Freedom to move

Guess who’s in the clear??

Invisible_Barbells Source

At my midwife appointment today, she told me I’m “free to do whatever I was doing before.”

Music to my ears.

Even though I’m still recovering, I feel great and am excited to get back into the things I love. I’m so excited to take a Zumba class this week, I can hardly stand it. Of course, I’ll be modifying as I build my stamina back up and will play it safe –nothing is worth setting myself back by doing too much too soon- but the fact that I have the freedom to move again is amazing.

Time to dust off the yoga mat that’s been sleeping on the piano.. in the garage.. for over a month

mat

Also, it’s been kind of challenging to write a fitness-driven blog when I haven’t been able to participate in fitness activities myself. I’ll be inspired and refreshed- a very good thing, indeed 🙂

Rewind to this morning, I had some egg casserole leftover from nana’s incredible Sunday brunch:egg

(x2)

plus 1 C oats with almond milk and Brewer’s yeast to-go:

oats

(word to the wise: Brewer’s yeast tastes horrible. I only eat it to help milk supply, otherwise I would probably stay far away)

Rewind to last night, we spent the evening watching -I use the term “watching” very loosely- the Superbowl with good friends

and fur friends

e2247884506e11e18bb812313804a181_7

and snuggles with my girls.

the girls

This afternoon, I’m off to walk and grab coffee with Kelly, then back home for dinner… maybe a gentle yoga class??

Hope you’re having a great day!

xoxo

Gina

Today’s workout jam: Perfect for tempo work

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67 Comments

  1. Whitney from quillandcouture on February 6, 2012 at 4:09 pm

    Best news ever friend. Shake your bootay.

  2. Lisa on February 6, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Glad to hear you’ve been given the all clear! I can only imagine how excited you are to get back into zumba (or “zumb-ing” as my bf and I call it at our house. ex: “I was zumb-ing when you called earlier today” 🙂 )

    Also, that’s SUCH a cute picture of you, Bella and Livi at the end there.

    ~Lisa

  3. ashley on February 6, 2012 at 4:12 pm

    totally random question…..but where did you get your couch? it always looks SUPER comfy!!! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 6, 2012 at 4:16 pm

      It is officially the nap couch- soooo comfy! Crate and barrel axis sectional

  4. Racheal @ Running with Racheal on February 6, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Yay! I started following your blog after you became pregnant. Although I love pregnant-Gina, I am very excited to see what not-pregnant-Gina is all about! 🙂

  5. Carrie on February 6, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Why is that piano in the garage and not your house?!

    • Fitnessista on February 6, 2012 at 4:23 pm

      Because we’re going to sell it- I haven’t played in years

      • Dynamics on February 6, 2012 at 5:25 pm

        Does Olivia not want to be a piano prodigy???

  6. Madeline @ Food Fitness & Family on February 6, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    Congrats girl! Getting the “all clear” is such welcome news. I was so excited when I did! Where did you find brewer’s yeast? I have been thinking about trying it …

  7. Emily @ The Swallow Flies on February 6, 2012 at 4:16 pm

    Yay!!! And your Super Bowl “watching” looked much like mine did – minus baby and puppy and plus two kitties.

  8. Laura on February 6, 2012 at 4:16 pm

    Yay! Glad you’re getting back in your normal groove. 🙂 Have fun at zumba!!

  9. Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups on February 6, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    Congrats on getting the “all clear”!

  10. Alyssa on February 6, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Yay, Congrats! You’re excitement for getting back in the groove definitely shows. 🙂 BTW I was wondering if you’ve started using the cloth diapers yet? Any advice? My baby girl is due in April and I’m very interested in what your experience has been. If you haven’t started using them yet, what type of diapers are you using and when do you plan to try out the cloth diapers?

    • Fitnessista on February 6, 2012 at 4:26 pm

      Not yet- she’s still to small for the diapers I bought. We’re using pampers swaddles for now

      • Fitnessista on February 6, 2012 at 4:27 pm

        Swaddlers*

  11. Laura @ She Eats Well on February 6, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    That’s such wonderful news! I feel like being forced to take time off from physical activity makes us so much more appreciative. When I was injured, I realized what an integral part of my life running and yoga was. Happy for you!

  12. Stephanie B. on February 6, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    Glad you got the okay from your doctor! I love the picture of Olivia and Bella cuddling with you on the couch – so sweet. Good luck easing back into a fitness routine!!

  13. Liz @ Tip Top Shape on February 6, 2012 at 4:26 pm

    Looking forward to reading about your fitness adventures again soon!!! And that egg casserole looks AMAZING. Making me hungry!!

