Who Brought the POWER in April (2015)?
Kelly Barnhart and Stephanie Leach
Pregnant and Power Ryding; THAT is an accomplishment and inspiration to all of us at Power Ryde! Kelly and Stephanie are both due in a little over 2 weeks (YES you read that right, TWO WEEKS!!!) and they are still in class, each week, cycling, sweating and strengthening for not one, but TWO! Can you imagine? So, the next time you find yourself in or out of the saddle thinking, I don't know if I can give any more, look to these ladies for motivation! We wanted to know a little bit more about these mamas-to-be and what it's really like ryding with that belly (cute belly, of course!), so we asked. Keep reading to find our why they ryde, what motivates them, and why they continue to ryde so close to giving birth!
Kelly Barnhart
What brought you to Power Ryde?
I drove past it everyday going home, so last Summer I decided I was going to try it; I've been hooked ever since!
Why do you ryde at Power Ryde?
I love Power Ryde; it's such a great workout! I also like the family atmosphere and friendly people.
What did you do for fitness prior to Power Ryde?
I did alot of pilates reformer, which I still do, and cardio on my own.
What goals has Power Ryde helped you achieve?
It has helped me improve my fitness level so much.
What goals are you hoping to achieve in 2015?
Survive having a second child haha, and running a marathon! (Kelly is due in June and also training for a marathon - AMAZING!)
What is your favorite music to ryde to?
I love all the music, the hill songs are my favorite.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have a horrible addiction to ice cream.
What motivates you?
Working out and all types of fitness really keep me going, mentally and physically.
When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?
Im usually with my family or laying by our pool. (It's no wonder she always has a beautiful tan!)
How has it been ryding for two?
It's getting harder since I only have 2 weeks left, but it's really helped me stay in shape and I love that I've been able to continue to do it.
Why is it important to you to continue to exercise throughout your pregnancy?
It's so important, my doctor recommends exercise. I feel like it keeps you strong and healthy during pregnancy and I'm hoping to bounce back much faster. Thanks Power Ryde for keeping this girl fit during this pregnancy!
Stephanie Leach
What brought you to Power Ryde?
Why do you ryde at Power Ryde?
It is a great cardio workout and since I have had ACL surgeries on both of my knees in the past 5 years I've had to adjust my workout regimen to be kinder to my knees. Also, I love the environment, everyone has a good time and the staff is so welcoming.
What did you do for fitness prior to Power Ryde?
I played weekly soccer in the winter and softball in the summers. I would run around the neighborhood, lift weights at the gym, and hot yoga. I no longer play sports or run to preserve my knees. With Power Ryde lifting weights has not been a part of my regimen in a long time.
What goals has Power Ryde helped you achieve?
I started the Whole 30 journey about a year ago and I lost 25 lbs. Power Ryde helped me achieve this goal when they recommended this book and kept me motivated throughout the journey with each workout I attended. (Stephanie read the book, It Starts with Food, on her own and lost all this weight on her own. Her transformation has been amazing to see! Way to go Stephanie, keep up the hard work!)
What goals are you hoping to achieve in 2015?
I hope to quickly lose the pregnancy weight and return to my previous workout regimen which includes weekly yoga, spinning, and barre classes.
What is your favorite music to ryde to?
I like most of the music played. I enjoy the upbeat for our fast sprints and the slow deep music for the hills. The music helps me focus on my goal to work hard and finish each class strong.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love to cook and when I tell people about my Whole 30 journey, I like to have them try my food because it tastes so good and it is healthy. My sister and best friend were motivated by my journey and both have lost weight and now enjoy eating healthier and working out. (We love to hear this! Healthy is easy and tasty!)
What motivates you?
My health, it is important to me because I have many family members that are unhealthy and as they have become older they struggle with some of the things we take for granted in life. I want to be able to live a long life that I can enjoy and not worry about always feeling bad or taking medications to sustain my “health."
When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?
Well the past two years my life revolved around graduate school, work, my husband, and the past nine months, the pregnancy. But now I have graduated from school and I am trying to relax a little before the baby’s arrival.
How has it been ryding for two?
It can be exhausting and now the bigger he gets the more breathless I get. Now at nine months I overheat quickly and enjoy being by the fan, which is usually not my style.
Why is it important to you to continue to exercise throughout your pregnancy?
I believe it is important for me to continue to eat right and exercise as much as my body will allow. Lately, it has been hard but continuing to push myself will hopefully help me stay motivated during the labor pains of our baby’s arrival. Ultimately, staying fit will continue to benefit me physically and mentally which will benefit my unborn child.
