Meet Coach Kaitlin!

Meet Coach Kaitlin! She is an ACE certified Personal Trainer with a passion for helping people along their fitness journey. She has been coaching people for over 8 years and has a background in Barre, Swimming and Pre/Postnatal fitness. Her own fitness journey started after motherhood and shes been making big moves since then!

Leah first met Kaitlin when she took a baby and me class taught by Coach Kaitlin. She loved the class and so did Rosie!

We dug deep to interview Kaitlin about health, fitness, mommy-hood and taking care of yourself.

1 – What kind of advice do you have for moms who may be tired, out of shape or just plain giving up on their health in general?
There is so much I want to say! To the tired mommies, I understand how exhausted you are. I’ve been there and I still remember the zombie feeling. PPD is strong and the best way to combat it is to get out and do some form of exercise to get those endorphins released in your brain. A 30 minute walk a day is doable and it’s all you need!I have a question to the mommies giving up on their health: what do you want to teach your children? They are looking to you for good health and nutrition habits. Teach them by example how to eat, exercise, and take care of their bodies as they grow. It will stick with them from a young age.

2 – As moms, we notice there is so much attention on social media that focuses on getting back into that “post baby body” ASAP. This causes stress and anxiety which is not good for weight loss in general. What are your thoughts on this?
This feeling of urgency to lose weight is unhealthy- physically but mostly mentally. There is so much a new mother goes through and losing weight should be the last thing on her mind. This is one of many contributions to PPD and it can also affect breast milk production. Good nutrition is important postpartum, but a new mother shouldn’t be eating to lose weight. Focusing on good health is the most important thing! We’ve all heard the saying “It took 9 months to put on and it takes 9 months to get it off” and it is a very good rule of thumb. Stay active for good mental health and eat nutritious foods to keep you and baby healthy! That’s all that matters.

3 – How do you incorporate your son into your workout routines? What is “a day in the life of Coach Kaitlin” like?
Because I teach 6 days a week, I don’t usually get my own workout in until the afternoon or evening. Jase LOVES to work out with me (or my husband)! If I go running he still likes to ride in the stroller and when I exercise at home, he wants to be doing the same thing I am doing. He has “his weights” (2-3 pounders) and he mimics my every move (he’s great at burpees and can almost do full pull ups on his own!). Sometimes he pretends to be my trainer and makes me do more reps than I had planned!

4 – Let’s talk cheating! Do you have cheat days/meals? If so, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
As far as cheat meals, I love Chick Fil A as much as anyone! I used to be addicted to it, but now I let myself eat it once or twice a month. As far as treats, I like caramel macchiatos from Starbucks. But because of the sugar content (and $$), I only let myself have one every so often!

5 -What is your favorite (and healthy) go-to recipe?
Our usual dinners consist of a lean protein, a veggie (usually roasted), and a whole grain. Recently, my go-to meal has been spaghetti squash and meatballs. Spaghetti squash is a great substitute for pasta. I use Classico sauce (tomato and basil with no added sugar) and turkey meatballs. Adding a salad is a good way to get in some greens with this meal!

6 – Can you give us an example (or links) to one of your workouts?
All of my workouts I have posted so far are on my blog: Coach Kaitlin and Instagram: @coach_kaitlin.

7 – As a mom, what challenges have you experienced with weight gain or feeling out of shape and how did you overcome it?
I gained 30 lbs over my pregnancy, but lost all my baby weight within the first year just by focusing on my eating. I was incredibly out of shape though, so I joined a Stroller Strides group and found my love for fitness. Today, even as a trainer, I go through periods where I feel out of shape. I see others on Instagram more fit and toned than I am and feel down on myself for a bit. Usually these feelings manifest when I have let bad habits creep back in, so this negativity gets me back in control. When I am doing everything I can in the kitchen and the gym, I feel strong and healthy and confident!

8 – Most important question of the day! How do you balance your work/home life? Is this even possible?!
In all honesty, it is a struggle! I haven’t figured it out yet, but I am trying! God and my family come before my work, so I aim to get everything done during the day that takes priority and get my work done in the evening. I am blessed with a great husband and business partner who takes care of so much behind the scenes. He has been working to edit videos, post on social media, paperwork and so much more. We make a great team and I couldn’t do this on my own!

**Photography by Glinkerman Photo