For this week's inspiration, we got a chance to catch up with Erica Day. She joined K-Fit earlier this year with the intention to get in better shape after her second child. Since joining, she has lost 20 pounds (40+ since baby)! She always brings a good energy to her sessions and we're lucky to have her as part of the K-Fit Family.
1) Where's your Hometown?
Reisterstown, Maryland (outside of Baltimore). I moved to the Bay Area in 2008 after graduate school for a job in San Francisco. We've slowly made our way down to the Peninsula over the last decade.
2) Share 3 Fun Facts about yourself.
3) Favorite (Healthy) Food
For me, good healthy food is simple. So, anything that uses whole, clean ingredients is a favorite of mine. I've learned over the years less is more when it comes to food and really try to keep it simple at home for me and my family.
If the ingredient list has a bunch of stuff in it I can't pronounce, I avoid it (this is not to say we don't indulge and not buy junk food because we do! Just in moderation :) ).
My ultimate favorite healthy food though (as lame as it sounds) is just a big salad with lots of different in-season veggies with some added protein on top and a homemade salad dressing.
We pretty much eat that every Monday night at home and I just rotate what the protein is and put whatever vegetables I've gotten that week from the Farmer's Market in the salad.
4) Share a little about your story on why you decided to get fit again...
I've played sports since the 6th grade and played Division I field hockey at Georgetown so working out has always been part of my routine.
After my first kid (Gabrielle, aged 4 now) I had a really hard time getting back into shape and fitting into my old clothes. I never lost all my baby weight from her (and I gained a whopping 50lbs with her!) and felt terrible about where I was physically.
I had a really hard time fitting in working out and it took me a good year to finally get a routine down.
At that time I was doing mostly CrossFit type workouts and while I liked them, I didn't lean out as much as I wanted to - my body type just seemed to bulk up with those types of workouts.
Then, I got pregnant with my second kid and while I was MUCH better the second time around about my weight gain, I still got big by the end of my pregnancy, but this time was determined to lose my baby weight within a year of my son's birth.
I knew that not only did I look better if I stayed active, but felt better physically and mentally and I wanted to be as present for my family as I could.
Having 2 young kids is exhausting and working full time, but staying fit not only helps me keep up with them, but it also helps me mentally have the space and time I need for ME. Above all, I workout for me alone because I know I'm a much better mother and partner when I'm feeling physically and mentally better.
5) What do you love most about Studio K-Fit ?
I got introduced to K-Fit by 2 friends and neighbors who had been going for some time. I used to pass by it all the time because I am always at Marsh Manor and was always curious about it. What I love about it most is really the people.
I think most people agree that the culture there is very supportive and all the coaches are so well-informed and willing to help you. I also love the schedule and how they have a variety of times for classes so it can fit into my schedule.
6.) Has losing all that weight changed your view of fitness and nutrition?
I wouldn't say it has changed my view because I think I've always known that it's not rocket science when it comes to working out and losing weight: you need to burn more calories than you're taking in and also eat a balanced diet.
But, getting back into shape at K-Fit has made me realize I CAN make it work and fit it in even with a busy life working and being a mom. That's empowering and motivates me to keep coming and working towards new fitness goals.
7.) Has your workout schedule changed and what motivates you to get your workout in after a long day?
100% yes. Because of the 2 little ones at home now, working out needs to be squeezed in between drop off, pick ups, busy weekends, etc. I find it works better for me if I can get things done in the morning and have the rest of the day to do work or be with the family.
It used to be completely different and I'd work out after work, but now from 4-8pm, life in the house is way too chaotic for that. On the weekends, I'll squeeze in a workout during nap time :)
9.) What you tell someone who is intimidated or discouraged in their fitness journey?
Baby steps! Start small and make small goals for yourself first. You don't need to start with the goal of "I want to run a half marathon" right off the bat.
Everyone's fitness level is different and recognizing that and where you are is key to making sure you don't overshoot or burn out. Also, if you're moving and working out that's already the first step, which is huge! Just keep doing that and the rest will fall into place.
