Cardio Flow – Digital Download

Do you stretch? I do . . . but apparently not enough lately. In case you hadn’t heard, I started running a few weeks ago, but for the last week or more I’ve had to stop . . . achilles and knee pain for the first time in my life. I have lots of theories on why - poor choice of shoes (I’ve since bought some @brooksrunning shoes), postpartum hormones (possibly relaxin still hanging out and effecting my joints), doing too much too soon (I know better but was excited to be out and alone!), and not being consistent with stretching (tight quads, glutes and IT bands). If you’re interested, I’m happy to share more on my recovery tips and stretches (also, check out my stretching highlight), but this picture shows a great quad stretch that you can do anywhere, even on the floor with your baby. Inhale and reach for your ankle or foot (whatever you can reach) and pull it towards your booty. Exhale and pull it closer as you think of pressing your hips towards the floor (exhale). You should feel a deep stretch down the top front of your leg (your quad). Hang out for a few seconds and a few deep breaths. Release and repeat 2-3 times. #dynamicstretching This #stretch is taken from my postnatal stretch workout for @myx.fitness . If you’re looking for an affordable on-demand program with a cycling bike, tablet, and heart rate monitor I encourage you to check it out and use code SARA for $250 off. Taking all stretching questions . . . flag for later and remember to stretch! . . . . . . . #sarahaleyworkouts #myxfitness #postpartumbody #runnerstretch #stretchesforrunning #runnersknee #kneepain ##stretchesforkneepain #quadstretch #quadstretches

My favorite veteran . . . you are missed today and always. Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all who serve(d). Click the link in my bio if you want to read more about my grandfather who served in WWII, and we lost just a few years ago. . . . . #memorialday #veteran #granddad #threegenerations #honorveterans #memorialdayweekend

Do you tan or burn? I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that I burn easily . . . when I don’t wear sunscreen. But maybe you’re surprised to hear that when I do wear sunscreen I actually get a decent tan. Yes, I’m a natural redhead who can tan. One of my favorite things about living in Southern California is that my skin usually has a constant glow to it thanks to all of our sunshine. Quarantine life has left me feeling a bit pasty, so when we were finally able to head to the beach last weekend, I was so glad I had my Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist (SPF 30) by @beautycounter. I went to the beach looking like I’d already been to the beach. And no, this wasn’t because I was going to see anyone other than my own immediate family, but because it made me just feel better . . . and I know we can all use a little bit of that these days. #selfcare Click the link in my bio to find out more about Beautycounter’s Good Clean Sun Event from May 21-26, 2020. When you spend $125 you’ll receive your choice of either the Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer, Countersun After Sun Cooling Gel, or Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream (so basically a $40 product for free). I’ve used all of these products, but I’m currently loving the Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer the most. DM me if you want to know more of my Beautycouter faves, but I definitely recommend stocking up on the Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist (I’m wearing the medium-deep tint here.) for summer. You can also get it without the tint and their sunscreen stick is great for on-the-go or if your kids insist on putting on their own sunscreen. And yes, I feel safe putting all of these products on my kids because Beautycounter’s products have only clean safe ingredients in them. . . . . #beautycounter #beautycounteradvocate #sale #freestuff #redheadedmom #sunscreen #cleanbeauty #sunscreenforkids #momstuffthatmatters #bestbeautyproducts #safebeautyproducts

THE MIRACLE OF MOTHERHOOD Motherhood has been rough for all moms lately, and I know many of us, me included, are wishing nothing more than to have some alone time today. I hope that if you’re a mom you do get a little time to breathe, but as I watch my children today, especially my youngest two, who were much more challenging to conceive, I can’t help but be reminded of what an incredible miracle it is to be a mother and of course, to have a mother. If you are mourning the loss of your own mom or are longing to be one, please know I’m thinking of you, and if you are a mother enjoy your little miracles and have a happy Mother’s Day! . . . . #mothersday2020 #kierasis #broihiersibs #momof4 #momoffour #secondaryinfertility #tryingtoconceive #luckytobeamom #momsofinstagram

HALF GLASS FULL OR HALF GLASS EMPTY? WHAT’S YOUR JAM THESE DAYS? I’ve realized recently that although I have my moments, I like the half glass full kind of mentality. So with that in mind, I challenge you to name at least two things, big or small, that are making you happy right now. I’m naming five: The sun is out! It’s Mother’s Day weekend! These new @sundryclothing sweats - so comfy! #notsponsored Listening to @marcopoloapp messages from my friends. My blended dirty chai with almond milk . . . . . . #thingsthatmakemehappy #sundryclothing #coffeemom #momof4 #santamonicalife #lamom #socallife #momsofinstagram #halfglassfull #safeathome #momlife

I hope this is the only #cincodemayo that I spend with my kids, dressed in my robe, and NOT drinking @corona (because I’m superstitious like that). Side note: I do me some #coronabeer. I’m already planning my house party for next year. Let’s just say the last time we had a Cinco de Mayo party it ended with our buddy @jevendovey running around with the left-over donkey head from the piñata on his own head. #goodtimes Do you have any good Cinco de Mayo stories? How’d you spend tonight? . . . . . #cincodemayoparty #coronavirus #coronavirus2020 #coronalife #partymom #partyinmypjs #sahm #lamom

