Expert Advice: Q+A With A Perinatal Fitness Trainer

Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Active Moms Club founder and personal trainer extraordinaire, Cassandra Hawkinson. Cassandra, an experienced mom of two twins, understands firsthand how crucial it is to have an encouraging community to support you in your fitness and nutrition endeavors. Bridging the gap between your pre-pregnancy self and motherhood - Cassandra has been able to grow a support network of moms to encourage you to make yourself a priority. 

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Tell us a little bit more about Active Moms Club and what offerings/services you provide to moms? 

Here's what I know firsthand… being a mom doesn’t mean you stop caring for yourself. As a fitness expert, I help moms who are ready to discover what to eat and the right exercise routine for them so they finally have more body confidence, have more energy and feel less achy. 

What can moms expect from your programming?

Moms –of all ages– can expect to safely get stronger and gain body confidence in a safe, supportive community… 

...Just like Kelsey a mom of two, “No matter what your goals are, you’ll be in a better place with AMC– more energy, more strength, motivation and more knowledge of where to start and what to do."

What makes AMC different from traditional fitness classes?

AMC takes pride to provide mamas with the most beneficial strength building exercises for a woman’s ever-changing body. It’s where women can get accountability, customized training in a small group setting and feel connected with like-minded peers. It’s a much different experience than a generic group fitness class at a local gym, or doing a random free video on YouTube where you question if the exercises are even appropriate.

As a mom and a fitness expert with over 18 years of experience Coach Cassandra understands the nuances of a woman's prenatal and postpartum body. 

“There is no reason not to participate in AMC. Classes will make you stronger, give you more confidence and help provide useful daily tips for your overall physical well-being.” Dorothy Cohee, new mom and physical therapist. Yep, AMC classes are physical therapist approved. 

How can a first time mom benefit from your services?

First time moms can trust that they will receive guidance to do the right exercises to feel more confident in what their postpartum bodies can do. 

The best part about AMC is the community of moms supporting each other along their journey. 

Can you share two or three easy for all levels fitness moves to kickstart a new mom fitness routine? 

Kickstarting a fitness routine can be super simple. 

1. Start by designating 10 minutes for yourself once a day. (This may be the hardest part. The biggest mistake of getting started is thinking you need 30-60 minutes to exercise. Nope, just start with 10 minutes)

2. Do some simple stretches on the floor like cat/cow, gentle stretches and hip bridges. (A postpartum body feels tight and achy, the more you move it, the better you’ll feel.)

3. Listen to your body and how it responds to movement.

4. If more time permits, check out AMC’s free On-Demand Mobility Flow Series (20 minutes)

What are a few simple things moms can do to immediately begin to improve/impact their health/fitness postpartum? 

The #1 complaint heard from moms is having a sore and achy back.  Caring for little ones is labor intensive and little attention is given to the DAILY TASKS of childcare.  The BIGGEST impact a mom can do immediately to begin to improve her health and fitness postpartum is to be MINDFUL OF POSTURE and how she lifts and carries her baby throughout the day. 

For instance, as you’re reading this, how’s your posture? Are your shoulders hunched forward and sitting with a rounded back (core muscles dormant), or are you reading this sitting or standing erect with tall posture and looking at your device with a level head (engaging deepest abdominal muscles)? 

Moms can work and train ab muscles ALL day long with good posture. See my tips here in this quick 6 minute video. The importance of a mom’s posture can’t be stressed enough. I have clients set reminders to pop up on their smartphones throughout the day as a prompt to sit or stand tall. 

What’s next for Active Moms Club?

AMC has pivoted with the pandemic. Our live-streaming classes are super convenient, more focused, more fun, and more community based.  Right now Healthy Moms’ Hangout is THE place to be. Our membership community is bursting with new and experienced moms who are all focused on their self-care, making intentional movement and nutrition a priority … in just 20 minutes a day. 

AMC has an exclusive summer promotion for Chicago New Moms Group mamas. Enjoy $20 OFF any live-streaming Small Group Training packages. Use promotion code CNMG20 at checkout.

Have a specific fitness or nutrition challenge? Send Coach C an email at cassandra@activemomsclub.com and she can help you out with a simple tip that you can implement right now!