  14. Destini on February 6, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    Congrats on getting the “all clear”!

    Your Nana’s breakfast casserole looks soo good 🙂

  15. Ann Marion on February 6, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    Congrats on getting the all clear to move again! Love your workouts! That photo of you, Olivia, and Bella is so sweet as well. 🙂

  16. Ashley on February 6, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    YEAH!! Enjoy. What lulumeon mat do you use?

    • Fitnessista on February 6, 2012 at 4:41 pm

      Manduka- its my fave

      • Doreen on February 6, 2012 at 8:17 pm

        Hi Gina, I was wondering what are the main differences between the Manduka Lululemon mat & the Lululemon “The Mat” yoga mat, what is it about the Manduka that sets it apart? I’m looking to invest in my first lulu mat & was going to buy “The Mat” until I saw the Manduka one. Now I can’t decide, so as someone who owns the Manduka I’d love a little insight on it, and maybe some advice?? I’m looking for a mat with a lot of cushion since I’m tired of always having to put a couple of foam mats underneath mine once I get to class in order to cushion my spine & I’d like something grippy so that my hands & feet don’t keep sliding all over the place haha. Thanks so much!

        • Fitnessista on February 6, 2012 at 9:57 pm

          the manduka is much thicker and heavier than the mat. the cool thing about the mat is that you can take it to a hot or power yoga class, sweat like crazy, and you won’t slip. you need a towel cover for hot classes with the manduka, which has cushion
          i like them both, but prefer manduka- it’s a study, high-quality mat and i can tell it will last a long time

          • Doreen on February 7, 2012 at 7:48 pm

            Thank you sooo much!! That should help me make a decision =)



  17. Kristin on February 6, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    That breakfast casserole looks delicious! I’ve never had goodluck making that type of recipe. Would you consider posting the recipe online?

    • Jessica M on February 6, 2012 at 6:00 pm

      I second that request! I’ll be hosting a brunch this weekend & would love to serve it.

  18. Ann on February 6, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    Hi Gina,

    Great news, been lurking around long enough so thought I’d comment for a change. I know what you mean about writing/talking fitness when unable to participate yourself. Doing physio for my back atm and itching to go back to my dvd or gym workouts lol

  19. Angie on February 6, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Try brewer’s yeast on popcorn! There’s an old theater here in Milwaukee (fitting, no?) that serves a shaker on the counter at the concession stand and it’s absolutely delicious.

  20. Melissa on February 6, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    I am about to have my second little boy. I’m due the 18th. With my first son I tried nursing for a very long time, but I was young and didn’t understand the need to increase my calories or to eat healthy. Since having my son I changed my lifestyle and am now vegan and quite fit. I was just wondering what you try to keep your daily caloric intake at? Also, if you could maybe post a few samples of what and entire day of your eats looks like. Thanks 🙂 Keep up all of the awesome work! From the sound of things you are adapting to mommyhood so wonderfully!

  21. Kristine @ Busy But Healthy on February 6, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    Glad you’re in “the clear”. I never really felt like I could get fully into working out until I was finished breastfeeding. I don’t know if it was just me, but breastfeeding left me feeling exhausted! I found it tough to have the energy to go full force at the gym.

    Your brewers yeast looks different from nutritional yeast…is it the same? Mine is more yellow and looks more like flakes. Hmm ?

    • Marie on February 6, 2012 at 5:44 pm

      I had the same question…brewer’s yeast = nutritional yeast??? I’m thinking it’s not, which is too bad because nutritional yeast is yummy!

      • Kelli on February 7, 2012 at 9:24 pm

        They are different – nutritional yeast has that nice cheesy taste, while brewer’s yeast is bitter (it is used to make beer). Nutritional yeast is high in B-12, so it is a great source of this for vegans. Brewer’s yeast is high in chromium, which apparently helps with blood sugar levels (nut yeast is low in chromium).

  22. Liz @ Southern Charm on February 6, 2012 at 5:18 pm

    Yay!! Love this news!!

    and I love the girls pic! So cute!

  23. Laura Jane @ Recovering Chocoholic on February 6, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Wohoo! So glad you’re in the clear for exercise. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the zumba class.

  24. Kristin on February 6, 2012 at 5:31 pm

    Congrats! I can only imagine how excited you are!

    Brewers Yeast…yeah…ick! My mom used to eat that stuff…not sure why because she wasn’t lactating! LOL! I commend you for being able to do it for your little girl…that’s some serious Mama love! 😉

  25. Jenny @ simply be me on February 6, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Fabulous news!

  26. Sara on February 6, 2012 at 5:38 pm

    .. can’t believe it’s been a month already since she was born… wow.

    Yay for being able to shake your booty again. That will feel amaaazing.

  27. steph @lungesandlunch on February 6, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    If you want to skip the Brewer’s Yeast, you can try this tea :
    http://shop.steepedandinfused.com/products/Flow-Lactation-Tea.html

    I used to work at that store and new moms swore by it. 🙂

  28. ashley on February 6, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    So happy for you, Gina!!! <3

  29. Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs on February 6, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    Yay! Glad to hear you got the go-ahead from your doc — it must be a great feeling!
    Love the pic of you, Olivia & Bella — too cute!

