Body Beyond Baby: Mum of The Moment

Without our wonderful mums and bubs Body Beyond Baby just would not be. Each month we like to celebrate your achievements and recognise the hard work that you put into your training and life as a mum. This month I would like you to meet our Mum of the Moment for October- Mai and her nine month old daughter; Kira. Mai joined Body Beyond Baby on the recommendation of a Mum in her mother's group.

Mai was nominated for Mum of the Moment by a number of other Body Beyond Baby mums who know about the tough time her family has gone through with Kira's heart complications yet has still managed to create some time for herself and strategies in coping with a situation that is heart wrenching and that would challenge every single one of us. Mai understands that by looking after herself she can be the best mother she can be and be there for Kira, to support her. She is on her second challenge and is determined to keep her weekly sessions a priority in her life.

As a thank you to our Mum of the Moment and a congratulations for all of her hard work Mai will receive a voucher for Plenty Kitchen and Tableware in Bondi Junction

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm 34 (but definitely don't look it right?!) and originally from Wollongong but have been living in Sydney for about 9 years now. I've done some interesting jobs in my time including being a dance teacher and pouring beers in Canada but I'm pretty settled now working at UNSW, although being on maternity leave is the highlight of my job to date. I've been married to Rob for 6 years and we have a gorgeous girl Kira to round out our family. Kira is almost nine months old and a very cheeky but incredibly brave little lady. She has some major heart complications which we first discovered when she was 6 days old. She has had three major surgeries since then but has come through them all with determination and a beautiful smile which we are incredibly thankful for.

What made you join Body Beyond Baby?

One of the mum's from my mother's group recommended Body Beyond Baby and I thought why not give it a go! I've always tried to stay fit and healthy but after having Kira I struggled getting back into any exercise routine. We don't have any family close by and my husband works shift-work so trying to work around his shifts and the needs of a newborn meant I was not really getting to the gym regularly. While I did a lot of walking I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere in terms of regaining my fitness. The fact that there were nannies looking after Kira meant that I could lock in a day and time to commit to me and my fitness and this was probably the main reason I initially started with Body Beyond Baby. I hadn't done any prior group fitness training so wasn't exactly sure if it would be 'my thing' but I love it, and have from the very first session!

What has been your Body Beyond Baby highlight so far?

My highlight was the beep test score I achieved at the end of the last challenge. My husband (who is a total fitness freak) was so proud of me. He posted a comment on facebook to let everyone know what a fit wife he has and I received loads of nice comments from all of our friends saying they were really impressed that I had made such an effort after having Kira to get back to being fit and healthy - that made it all worthwhile for me.

What has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge has been trying to keep my diet under control when we've been going through our rough times with Kira. I can't have caffeine because of Kira's condition while I'm breastfeeding, and Kira used to wake every 2 hours at night so I'll admit that I've fallen off the wagon quite a few times in relation to sugar (sometimes I just couldn't resist that little pep). I'm getting it under control now in this challenge and have given up my vice of hot chocolates in favour of hot water with lemon or herbal teas. Being in hospital and having constant appointments with Doctors also threw out my level of preparation for meals which, coupled with my average cooking skills has meant that I am not where I'd like to be in terms of a really healthy diet. It's never been really bad but just not exactly what it should.....slowly but surely.

What has inspired you to sign up to our Find Your Summer Body 8 Week Challenge?

I really enjoyed the Watch Your Winter Waistline challenge. It kept me focused on putting aside that extra time each week for 'me', at a time when I really had little energy to concentrate on myself. I know I feel much better both physically and mentally because of it. While I was really happy with what I achieved in the Winter challenge, I knew I had a bit more in me and could do with a little bit less in my thighs so I signed up for the challenge inspired by the thought of revealing a new swimsuit on my tropical holiday in December!

Do you have anything else to add?

Training with Body Beyond Baby is the most fun I have ever had while exercising. I look forward to every session knowing that I will always have that extra little bit of energy for whatever my cheeky and demanding little bub throws at me that day. Jen is truly passionate about what she does and it shows in the way she is able to get the best out of everyone in the sessions and particularly the challenges. I am constantly inspired being surrounded by amazing mums who have taken time out of their busy days to commit to themselves and their fitness- how can you not be!

Mum of the Moment is proudly sponsored by