Pustilnik: “I am looking forward to trying some different workout regimes, like Pilates classes. But I also do enjoy exercising with my children.”
Article updated: 11/8/2009 3:36:56 PM
We caught up with three prominent mompreneurs— they each own their own
business, take care of their children, and work out with passion. Their
experiences may help inspire you to make sure the whole family stays
fit together.
Meet the Moms:
Kate Hall lives in Glen Allen, is married with three children under the age of 7, and owns RichmondMom.com, an online magazine with a focus on Richmond Children’s Charities.
Ellie Venafro has been married for 12 years and has two boys (ages 4 and 5), and owns Tots On-The-Go, which sells quality strollers and travel baby products.
Rachel Pustilnik lives in the near West End, is married with two young daughters, and owns Stroller Strides, which provides classes that teach parents how to work out using their child’s stroller.
How do you stay active alone or with family/friends?
KH: I stay active with my kids—riding bikes, walking to the park and playing around the house, and I also work out by running with teams and working out at American Family Fitness.
EV: I work out at a gym on my own, but I also love doing bike rides with a friend of mine that is training for the Ironman. My family goes hiking often and we are usually outside with our boys kicking the soccer ball, biking, walking and playing ball. I also just signed up my 5 year old to do a kids triathlon and I will be able to train with him and of course be right beside him during the competition this fall.
RP: I own the Stroller Strides franchise in Richmond so I am always active with my friends. When I am not teaching classes, I am attending them so I can get my own workout in. Plus, I have a running group with a great group of friends that meets every Saturday morning. Finally, when I can, I run with my husband who is training for the [SunTrust] Richmond Marathon. We enjoy running together. It’s something we have done since we were dating.
How does your workout / recreation schedule change once the school
year begins?
KH: I am hoping that it will pick up a bit—the working out part, that is! I am often so wiped out from being at home with the kids all day, going to the pool, activities, etc that I’m not taking as much time for true cardio that I need! So I am planning some workout time during school/preschool hours!
EV: I have already been planning with my husband when I will be able to go to the gym. It will have to be early mornings, 5:45 am or late afternoons around 5:00, but not too late because I hate to miss dinner with my family and not too late because I'll be up all night.
RP: The beginning of the school year is typically like a ‘NEW YEAR’ mentality. The summer is over. No more vacations. The schedule resumes, and there is no more excuses. I see a lot of people recommitting to their exercise programs.
What do you do recreationally to make the most of your “free time” without children?
KH: I love to take workout classes to relieve stress and keep fit, and when I have free time, catch up with girlfriends socially. I find this away time keeps me “sane” and makes me a much better, more fun, mom!
EV: We are always outdoors. Whether going to the pool, playing soccer outside or taking our sweet Goldendoodle for a walk while the kids ride their bikes, we just love to be outdoors. We have a nice wooded lot behind us so the kids love going for nature walks back there.
RP: This will be the first year where both my kids are in school (kindergarten and 2-day preschool). I am looking forward to trying some different workout regimes, like pilates classes. But I also do enjoy exercising with my children. They love coming to Stroller Strides, and it teaches them the value of being fit.
Do you have any tips/suggestions of how to stay active and fit with children and without children?
KH: There are great programs out there for little ones—like Stroller Strides. Mine are a bit older now, so we try to swim together, play soccer in the driveway, and ride bikes together. Whatever we can do to stay engaged as a family really helps.
EV: I think the most important thing is to lead by example. I belong to a great gym that has a wonderful nursery that I trust for my kids. My kids see mommy work out all the time and they always ask me why I work out. I explain to them how it makes me feel good, we tease about mommy’s muscles and that it really helps me stay healthy and to live a long time. For people without kids, I recommend they find something they enjoy. There are so many activities that people can do to stay active. If you don’t like lifting weights, try biking outdoors. If that doesn't work, try yoga. One great way to start is to find a workout buddy. They help keep you motivated and once you start, it's hard to stop. You feel better physically and mentally and you have more energy.
RP: Just do it! Don't give yourself any excuse. Put them in the stroller or on their bikes and take them with you. They are learning the importance of exercise while you workout. So it’s good for everyone!
Article first appeared in SBQ Issue #10, September/October | September, 2009