My hair had been slicked back in a ponytail for over 6 weeks . . . which honestly, I’ve now realized I’m not mad about. I really don’t like the feeling of hair on the back of my neck - maybe there is a pixie cut in my future??? Anyways, yesterday I showered, put on a real bra and shirt (still sweats on the bottom), put on a bit of @beautycounter makeup (DM me if you’ve been wanting to try it!) and even did my hair. I’d love to say it made me feel better - the t-shirt and makeup did but not so much the hair. Maybe its because even in non-quarantine life I’m more comfortable in athleisure and hair back. Have you been doing this? What does it for you? All of it? Real clothes? Makeup? Hair? . . . . . #momlife #quarantinelife #momselfie #selfie #makeuplooks #cleanbeauty #beautycounter #momtipsandtricks #momstuffthatmatters #momsofinstagram

A change in environment, making others smile, & having something to look forward to. That’s what yesterday’s festivities made me realize I need right now. If you didn’t get a chance to follow my IG stories yesterday (I’ll add a highlight) we celebrated May Day. It got us out and about to our friends homes, brought smiles to my kids’ and others’ faces, and really brightened my week overall - having something to prepare for and plan. I think that’s what’s really hard about family life right now - the lack of things to look forward to, right? I have more ideas on that - stay tuned. I’ve received some questions on May Day, so here’s the deal: It’s a tradition I grew up with - on May 1st we delivered baskets to celebrate spring and hopefully the end of rain (keep in mind I grew up in the midwest). “April showers bring May flowers.” As kids we LOVED it - you drop the basket at the front door, ring the bell, and run away (yes ding-dong-ditch). Growing up in the Chicago suburbs our biggest concern was the squirrels eating the cookies we had made. Here in Santa Monica our biggest challenge is really how to best deliver to our friends in apartments and town homes. Usually due to being rushed to deliver and get off to school, we started limiting delivery to only friends in houses, but since the current COVID-19 circumstances slowed us for more time and also the need to deliver more smiles, we did a lot more this year. For our friends in apartments we left them as close as we could, and then I sent a text that said something like “Ding Dong! Go check downstairs!” In past years, we’ve filled the baskets with cookies, bubbles and any spring like gifts. This year was a few healthy and unhealthy snacks, bouncy balls & flowers. I wanted things people could wipe down. I always find baskets on sale at CVS left over from Easter. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’ve heard of some people doing “quarantine fairy” deliveries, so you could use this idea for that too. I hope to get all this up on my blog too, and you can do it next year! It’s super fun for the kids and also those who you deliver too. Some of my childhood friends still remember it .

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!! The secret project I went to film on the east coast is HERE! I created and filmed 15 pre and postnatal workouts, including Mommy & Me (baby wearing) workouts for @myx.fitness. I’m so proud of these workouts that offer options for all fitness levels and trimesters. In the #pregnancy workouts I have two moms-to-be working out with me (so you can see what the exercises look like on a #pregnantbody), and in the #postnatal workouts my newest addition makes a few appearances too! I’ll include a link in my bio and some swipe ups in my stories (and later in a highlight), so you can find out more about MYX. Please use code SARA to get $250 off MYX (indoor cycling bike plus tablet & heart rate monitor) or MYX Plus (the addition of free weights, kettlebell, band, oversized exercise mat and foam roller). Their pricing is so much more affordable than others, and I love their choice of bike. Yes, you can ride with me! MXY couldn’t have come at a better time in all of our lives. #myxfitness I’m so excited to be part of the team at MYXfitness. Stay tuned for more posts on these workouts. For now bring on the questions! . . . . #athomeworkouts #sarahaleyworkouts #mommyandme #babywearingworkouts #workoutathome #momworkouts #fitpregnancy #prenatalworkouts #pregnancyworkouts #postnatalworkouts #postpartumworkouts #workoutsformom #workoutsformomsandbabies

HE’S KEEPING A PANDEMIC JOURNAL. Are you? I want to, but my secret hope is that this whole thing is over before I have a chance. #wishfulthinking I do need to get back to more blogging and personal writing- so therapeutic. But back to my third grader - for his first (virtual) writing assignment back after spring break his teacher is having them write about the pandemic in a journal. And man, reading it is rough. I almost started crying after his first entry. When you read the facts out loud from a child’s point of view it’s a lot. Regardless, I highly recommend this idea for you or your kids - even if they have to dictate to you . It will also give you a lot of insight if you have a kid like my Landon who is pretty happy-go-lucky. He doesn’t say it out loud, but boy does he miss his friends - he writes it in every journal entry. I hear you, buddy. I miss my friends too. Hang in there friends. We are all feeling it. . . . . #landonbro #boymom #pandemic2020 #pandemickidsathome #pandemicjournal #kidsactivities #pandemicproblems #athomeduringcoronavirus #pandemicactivities #thirdgrademom #momofathirdgrader