Hi! I’m Erica

Welcome.

I’ve noodled on writing an introduction post for a long time, but wasn’t quite sure how to put my thoughts into words.

Here we go….

My name is Erica. I’m a mom, partner, daughter, sister, aunt, and postpartum fitness coach. I’m a lot of things to a lot of people, and sometimes that can be a bit overwhelming.

Social media often shows one side of my life, but the magic and realness happens behind the scenes. Beyond toddler tantrums there’s imposter syndrome, body imagine struggles, pelvic floor symptoms, career shifts, injury, and loss. There’s real sh*t that makes you stop and second guess yourself.

There are also amazing moments that make you realize you’re in the right profession. That you truly love what you do. Many of my struggles have fueled my fire to become a better coach. I can relate to my clients and the ups and downs of motherhood, athleticism / training, managing work and business needs, and taking time for yourself.

Why do I work with Pregnant & Postpartum Athletes?

During my first pregnancy five years ago I worked out regularly and continued with the same activities I had prior to pregnancy. I was a regular at boutique fitness studios, joining in for the burpees, ball slams, etc. I constantly received praise for having a “fit pregnancy.” I even recall being signed up for a cycling class the day my water broke. I messaged the studio at 4 am and told them I’d have to late cancel the class :)

My labor was unlike what I expected. My epidural failed and I pushed for four hours on my back with very little coaching . While I did wind up having a vaginal delivery, I felt very disempowered in the process. My husband and I attended a birth prep class, but there was very little discussion on the pelvic floor, birthing positions, or ways I could advocate for myself.

That was the beginning.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

After my first son was born I stayed home with him for five months. We had relocated to Seattle when I was seven months pregnant for my husband’s job. While I was excited for the change at first, once baby arrived, I felt very alone. I vividly remember sitting in front of the window watching the rain rocking my son and crying. My husband was at work, I had no one locally to call, and my son was upset. This motherhood thing was hard.

After my six week clearance I started venturing out more to try different fitness studios and workouts. Exercise had always been a great outlet to meet people with similar interests. I would race to early classes before my husband left for work, just wanting one hour to myself.

I remember trying to jog on a treadmill in class. Less than a minute later I stopped. My vagina felt like it was going to fall out of me. Everything felt unsupported. I attempted what I felt to be “easy” movements, but my postpartum core felt so weak and disconnected. I didn’t know how to modify an entire workout. Where should I start?

It was an out of body experience. I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself.

I immediately started doing research and learned about Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. My provider had never mentioned it or provided a referral.

I saw a Pelvic Floor PT regularly for four months. She supported me with breathing, posture, progressive core loading for diastasis recti, and incontinence.

She gave me the confidence to go for long walks with my son, join a local barre studio (where I met other moms), and progressively build back strength. I felt confident in my body and trusted the process. I felt less broken and lost.

I immediately thought, “why isn’t this information provided to moms?”

Learning and Growing

That was the beginning of the learning process. I immediately purchased a Pre & Postnatal Fitness Certification from Girls Gone Strong and dove right in. I fit in studying at night and on the weekends while I also worked full-time.

Once I started, I really couldn’t stop. I started talking to other moms and realized their struggles were similar to mine. Lack of time, support, and guidance in the return back to fitness after baby. I wanted to change that.

I started my 1:1 training business in January 2020.

I was relatively new as a trainer, had just started teaching at a local fitness studio, and was finally clear on my path. Within a few months everything changed due to COVID. I was forced online at a time where everyone was moving virtual. I had NO IDEA what I was doing and now had a toddler at home to watch over too.

My heart sank.

I utilized the time at home to continue my learning, signing up for more certifications. I used nap time, evenings, and stroller walks to listen, digest, and apply in my own body or the few clients I saw.

Then I got pregnant again.

Baby Number Two

My second pregnancy was a surprise. My husband and I had undergone the IVF process for our first, so getting pregnant the second time around without IVF was a shock.

We relocated back to San Diego during my pregnancy at my request. The idea of two kids under two without help during COVID in Seattle was overwhelming. I struggled in the PNW. I remember coming back to Southern California with a sudden rush of relief. Like a huge cloud was lifted off my shoulders. There was sunshine, family, and the feeling of home.

The pregnancy itself was very isolating, even with the move. My husband wasn’t there for many appointments due to COVID restrictions. I couldn’t participate in many mom groups or meet ups because they weren’t happening. Social media became an outlet to connect with the outside world and I documented my pregnancy on my social channels.

The second time around I felt more informed and empowered. Through the additional education and the prenatal fitness coaching I received I felt more in tune to my body. I saw a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and Webster Trained Chiropractor regularly to help manage Pelvic Girdle discomfort and to prepare for birth. It made such a huge difference for me physically and mentally. My second birth felt smoother. I pushed for a shorter amount of time and felt my recovery went faster.

Where to go from here

After my second son was born I continued coaching online and started seeing clients again in person a few months later. I struggled with balancing being home with my son while also trying to build a business. ALL of my client sessions were scheduled around my husband’s work schedule and when he could watch the baby.

I auditioned to coach at a local fitness studio. I made it through a few rounds, but ultimately pulled out because of childcare needs and the overwhelm of trying to make it work with a 2-year-old and 6-month-old at home.

I took on a role part-time working for another coach. That role really gave me a sense of purpose, as well as coaching experience supporting moms from all over the world. I’m grateful for the two years I spent at Get Mom Strong.

As a Pre & Postnatal Fitness Coach I’ve gone through many ups and downs in my career and personal life. But, all of these moments have made me a better human and coach. I can relate to my clients: their fears, passions, and the struggle to be everything to everyone. What I can give them/you is time for YOU. To unlock the athlete within (all moms are athletes) and support you in your journey back to movement, or navigating exercise during your pregnancy.

There is a lot of information on Pre & Postnatal Fitness on the internet. Some good, and some not so good. My hope is to help you navigate this information, educate during our sessions, and give you the autonomy to make decisions about your body and care.

My goal is to help moms feel strong and powerful through movement. I support YOU in your return-to-exercise postpartum so you can do the activities you love, strengthen your core and pelvic floor, and tackle all things #momlife with confidence (symptom free!).

My journey has had it’s ups and downs, but I am beyond passionate about what I do. I’m always learning, always striving to be a better coach, listener, and friend.

I’d love to get to you know you too. If you are looking for 1:1 support navigating your pregnancy or return to exercise postpartum in San Diego (or virtually), I’d love to chat! You can also explore one of my DIY programs and free guides.

Feel good mama.

xoxo,

Erica