If you're anything like me you felt pretty useless when attempting any core work post-baby. I remember the 1st group fitness class I went to at the gym after Lily- I couldn't do 1 crunch! It was a totally disheartening and weird experience. Again, I really wish I had access to Stroller Strides and Lean Mommy, I wouldn't have felt so dumb trying to workout! Instead of jumping right back into your old ab-regime, you will have to start slower and this beginner side plank is a GREAT place to start. It is also an excellent exercise for the mamas-to-be, no matter how pregnant you are! :)

Starting Position
Lie on your left side, propping up your body on your left elbow. Place your elbow directly beneath your shoulder. Bend both of your knees at 90-degree angles, stacking your thighs on top of one another. Place your right hand on the floor in front of your body for support. Ensure that your body from your head down to your toes is in a straight line with a neutral spine. Engage your abdominals by pulling your belly button in towards your spine.

Action
Lift your hips up so that your torso comes off the ground and your body is in a straight line from your head down to your knees. Try to hold this position for 15-30 seconds and gradually build up to 3 minutes or more. Aim for 1-3 sets.

Special Instructions
Don't allow hips to drop to the ground. Keep breathing steadily, pulling the abs in to support you. The Modified Side Plank is a more advanced version of this exercise.

Stroller Strides Flag had an awesome showing at the parade- whether you marched, lunged & ran with us through town or if you were 'simply' a spectator, we were everywhere!
A huge thanks to Maricel, Heather, Sarah, Lynn, Tracy & the amazing dads, Dwight & Paul- you were all amazing! Hope you like your LUNA socks & chapstick! Can't wait for next year!

This quarter's LUNA Moms Club topic is about creating a heathier environment for your family. It is way easier and more important than you think! Each week we will have a Fact and an Action to share and the culmination of this quarter's topic will be a Healthy Home Party where we will learn even more facts & actions & of course- walk away with tons of freebies! The moms that know all the facts & actions we've learned we be entered in a drawing for a special prize at the party!

Fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Academy of Sciences, standard chemicals are up to ten times more toxic to children than to adults, depending on body weight. This is due to the fact that children take in more toxic chemicals relative to body weight than adults and have developing organ systems that are more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxic chemicals.

Action: Detoxify your home by using environmentally-friendly products and eating organic foods whenever possible. Click here for some non-toxic cleaning tips and here to read our blog on organic eating.

How many things do you wish you knew about when you had your 1st baby?
For me, Lisa Druxman's book, Lean Mommy and actually, Stroller Strides, would have been my saviors. I can remember sitting home with Lily for 2 months when she was tiny- and as much as I loved it and cherished my time with her, I was itching to do something physical with her. This reverse curl with baby would have been a perfect starting point.

Starting Position
Lay baby face-down on your shins, facing you while you lie on your back. Hold onto baby with your hands to keep her secure. Keeping your knees bent and your feet off the floor, engage your abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button in towards your spine. Keep a space between your chin and chest (looking diagonal towards the ceiling).

Action
EXHALE: Lift from your hips, pulling your knees towards your chest, focusing on your abdominals. INHALE: Slowly lower hips and legs back down to the starting position to complete one rep. Aim for 1-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.

Special Instructions
Safety should be your main concern, for you and the baby. Make sure that baby is totally secure in all movements. If any exercise is uncomfortable or too strenuous with baby, try it without baby first. This is a very slow, small and deliberate movement. Be careful not to use momentum. Try to keep the motion controlled by your abs.

Our Luna Moms Club got together on Friday to shower two of our moms-to-be, Beckie & Jess - both expecting baby boys soon!
We had a yummy lunch (I hope to share Heather's yummy chicken salad recipe soon) and opened presents while the kids went crazy. I can't wait to share baby pictures here!

Those are the words, right? :)

Come & find out for sure tomorrow- we are having a Michael Jackson tribute class in Stroller Strides class!

Just be forewarned- Thriller was my all time favorite cassette when I was younger, I listed to it every night to go to bed.

Appropriate dress is encouraged...

And don't forget, the Michael Jackson Tribute Dance Party at the Orpheum tomorrow night- 9pm

The 4th of July is not just about burgers, beers & fireworks- it's also a good time to remember those less fortunate & this year the parade gives us that opportunity!

Right before the 1st floats, St. Mary's food bank will be walking the parade route taking donations of non-perishable food items and/or money.

So bring something from home with you- or just give them a few dollars. What an easy, great way to do your community an amazing service.

See you at the parade!!!