Catherine Switzer | Baby Bump, Baby Mama and 5AM Club Member

1. How did you first discover Baby Mama?

I first met Chantelle while I was working at the local dance store. She came in and I was pregnant with my second, Iris. She told me she runs Baby Mama workout classes and that I should check them out. It only took me about 8 months to commit but when Iris was 5 months old I finally attended my first class! 

2. Tell us who is in your family!

I have a wonderful hubby, Arthur (who I have been married to for 10 years this October), my oldest is Oliver and he is turning 5 in August. Iris is my spicy little girl who is 2 now and our newest addition will be joining us sometime in July. 

3. You have been a Baby Mama, Baby Bump and 5am Club participant—how do the three memberships differ and how do they blend together for you?

They all offer something a bit different for those different stages of life. 

Baby Mama came at a time when I needed a change. A time when I needed to prioritize myself so I could be a better Mom for my kids both mentally and physically.  It gave me a non-judgemental environment that I could bring my kids to, meet other mom’s who were in the thick of it AND focus on my physical health and getting stronger. 

Baby Bump came along just this year. I had never been active in my previous pregnancies but one thing I knew was that I wanted to stay active for this one.  This class has given me a chance to meet new soon-to-be mama’s and focus on my body and what it needs in this season. 

5AM club is probably one of my favourites. I decided to join the 5AM club once Iris was a bit bigger and I just got tired of chasing her around at the Baby Mama classes. So, after a whole lot of encouraging from Chantelle and a friend to join the 5AM club I finally did it. And I LOVE it! Yes, it can be very hard to wake up early but it is so worth it. I get my workout in before the kids are even up and it really sets the tone for the rest of my day. I have even managed to keep up the early workouts this entire pregnancy. 

What I love about all these programs is that they all work together. No matter the season of life you are in, Chantelle has something to offer. All these classes have honestly changed my life for the better! 

4. How do you keep up your commitment to working out with 2 kids (and 1 on the way)?

Well, this can be hard but I have made a commitment to myself to do better. To change habits that don’t serve me and to be different than generations before me. Life has hit my family hard this last year. You never know what tomorrow will bring. It has reminded me of how short this life is, so I want to make it count. I want to be healthy and strong for my kids and my family. 

5. If you could give moms expecting their 2nd or 3rd child advice on motherhood/self-care what would it be?

As hard as it can be, do one thing for yourself everyday. Even if it is small. Sometimes I would go to Baby Mama classes and only get in 20 minutes of exercise because Iris was being needy. Other days I would get the whole hour. I always say something is better than nothing. 

6. Indoor or outdoor workout? Fav exercise? Least fav exercise?

Both. I love indoor workouts at Shift or the College because of the equipment that’s available. But sometimes getting outside in the sun is just the best. I absolutely LOVE working with kettlebells. But my least favorited exercise is Surrenders. The literal worst. 

7. Do you have any baby names picked out for your third baby? When are you due? What still scared you about labor?

We are waiting to find out what we are having so we have a couple names floating around but nothing concrete yet. I am due July 2 which is coming fast. And as for labor, I feel it gets less and less scary the more kids you have. I always worry about how hard it will be and if I can do it but my body has carried me this far and through 2 births so I know I can do it again!