1) Where's your Hometown?
Reisterstown, Maryland (outside of Baltimore). I moved to the Bay Area in 2008 after graduate school for a job in San Francisco. We've slowly made our way down to the Peninsula over the last decade.
2) Share 3 Fun Facts about yourself.
- a) I married my high school sweetheart, Paul. (we met when we were both 14, dated all of high school, took a 6 year break during college and grad school, and then got back together when I moved to CA for a job; he was here doing his PhD at Stanford)
- b) I have an older brother named Eric
- c) I secretly wish I could be a professional hip hop dancer
3) Favorite (Healthy) Food
For me, good healthy food is simple. So, anything that uses whole, clean ingredients is a favorite of mine. I've learned over the years less is more when it comes to food and really try to keep it simple at home for me and my family.
If the ingredient list has a bunch of stuff in it I can't pronounce, I avoid it (this is not to say we don't indulge and not buy junk food because we do! Just in moderation :) ).
My ultimate favorite healthy food though (as lame as it sounds) is just a big salad with lots of different in-season veggies with some added protein on top and a homemade salad dressing.
We pretty much eat that every Monday night at home and I just rotate what the protein is and put whatever vegetables I've gotten that week from the Farmer's Market in the salad.
4) Share a little about your story on why you decided to get fit again...
I've played sports since the 6th grade and played Division I field hockey at Georgetown so working out has always been part of my routine.
After my first kid (Gabrielle, aged 4 now) I had a really hard time getting back into shape and fitting into my old clothes. I never lost all my baby weight from her (and I gained a whopping 50lbs with her!) and felt terrible about where I was physically.
I had a really hard time fitting in working out and it took me a good year to finally get a routine down.
At that time I was doing mostly CrossFit type workouts and while I liked them, I didn't lean out as much as I wanted to - my body type just seemed to bulk up with those types of workouts.
Then, I got pregnant with my second kid and while I was MUCH better the second time around about my weight gain, I still got big by the end of my pregnancy, but this time was determined to lose my baby weight within a year of my son's birth.
I knew that not only did I look better if I stayed active, but felt better physically and mentally and I wanted to be as present for my family as I could.
Having 2 young kids is exhausting and working full time, but staying fit not only helps me keep up with them, but it also helps me mentally have the space and time I need for ME. Above all, I workout for me alone because I know I'm a much better mother and partner when I'm feeling physically and mentally better.
5) What do you love most about Studio K-Fit ?
I got introduced to K-Fit by 2 friends and neighbors who had been going for some time. I used to pass by it all the time because I am always at Marsh Manor and was always curious about it. What I love about it most is really the people.
I think most people agree that the culture there is very supportive and all the coaches are so well-informed and willing to help you. I also love the schedule and how they have a variety of times for classes so it can fit into my schedule.
6.) Has losing all that weight changed your view of fitness and nutrition?
I wouldn't say it has changed my view because I think I've always known that it's not rocket science when it comes to working out and losing weight: you need to burn more calories than you're taking in and also eat a balanced diet.
But, getting back into shape at K-Fit has made me realize I CAN make it work and fit it in even with a busy life working and being a mom. That's empowering and motivates me to keep coming and working towards new fitness goals.
7.) Has your workout schedule changed and what motivates you to get your workout in after a long day?
100% yes. Because of the 2 little ones at home now, working out needs to be squeezed in between drop off, pick ups, busy weekends, etc. I find it works better for me if I can get things done in the morning and have the rest of the day to do work or be with the family.
It used to be completely different and I'd work out after work, but now from 4-8pm, life in the house is way too chaotic for that. On the weekends, I'll squeeze in a workout during nap time :)
9.) What you tell someone who is intimidated or discouraged in their fitness journey?
Baby steps! Start small and make small goals for yourself first. You don't need to start with the goal of "I want to run a half marathon" right off the bat.
Everyone's fitness level is different and recognizing that and where you are is key to making sure you don't overshoot or burn out. Also, if you're moving and working out that's already the first step, which is huge! Just keep doing that and the rest will fall into place.
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