Ever since I can remember, I have enjoyed being active. I would much rather be chasing my kids at the playground than sitting doing crafts at the kitchen table.
So I was particularly surprised when I had literally zero motivation to get moving again after my third son was born.
I could blame hormones. More than likely it was a combination of waking up at night with a baby and all things COVID. Combine these things with virtual learning, my older kids being home, and my husband being an essential worker, and you do not have a recipe for athleticism.
But this summer, Sol Movement came into my life.
Led by trainer Sara Kavanagh, this virtual training program offered me the unique opportunity to get my exercise groove back. I joined her Find Your Fit program initially along with a few other Military Mom Collective contributors and other women who live all over the world.
This program provides structure.
You get a schedule of workouts that can be done right in your home with minimal or no equipment. You also get the benefit of guidance from a Registered Dietitian, Megan, who led us through some heady things like intuitive eating, but also shared photos of her go-to healthy snacks in our private Facebook group.
Although I am not all about selfies, I shared my post-workout persona with the rest of our program participants and enjoyed reading about their triumphs and struggles as we went on this four-week journey together. I even got my kids involved in the workouts which was a great reminder that you can fit exercise into your life in so many ways.
As the program came to a close, Sara shared more about Running with Sol, her running programs that cater to a variety of different skill levels. Regardless of the running program you choose, the Fit In Five strength training workouts as well as the online community of women who share your journey continue to be key features of Sol Movement.
I had given up running right before our last PCS when I was pregnant with my third child. As my belly grew, so did my apathy towards hitting the pavement. At 9 months postpartum, however, I was anxious to run again. Sara must have felt my hesitation because she reached out to me. It was just the push that I needed.
I initially chose the 10K program, hoping to run further in a race than I ever have before. But, as I went for my long run in week three during the heat of August, I decided that maybe the more attainable goal was to achieve a personal best in a 5K race by September’s end. Sara quickly changed my program schedule on the Sol Movement dashboard and didn’t question my choice; instead, she supported me.
Sol Movement has helped me set and achieve some measurable goals over the past couple of months.
It has introduced me (virtually, of course) to some really inspiring ladies who are getting it done every darn day. When I want to skip a workout, I think about Karla who hasn’t missed one in a year. A year, people! Or I think about Shilpa who was back on her treadmill 6 weeks postpartum. And then I think about how I have gotten to know some of the other contributors, like Alicia and Katie, who have joined me in both the Find Your Fit and Running with Sol programs.
If you’re looking for some accountability in your workouts, Sol Movement is for you. If you’re looking to “meet” some amazing women who are doing amazing things, Sol Movement is for you. If you need a coach who will cheer you on, whatever your goals may be, Sol Movement is for you. I am so glad I took a chance on trying a new way to stay fit.
