On March 20, 2018 I gave birth to my fifth baby in less than seven years. My “Team O” was now complete. Through every pregnancy I was very active with walking, running, and swimming. During my fourth pregnancy I ran four half marathons and a 5k the night my water broke. My husband joked I’d run around the hospital while in labor if they’d allow it. Before I found out I was pregnant with baby #5 I started taking a new fitness class called HIGH Fitness. HIGH is a hardcore, fun fitness class that incorporates choreographed interval training with intense cardio peaks and toning tracks set to music you know and love. I took my first class and left ridiculously sweaty and had a huge smile on my face - I had so much fun! Our instructor was sadly leaving the area and there were no other instructors in our area. The next instructor training was a few weeks away in NYC; even though I’d be just shy of 31 weeks I got the ok from my doctor, the ok from the HIGH team, and bought my train ticket for the training in NYC! After a very long day of travel and training I became a certified HIGH instructor! Once I returned home I started co-teaching classes and truly felt like I found a new chapter in my life that I loved! The night my water broke I had rehearsed our next HIGH routine in my garage ... so I literally worked out until my water broke. Now my baby girl is almost 7 weeks old and I’m back to teaching and enjoying this amazingly fun workout!

So much happens to women while pregnant, but I think it’s important to remember a mother’s happiness while pregnant. Being fit and active makes me happy and as long as the baby was safe, I was going to keep doing what I love. The secret is listen to your doctor and listen to your body; if baby wants to rest and make you prop your feet up then do it! But if it’s a good day, be yourself and do what you love safely. Now, after having my fifth baby I am healthy and recovered beautifully because I took care of myself while also taking care of baby.