  30. melissa on February 6, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    Yay, you re the exercise!

    Brewer’s yeast is different from nutritional yeast, right? I like the latter in yogurt and sprinkled on vegetables — wonder if it would work on the brewer’s yeast…

  31. Ashley on February 6, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    So exciting, yay on the great news!!

  32. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on February 6, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    Awww, love the last pic of you and the girls. Everyone looks so comfy and cozy.

    The egg casserole looks great and so happy for you that you can resume activity! Awesome news, Gina 🙂

  33. Brooke on February 6, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    Snuggle time with Bella and baby looks like heaven to me 🙂

  34. Melissa on February 6, 2012 at 8:11 pm

    I’m looking for a new yoga mat… Is that the prolite? Love the pic of you, Olivia and Bella…so sweet. Congrats on being free and clear 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 6, 2012 at 9:58 pm

      it’s the pro- an awesome mat 🙂
      thank you!

      • Melissa on February 6, 2012 at 10:28 pm

        Did you have to do anything to the mat when you first bought it to break it in at all? I keep reading about scrubbing it with salt or soaking in the tub? Any suggestions?

        • Fitnessista on February 6, 2012 at 10:35 pm

          soaking it in the tub is a great idea! you definitely want to break it in a little. i just poured a bunch of water on mine

  35. Kelly @ Vegolosophy on February 6, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    I bet your super excited to get moving again, nothing feels better than moving and releasing some endorphins! YAY!

  36. Amber @ Bold, Busy, Blessed on February 6, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    Yayyyy! Congrats 🙂 Super exciting news for you! I think it would be so hard to write about fitness and not participate.

    I love Helena Beat! Such a pump up song for me.

  37. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey on February 6, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    What great news! Good luck getting back into it!

  38. Heather Eats Almond Butter on February 6, 2012 at 9:04 pm

    Yay – I know you’re excited to get back to some movement…and any Brewer’s yeast you don’t want, I’ll take it. Oh my gosh, love that stuff and sprinkle it on everything, but only the Lewis Lab’s brand. It’s the best.

    So in love with that sofa photo. Three precious ladies. 🙂

  39. Lauren @ Fun, Fit and Fabulous! on February 6, 2012 at 9:28 pm

    YAY FREEDOM! I’m glad you are well on your way to recovery! 🙂

  40. Pure2raw twins on February 6, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    yay great news!!

    and love that last pic 😉 too cute

  41. Ali on February 6, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    Yay! It must feel SO good to get the ok to get back atter! You are wise to take is slow at first. Know that you can get back to your usual intensity soon enough! But again, yay!!

  42. Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter) on February 6, 2012 at 11:52 pm

    That’s awesome news – congrats! Don’t feel like you have to jump right back into the swing of things though.. take it one day at a time.

  43. Clair on February 7, 2012 at 8:20 am

    I’ve just started reading your blog and first, congrats on your baby!

    It sounds like you had a natural birth? It’s something I’m thinking about, and I love finding people who have done it.

  44. Sylvia @ La Grande Assiette on February 7, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Aw, such a cute picture of you and the girls 🙂

  45. Joss on February 7, 2012 at 9:27 am

    congratz! Hope you take it nice and easy and enjoy your new found freedom 🙂
    That last pic of you and baby is so sweet <3

  46. Sara on February 7, 2012 at 11:40 am

    That’s so great! Yoga <3 I was wondering, where did you get your yoga bag? I've been trying to find such a bag myself but all I see online, it seems, are the ones that zip up. Those are such a pain if the mat isn't rolled perfectly tight and shoving a yoga mat into a bag is so frustrating.

    Your little girl is adorable. The photo of you two on the couch is so sweet!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2012 at 11:50 am

      i think it’s gaiam from amazon?

  47. Corrie Anne on February 7, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    Hooray! That’s great news!!! Enjoy!

  48. Annie@stronghealthyfit on February 7, 2012 at 8:25 pm

    Great news! Happy for ya. But I can’t believe you don’t like brewer’s yeast! I love it and put it on so many things- cooked veggies, popcorn, mixed in w/hummus. I grew up eating it though so I guess I acquired a taste for it early on. 🙂 Also sad to see a piano in a garage!

  49. Lindsey on February 8, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    I have recently (as in the past two weeks) discovered Zumba at my gym and I am completely OBSESSED!! It is the most fun hour long dancy party I’ve been in at a gym type setting and can’t get enough!! Even when the class is packed and I can’t fling my arms left and right. I read about how much you loved it and had to figure out what the deal was…now, I Know!

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