“Thanks for all you do to make us (”Fit Mommas”) fit, healthy, and happy.”

Because I stayed in good shape throughout my pregnancy, people often asked me what I ate.  The truth is, I ate like I always do…healthy and had sweets in moderation.  Sometimes I was hungrier than other days, and on those days I would listen to my body and eat what I needed.  Most of the time I would pick choices that would fuel my body.  A common snack I had was a bagel with peanut butter.  As for cravings?  It seemed like I craved more protien like fish, and I also drank orange juice (which has folate and is beneficial for baby development).  So the key to maintaining a healthy weight is to listen to your body’s needs.  If you’re more hungry on some days, eat more, just chose foods that will fuel your body and your growing baby.

“Sara’s stroller workout class has been a fun and rewarding experience for me. I was able to stay in shape by working out throughout most of my second pregnancy and I’m looking forward to returning again soon. I have met an awesome group of women, and Sara is an incredibly positive and motivating leader!” Linda Manning

Oh boy did I get a lot of comments when people asked what I did to stay in such great shape while pregnant.  I told them that I taught Kickboxing…non contact of course!  I actually taught (and still teach) my stroller workout class in San Diego called “Fit Mommas”.  I combine kickboxing drills, lunges, squats, pushups, stairs, and more!  My point is this…if you worked out prior to getting pregnant, you can continue to do most workouts till almost the end of your pregnancy!  Don’t worry, your body will tell you when you shouldn’t push hard, or when you need to slow down.  Just be sure to listen to your body…and your doctor.

Amazon.com review of Prenatal Yoga 1st Trimester: Terrific prenatal yoga, July 30, 2006 Reviewer: Dee Dee (San Diego, CA) - This prenatal yoga workout is calming and yet keeps a good pace and gives a good workout. I especially like all the ways the workout helps work on posture. I highly recommend Sara Holliday’s yoga workouts. It is a fabulous way to stay toned while you are pregnant.

I remember when I was pregnant (just 12 weeks ago), I was constantly questioned, “You mean you still workout when your pregnant?”  Darn right!  Not only did I workout because it kept my body in good shape, I also realized that it helped my body too.  Exercising throughout your pregnancy will help to reduce swelling (edema), and will keep your muscles strong in preparation for delivering your baby, plus it will help to keep your body at a healthy weight, and make it easier to get back to your body before baby.  Just remember, check with your doctor when you get pregnant prior to starting or continuing your exercising program.

Amazon.com review:Stroller Workout DVD Great workout even if you’re not a mom!, August 15, 2006 Reviewer: Rachel Gershwin– I was given this dvd to try and must say it’s a great workout for anyone! I’m not a mom so I did it at home using a chair for balance instead of a stroller. Awesome workout…easy to follow and works every single part of the body. Highly recommend it!

Alot of people think that if they do thousands of sit ups they will have a flat toned stomach.  That is not quite the truth.  If you exercise your abdominals (including yoga, pilates, and kickboxing), your muscles will be strong and tight.  However, you will not see muscle definition until body fat is lost.  Body fat is influenced by what we eat and how much we eat.  By decreasing sugar and fat intake and increasing aerobic activity (like walking, jogging, or doing aerobics) along with weight training, you will increase your muscle, and therefore burn more calories at rest.  Once you become consistent with exercising and eating healthy, you will begin to see a decrease in body fat (and not just on the abdominals).

Amazon.Com review: stroller DVD workout, July 19, 2006 Reviewer: Leslie A. Reynolds (San Diego, CA) - This workout is great to do outdoors with young children. It has helped me to tone my body and lose my pregnancy weight. It is very easy to follow. I have recommended this DVD to numerous friends.

Write down in detail how you would like your body (of course, your own body…like if you’re 5′4” you can’t write “5′7”).  When you write this, say what you want to be in the present tense.  For example, “I am toned from head to toe.  I have sexy shoulders, and feel great in a tank top.  I have a firm tummy and toned legs.  I feel attractive in a pair of shorts.” After writting down what you want to look like, place it somewhere you will see it often, like on your bathroom mirror or on  your computer desk.  Then every morning and night take a minute to see yourself as the way you would like to be.  The more you visualize yourself the closer you will get to your goals.