Mama Speaks

Yoga Kids

Yogis in Training

One of my favorite ways to exercise or just wind down is by doing Yoga.  The poses are peaceful, therapeutic and just simply feel good.  So, I was excited to try our hand at getting the kids involved and see how they reacted to the way of the yogi.  Enter Yoga Kids.

Yoga Kids by Gaiam [$15] was created for 3-6 year olds, and is a great intro to get the would-be yogis used to the different poses, while still keeping them interested enough to keep at it and not run off to tackle their brother just for looking at them sideways.  The instructor, Marsha Wenig, knows just the right amount of silly and laid back style to keep us all giggling and participating.

The moves are all based on nature and creatures, so don't be surprised if your kids go around roaring and hissing just like the lion and snake they learned to imitate.  The stretches get them used to holding positions and being still, two things that are usually the hardest for this set to accomplish.  My 5yo son liked warrior pose best and my 3yo son liked tree pose the best.  If you've ever met either of them, you know that this goes exactly with their distinct personalities, so it was fun for me to watch them do the poses with confidence, and see their own personal pride well up inside them.  With these exercises that have animal sounds, include original songs, foster confidence and most of all bring awareness of our connection to nature and our world, nothing compares and I can't wait for the next time the yogis are ready to play!

-Arianne

Toot Scoot

Toot Scootin' Boogie

Don't worry; we're not here to introduce you to a new twist on an old country favorite (we are city folk after all.)   However we are here to tell you about the latest set of wheels from Toot Scoot [$80] to help your little one boogie around town whether it's on crumbling city sidewalks, polished suburban streets or off the beaten country path.  No matter what the terrain, Toot Scoot will have your pre-k set cruising in style.

Toot Scoot is technically a good pair of wheels.  That's right, a bike for the 2-5 range lacking the extra set of trainers that will make your little one feel like he can ride with the big boys.  The extra wide tires provide the perfect challenge to balance while building confidence in their bike riding abilities making the transition right into a standard two wheeler a breeze. You'll also notice extra wheels aren’t the only thing missing but pedals have gone MIA as well.  Those stuck on traditional bikes may wonder how much fun it can be without pedals to give that rocket boost but give your child just five minutes on this thing and you'll be trying to keep up with him all the while wishing you could steal a ride yourself. If I didn’t think I’d look like a circus clown in training, I would be enjoying a nice long coast with my feet kicked up in the air just as I watch my three year old do while looking like a little gleeful gazelle.

The two wheel pedal-less bike design is becoming all the rage with good reason. Toot Scoot is the most affordable option yet but there is nothing cheap about it. It assembles within minutes and has a sturdy metal frame construction which is available in four colors and rugged handle bar grips. It can easily take a beating and has the look and feel of a real adult bike but is run solely on toddler power which we all know is endless. Thanks to generous grandparents my kid is not short on wheels but I think we can finally pack away the others as the Toot Scoot has become his go to ride of choice.

Want it?

Toot Scoot is offering free shipping on any bike purchase! Just mention Mama Speaks at checkout.

- Cara

iBert safe-T-seat

Bicycling Built For Two

My 2 year old loves bikes. He begs to take his bike for a spin anytime you open the door. This is great fun for him, but since I'm still doing all the work, lets just say Mama's not as enthusiastic about riding the orange bike twice. every. single. day. So I've been searching for a safe way to have him join ME on a bike ride. Yes, I'll still be doing the work, but I can view it as a "work out" and we might just be able to visit somewhere farther than his wheels and my soles can take us.

There are many options out there but let's face it, bike riding with baby can be dangerous and all those options have left me less than sold. The bike trailer is a fine option, if you fall they don't but I'm always worried about a car coming along and seeing me and bike but NOT the trailer and if any of you have sat in a tent on a blasting hot, sunny day, you'll have a bit of an idea of what it feels like for a little one zipped up in there with buckles and bike helmet. So, I moved on to scout the back of the bike seat and immediately said ummm, no. My balance was off big time and my little one wasn't content staring at my back which was good because I was getting that crazy lady look from passing motorists as they wondered why I was chatting with myself.

So, are there other options? I am a neurotic Mama or do we all think of these things? Thankfully, I heard of a seat from iBert and just had to check it out. Their safe-T-seat is  molded to easily attach to the front of your bike, situating a baby 12 months to 4 years (see height/weight guidelines) between your seat and the handle bars. I'll admit that I was certain it wouldn't work. Wouldn't he be in my way? I envisioned him grabbing the handle bars himself or squeezing the hand brake and leading us on a path of destruction (or at least scrapped knees and wounded spirits). To my surprise the fit felt natural and the handle bars were still out of his reach.

