If you would have asked me
two months ago if I enjoyed a good workout,
I would have laughed out loud.
I enjoy riding a bike, walking and hiking.
But going to work out was not on the list of things I enjoyed.
Three and a half weeks ago I signed up
for the U.G.I.® Challenge
I had no idea what to expect,
but I was ready to get my butt whipped into shape.
At 8 months post-partum,
I was ready to start feeling like a normal human again.
U.G.I.® (pronounced you-gee),
which stands for you've got it,
was developed by Sara Shears, a South Delta woman.
Sara graduated with her degree in
Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia,
and trained celebrities in Vancouver.
She created a 5-day a week 30 minute work out and her clients were seeing results.
It then evolved into U.G.I.®
(photo courtesy of maddog.com)
It is fast paced, intense and works your muscles from head to tow,
using only one piece of equipment - the U.G.I.® ball.
It comes in different weights (6, 8, 10 and 12 pounds), each in a fun colour.
They are soft, squishy and not intimidating.
You can use them to stand on, sit on, plank on and toss.
You can do U.G.I.® at a fitness studio,
or purchase the ball online to do at home.
There are 30 exercises done in one minute bursts.
It can be cut in half for a shorter workout,
or extended into a one hour workout.
(photo courtesy of spinning.com)
Tanya Armstrong of Buggy Babies and Yoga
You can choose one of the two challenges,
three mornings a week or two evenings a week.
Tanya worked with Keyrsten to develop two meal plans,
one more disciplined than the other,
for the challengers to use throughout the three weeks.
It removes foods like added sugars, wheat, dairy, and some fruits.
It included plenty of vegetables, legumes, lean meats, nuts and seeds.
There are recipes included as well.
The goal is to eat 80% of the time following the plan,
and allowing 20% for slip ups or wiggle room.
with one of her delicious salads after each class.
It is always something to look forward to afterwards.
I love to see local businesses supporting each other and working together.
(Read our review of batch.food
here.)
Mt first experience with U.G.I.®
was when I came for Buggy Babies trial class.
I was so nervous, but was motivated to try something new
and get back into exercising regularly.
My stubborn streak came through when the class started
and I was determined to do as many reps as Haley,
the very fit fitness instructor.
The idea is to go seamlessly from one exercise into the other,
but I took a few water breaks in between.
It was tough, but I felt amazing.
I also felt like I was going to throw up.
My husband kindly reminded me that I had not
done this rigorous of a workout in a long time,
and that Haley does this for her job.
I didn't need to keep her pace on my first day.
The second day,
and the first day of the challenge,
I felt more prepared.
I knew what to expect and I knew to pace myself.
Both Haley and Tanya are fantastic instructors.
I appreciate each of their styles and like the way
each of them has their spin on the class.
What I love is that there was no time to get bored of an exercise
because it moves from one to the next so quickly.
There is a great variety between strength, balance and cardio.
If an exercise seems impossible, there are modifications.
And by the time you think,
"When will this be over?",
it is!
By the second week
I was looking forward to going.
It felt good to get together with the others
and push ourselves beyond our limits.
Working off any steam or tension that we came into the studio with.
I found that when I was surrounded by the others,
hearing the grunts and groans around me,
it pushed me harder.
Together we were pushing each other
and encouraging each other
to give it our all.
Each day Tanya would write something
on her giant chalkboard by the door.
My favourite one was,
"Sweat like a pig, look like a fox."
I would think about that as sweat was pouring off my body
and I thought I couldn't take it anymore.
For me,
exercising in this kind of environment
was something I never thought I would do, or could do.
I was always too afraid to try and look like an idiot.
I feared that I would be the worst one and hold the class back.
It turns out I was wrong!
If you are the same way I used to be,
I encourage you to come and try one of their classes.
Both Tanya and Haley are so sweet and encouraging
and in no way did they make me feel silly and inadequate.
The Buggy Babies studio is a welcoming place.
Buggy Babies Fitness and Yoga is
a local business based out of Ladner.
Tanya's studio is based out of her home,
where she has a studio in her backyard.
Some of the classes provide affordable and excellent childcare as well.
Tanya graduated with her degree in
Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University.
Fitness has been a way of life for her since childhood.
When she became a mother,
she found a way to combine
her love for her family and her passion for fitness.
The result was Buggy Babies.
Tanya started off teaching one stroller class a week.
As her family grew, so did her business.
She gained more certifications,
added more classes and the business grew into something beautiful.
Even though the name implies pregnant women and new moms,
it is intended for any woman wanting to get into shape,
or find a great environment to workout.
Their are classes to suit every need.
.
Tanya was kind enough to answer some of my questions about
her business venture and how Buggy Babies was born.
Just An Ordinary Family:
What was your vision when you dreamt about Buggy Babies?
Buggy Babies:
My vision was to provide an exciting mix of fitness and yoga classes for moms, so they could work out with their babyies. I wanted to create a community for moms that was positive, supportive and fun! A place for women to meet other like-minded moms where they could exercise and socialize all at the same time.
JAOF: What did you do before you started Baby Buggies? How did that help you in what you do now?
BB: Before I started BB, I worked for Canada Trust as a Bank Teller and in Administration. I believe that the Customer Service based training at Canada Trust was amazing. I learned that you need to provide top notch service to be successful at what you do.
JAOF: What is the most enjoyable piece about owning your own business? What do you find the most challenging?
BB: The best part about owning my own business is being able to create my own schedule around what's going on with my family. The most challenging part is trying to find the perfect balance between work and family. Trying not to feel overwhelmed. Or not being fully focused on the family when I'm not working.
JAOF: If you had three pieces of advice to give someone who wanted to make the leap into becoming their own boss, what would you tell them?
BB: The first thing I would tell them is that they have to be passionate about what they are doing. The second thing I would say is that they have to be a self starter. You have to create deadlines for yourself and stick with them. You cannot procrastinate! The third thing I would say is that being your own boss is fantastic, but it takes a ton of creativity, time and effort to stay current in your industry and run a successful business.
JAOF: How do you like, or dislike, working in the same community that you live in?
BB: I actually love it! Although, my friends all laugh at me because we can't go anywhere without me running into people I know!
JAOF: Being a mom, wife and business owner is difficult. How do you manage your time, and also give yourself time?
BB: Now that all my kids are in school full time, it's definitely a lot easier to manage my time. I try my best to schedule classes when they are in school. My husband is very supportive. He encourages me to do things for myself, which we both agree is important!
JAOF: Where would you like to see Buggy Babies in 5 years?
BB: My business has grown and evolved with my family. Now my kids are getting older and in school, BB will probably organically change as well. My focus right now is on getting information out about our 21 Day U.G.I. Challenges.I also see myself focusing on various specialty workshops, adventures and being a consultant.
JAOF: Is there anything you would like to say to our readers that are thinking about taking your classes, but may feel hesitant or uneasy?
BB: I would say that everyone is welcome to come and try any of our classes for free. Our classes are for all levels of fitness and modifications are always offered if needed. Don't be shy! We strive to provide a very comfortable, welcoming and supportive environment. Everyone has to start somewhere! We've all been there.We know what it's like to be up all night with crying babies. We can relate to it all.
Buggy Babies is taking a break over the summer.
But don't worry, they will be back in September.
The next U.G.I. ® challenge will be running in September as well.
Tanya has kindly offered our readers a 15% discount
when they mention this blog post!
For the three day a week class that is a savings of $30!
Find Buggy Babies
on
Facebook,
Instagram and
Pinterest.
Also check out their 21 Day U.G.I.® Challenge Facebook page
here!
