How Jeannie Finds Time for Fitness Amidst Family Life

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time for self-care and wellness can be a challenge, especially for busy moms. As the kids head back to school, the demands on a mother’s time only seem to grow. We are thrilled to share some helpful tips from Jeannie Abreu, a dedicated mom and owner of Mantra, to learn how she manages to balance home life with her commitment to her personal fitness. Through her insights and experiences, we hope to inspire and motivate other moms to carve out time for their own wellness amidst their busy schedules.

Meet Jeannie from Mantra South Tampa!

My name is Jeannie, I’m one of the owners of Mantra Fitness. I’m a mom of two boys, one is 5 years old, and the other is 8 years old.

How she was drawn to Pilates and ultimately Mantra Fitness

I first started doing Pilates in 2001 and saw how well my body reacted to it and immediately got hooked. A few years later I was looking for something more intense and that’s how I first found Mantra Sarasota. And the rest is history! I loved the Mantra method so much that I had to bring it to Tampa and open our second location in 2015!

With the kids heading back to school, how do you organize your day to fit in your workouts?

I like to workout first thing in the morning. If I can get up before the boys then I’ll jump on my bike for a quick cardio session a few days a week. The other days I take class at the studio during one of the morning classes.

What are some challenges you face in balancing home life with kids and your wellness routine? 

Sometimes there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done, and I’ve just had to be okay with that. If I don’t get a workout in during the day, I will at least try to stretch and move my body a little before I go to bed. I make my boys stretch or do a little mat Pilates or yoga with me before bed time. They love it! And I love to see their enthusiasm when I ask them to join me!

Do you have any specific strategies or tips for other moms trying to find time for themselves?

Try to wake up an hour before the rest of the house wakes up – enjoy the quiet time to set your intentions for the day. Move your body a little bit, and create your day’s to-do list so you’re organized and ready to go once the kiddos wake up. 

How do your kids feel about your fitness routine? Do they join in or support you in any way? 

My 2 boys are super active already, but they love when they can join me on a workout. We talk about being healthy both in body and mind a lot in our home!

What motivates you to keep coming to your Pilates classes, especially on busy or tough days?

Even on days I don’t feel like working out, I know I will always feel better afterwards. That’s what motivates me. Taking 50 minutes just to focus on myself always makes me feel better – both mentally and physically. 

How do you handle unexpected disruptions, like sick days or sudden school events? 

I give myself small goals weekly – knowing it’s okay if I only get to love my body 3 days this week because of being busy, but also knowing that I’ll get back on track next week. Or sometimes I will adjust what time I go to sleep and wake up to make sure I can fit some sort of movement in.

How important is the community and support at our Pilates studio in keeping you on track?

The community at Mantra is like no other facility I’ve been to. People notice if you haven’t been there in a while, and will check in on you when they see you again. It’s always so welcoming and friendly when I’m there. I feel like everyone is a friend! 

What benefits have you noticed in your daily life from maintaining a regular Pilates practice?

The benefits I’ve noticed have been strength both physically and mentally. The Mantra method builds an inner strength you can’t get anywhere else. It works you from the inside out. When I’m in class, I say to myself that I’m training for life. If I can stay in an exercise for the whole time it pushes me mentally and I bring that toughness to the rest of my day. 

Do you have any advice for other moms who might feel guilty about taking time for themselves?

If we don’t take care of ourselves there is no way for us to be our best, and take care of others. It isn’t selfish to want to carve out “me” time; if we don’t take care of ourselves then who will? I am a much better mom, wife, and business owner when I’ve gotten a little time to myself in a day – Especially to love my body and get blood flowing through me. 

Conclusion

Balancing the demands of home life and personal wellness is no small feat, especially for busy moms. Jeannie has shared invaluable insights and practical tips on how to navigate this delicate balance. Her dedication to maintaining her Pilates practice amidst a hectic schedule is truly inspiring! We hope her story encourages other moms to prioritize their own health and well-being, knowing that it is possible to find time for self-care, even with a busy family life. 

Remember, taking care of yourself is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for being the best version of yourself for your family!