There\u2019s no role in life as essential as motherhood. But mothers can\u2019t pour from an empty cup. Kareen Duffus knows all too well about achieving this integral balance. The personal trainer and gym owner shares a few ways moms can incorporate exercise into their daily routine.<\/p>\n
\u201cExercise releases endorphins. And that release provides a sense of well-being and accomplishment. Even if it means walking around your complex, apartment or room. Just move,\u201d the owner of Ultimate Fitness Gym told Lifestyle<\/b>. <\/p>\n
With the emergence of online groups and virtual trainers, not having time to enrol in a gym is no longer a problem. \u201cAs soon as the baby naps, grab your mat and do some crunches or standing knee lifts; you will be surprised by the benefits to your mood, skin and body,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Duffus\u2019 interest in fitness came about by happenstance. \u201cI was visiting another country and saw a bus with an advertisement on the side that said \u2018Make money by looking good\u2019. I called and they were looking for people to train to become aerobics instructors. This was 1996.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over time, she not only worked as a home personal trainer, but also went on to run her own gym.<\/p>\n
She was eager to take on the role of a boy mom, and from the very beginning, Zackely, who goes by the stage name Kogency, completely took over her life. \u201cFrom meat cravings during my pregnancy \u2013 I\u2019m a pescatarian \u2013 to attending football practices at 6 a.m., and embracing dancehall, since he\u2019s now a recording artiste.\u201d<\/p>\n
The moment she became a mother, she understood firsthand the struggles that women face in trying to juggle it all. \u201cLife demands more of us, so it is much harder as a woman. I wanted, and still want, to be an anchor for other ladies; a safe place to unpack some of the burdens. A personal trainer will tell you, we know many secrets,\u201d she said with a wink. <\/p>\n
As far as balancing goes, Duffus says there\u2019s no blueprint. \u201cSome days you are crushing it, and some days it crushes you. The goal is to always show up for yourself first. Zack would be in his car seat tucked into a corner of the gym back in those early days.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Duffus, her son\u2019s growth in the gym over the years is very apparent. \u201cThe body he has carved for himself gets noticed by the ladies,\u201d she shared with a laugh, adding, \u201cHe has seen the good, the bad and the ugly, but he has never seen a quitter. I lead by example. So, we would be in the gym together working out, experimenting with new programmes and nutritional supplements. He has always had a healthy appreciation for the gym and he knows fitness is lifelong.\u201d<\/p>\n
The male-dominated wellness industry does not faze this entrepreneur. In fact, she sees this as her superpower to create gender equality across the board. \u201cI focus on my strength and advise any female in a male-dominated industry to focus and ignore the hype. I have nurtured trainers who are now at other gyms and who are not afraid to state where they started, [using] the many nuggets of knowledge taught by me. This industry is big enough for us all.\u201d<\/p>\n
She\u2019s honoured to provide a similar safe space for gym enthusiasts \u2013 men and women alike. But she admits that mothers hold a special place in her heart, as they often put their children\u2019s needs ahead of their own.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs moms, it\u2019s hard to keep up since we no longer think of ourselves first. I am no longer alone; someone is dependent on me. So I have to show up for this person. Incorporating exercise will provide stability and balance, traits that aid in any profession, including motherhood. Clarity, health and that sense of accomplishment goes hand in hand with working out,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n