and hold it up next to my head!

Ava gave me her first kiss this week, and it was on the lips. It was super wet, but it hands down made my week! (she kissed daddy & grandpa too) I am pretty sure they were just as excited.

I had this BBQ pulled Chicken Taco sandwich for lunch yesterday with a piece of pita bread as the taco shell. I sure wish there was more. I love BBQ chicken and just because summer is over does not mean I am done with BBQ chicken!

I followed my own Tip from Tuesday and lifted a bit heavier this week. Man did I feel it. Thank goodness today is a rest day with no weights!

Have you tried the limited batch of Pumpkin Chobani Yogurt?? It tastes just like Pumpkin Pie and for 130 Calories you can’t beat it!

I finally found these Mama Chia Pouches at Whole Foods. I have heard lots about them and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one. If you are like me and on the go, they might come in handy!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

What things have you been loving this week?

Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend?

September 25, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

5 Healthy Ways to Enjoy the Fall

There are a lot of great ways to enjoy the fall and I have put together some of my favorite Health Ways to enjoy it!

5 Healthy Ways to Enjoy the Fall

1. Get Outside and go for a long walk or hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery and changing leaves.

2. Make a homemade chili and enjoy watching some Sunday football with your significant other or family!

Paleo Lean Beef Chili Recipe

3. Take a day trip to go apple picking. Last Fall Marc and I went when I was pregnant, and I can’t wait to bring Ava this year.

(This picture is from last year when I was 7 months pregnant!!)

4. Make a new healthy Pumpkin recipe. There are tons of great ones out there.

Here ares some of my own quick simple Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Skinny Pumpkin Cookies

Quick Pumpkin Oats

5. Carve Pumpkins with your family and cook the Pumpkin seeds as a treat for later!

What healthy fall traditions do you have?

Do you like pumpkin flavored everything like me???

September 24, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
4 Comments

What I ate Wednesday.. On the go

Yesterday I was kinda all over the place so it helped to have some of my food pre-made and ready to go!

My morning started off with some delicious over easy eggs with sauteed spinach and a piece of Gluten Free toast. It was my first time trying the gluten free bread, and I really liked it. (this was also my first piece of bread in 3 weeks so I savored every bite!)

For morning snack I had a Purium LOVE Shake with 1/2 of banana and almond milk mixed in,

and a Larabar.

One of my Boot Camp Friends gave me a sample of the Purium shake to try and it gave me such an energy boost. It is loaded with 36 live, raw, natural whole ingredients… and kept me full until lunch!

For lunch I had leftover salmon with green beans & cauliflower

I also had some carrots with this hummus from Whole Foods (it is ridiculously good and believe it or not one of the cheaper items at this store)

As an afternoon snack I had an apple with peanut butter and a handful of some salty plantain chips.

When I got home I was so happy to have dinner already made!! I had to rush to feed Ava and myself before Boot Camp so my plate was put together rather quickly and gone even faster. Dinner was BBQ pulled chicken with cole slaw and a sweet potato.. sweet potatoes are my pre boot camp staple.

Post workout I tried out a Chobani Pumpkin greek yogurt and topped it with some crunchy granola. It was a great treat! I kinda had to try it since it was the first day of fall!!

Marc and I also split a plate of roasted plantains!! Yum.

What did you eat?

What do you eat before a workout?

Check out more WIAW posts at Peas and Crayons blog