My biggest wow came from the fact that my bike was still perfectly balanced. (Both other options left me feeling like I was about to tip at any second and overcompensating made for a rough ride.) My son loved that he was riding my bike WITH me, he was participating, could see what I could see and we could easily have a chat as we rode along our favorite roads.

$90 for the seat, 15 seconds to install and the ride is priceless.

Stroller Strides + BOB Fitness Stroller

Striding into Shape

I used to be a yoga nut. Hours spent stretching, meditating and centering myself. Hours spent using my own body to whip my behind into shape. And then I had a baby. In his early days the last thing on my mind was exercise, but lets face it, there comes a time when we start to realize that if nothing else we need to set a good example (and those last few pounds of baby weight aren't going anywhere on their own). So, I started searching for a program I could get into, outside of the house, preferably with my kiddo in tow. There are options a plenty for moms with newborns and many kid centered exercise classes, but my searches turned up nothing for me, the mom of a rambunctious 2 year old, who desperately needs some fitness in my life.

Enter Stroller Strides and lots and lots of lots of thanks. Started, of course, by a Mama in the same predicament I found myself, this 60 minute outdoor workout is the perfect fit for any mom at any fitness level. Babies, tots and even big kids can happily come along for the ride as you power walk and jog your way into shape. If that doesn't sound at all enticing (believe me, I. Don't. Run.) don't worry, it's not all about movement. One of the best things is that everything is in intervals. The class I attended began with a stationary warm up, power walk and then several stops along the way to use resistance tubes to work our upper bodies all while singing silly songs for the kids or chatting it up with the other Mamas. Yes, there were some sprints and stair stepping thrown in there too, but the focus is whole body and everyone is encouraged and expected to work at their own pace.

On that note, I should mention that I was terrified I'd show up to class and find a group of fit, firm, super moms ready to get their warm up in before the ultra marathon. Thankfully that wasn't the case, my class at least, was full of real moms, there for the same reasons I was. Believe me, we all huffed and puffed and groaned in unison.

You don't need any special equipment to participate in Stroller Strides other than your body and your babe but I would definitely recommend a decent jogging stroller if you're serious about sticking with it. Since they're the pros, Stroller Strides has teamed up with BOB to provide the official Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller [$399]. This baby can roll like no other, providing an amazingly smooth ride over any urban terrain. The child compartment is comfy and cushy, complete with lots of leg room and it's very own pockets for you little one's drink, snacks or toys.

The stroller itself is built for fitness with a swiveling front wheel, awesome suspension system and options a plenty. Best of all, it includes a Stroller Strides Fitness Kit made up of a handlebar console with drink holder, exercise tubes, fitness manual and a gift certificate for a free week of local classes. And when your body is aching and sore after class whipped you into shape, the quick release, easy fold will spare your nerves and bod that last task of wrestling the stroller back into the trunk.

Want to try it?
Search for and sign up for a free class here.

Anna Getty’s Pre and Post Natal Workout

To The Core
 

The life of a pregnant woman or new Mom can be pretty chaotic and crazy. Believe me- I’m going through it right now. How perfect to find peace in an exercise routine with great benefits for Mom and baby. And how important it is to take time to breathe.

Anna Getty, a Kundalini yoga teacher and life balance guru extraordinaire, recently released her Pre and Post Natal Workout [$23]. This 2-disc DVD box set guides expectant mothers through a peaceful daily routine that will also assist in achieving a gentle and serene labor and birth experience. And for after baby, the post natal workout will help you meet personal goals for getting your body, mind, and spirit reconnected at your own pace.

To empower women with the inspiration to be educated, fit, nurtured, and well during their pregnancies, Anna has declared this whole month of May as Pregnancy Awareness Month. Taking care of you during this incredibly miraculous time is a great way to start making healthy changes that go beyond pregnancy, turning it into a lifestyle. Whether you’re expecting or not, focusing on the stillness, remembering to breathe, and nurturing your soul could be the secret to Motherhood.

Win it!
We're giving away one copy of Anna Getty's Pre and Post Natal Workout! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Work it as your subject and let us know one little thing that brings you peace daily.

-Steph