Prior to having my son in September of 2013, I was a very fit and active person. In addition to my full time job, I taught classes daily at a local gym (Boot Camp, Cardio Sculpt, Pilates, Ball Pilates, High Intensity Circuit Training) as well as hiking almost every weekend and training for various half marathons.  During my pregnancy and post-natal I began to focus so much on my son and his health that I lost sight of the things that kept me healthy.  I told myself that his well being was all I needed to focus on, and while I was extremely happy as a mom, I had lost the balance in my life that kept me happy as an individual. The resulted in challenges at work, with my marriage, and in my personal relationships.  It took me almost a year to realize I needed to make a change. 

  

It wasn’t until I attempted to waterski the summer after my son was born that I realized just how much I had let my health suffer.  For the first time in 24 years, I was unable to get up on two skis due to physical limitations. I decided it was time to make a change and rediscover myself and regain my health.  For me, health brings happiness which could only make me an even better mother.  I set some very specific goals and found a variety of products that helped me achieve these goals. Within 2 months I lost 20 pounds and was able to get up on my waterskis.  In just under a year, I am at 75 pounds down and counting!

 

For me, these small accomplishments were the start of something much bigger than I could imagine.  I had met a group of mothers after my son was born, and together we made it through the first year of our children’s lives through the ups and downs, asking questions about the things no one ever warns you about (no matter how big or small), and sharing our joys with one another.