Fit Mom One-On-One: Erica Coviello
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We were so glad to chat with Erica Coviello recently about fitness and life in general as a new mom. Being a science teacher and fitness/running coach, running Tough Mudder and marathons across the nation, her story certainly is very inspiring. However as a new mom, she also faces challenges like sleep and finding time to exercise. Read our interview with Eric to see how she deals with these challenges and balance work and family. Follow her favorite EMOM (Every Minute On The Minute) fitness guideline to squeeze in a few quick workout sessions every day to stay fit![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Hi! My name is Erica Coviello. In “real life,” I teach middle school science (but I’m till on leave). I am also a running coach, personal trainer, and group fitness instructor. We live at the beach in NJ, so during the summer, I direct a junior lifeguard program and teach Mommy & Me SUP classes. You can follow my adventures @runnercov on Instagram.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What is your baby’s name, and why did you choose it?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My little 10-month old cruiser’s name is Georgie Rose. She was named after my husband’s grandfather (George) and my mom (Linda Rose), two tough-as- nails individuals. We hope she has inherited their resilience and tenacity.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How would you describe yourself in one word?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Dynamic. At least I hope to be.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Weight
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What was your pre-baby weight?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]130-ish (but I was injured before getting pregnant and packed on a few pounds. Pre-injury, I was around 125.)[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What was your weight before giving birth?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]157 lbs the day before.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What is your weight now? And what is your ideal weight?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I’ve been maintaining a consistent 120 lbs (she sucks the life right out of me-literally). I don’t really have an ideal number- I’m more concerned with how I feel. I certainly do not look or feel the same as I did when I was in shape before pregnancy/injury. I have yet to gain back a lot of my muscle tone and lose some of the extra skin hanging around the midsection. As long as you are within a healthy range, a number on a scale is just a number.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Exercise
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When did you start to exercise?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I’ve been active my entire life (sports, running, etc.) but didn’t start a really well-rounded fitness regimen until my husband and I did a round of p90X to train for a Tough Mudder about 6 years ago.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What exercise did you start with? And what exercises do you do now?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]After the aforementioned Tough Mudder, I realized I was stronger and more agile than I used to be. So, even though I was primarily a runner, I continued to practice yoga and tried to get one resistance workout in a week. Post baby, I do my best to mix it up with the time I’ve got. I still run, though not nearly as much as I used to. I like HIIT because I can maximize my energy and still get a sick workout in a short amount of time. Burpees are my favorite (I ignore your groans and call shenanigans!). There have been plenty of days where all I do is walk to and from work or my parents’ house, but moving is moving. Georgie doesn’t complain and the dog digs it.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How many times do you work out per week, and how long per day?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Pre-baby, I was either running, hitting yoga or a circuit class 5 days/week. These days, if I workout 2 days in a week, I consider it a success. Life in a small beach town keeps us active without having to schedule our exercise, though. We walk or bike almost everywhere. My side jobs all require some kind of physical activity, too.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What is the most effective workout you recommend?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This answer depends on what your goals are. A good fitness routine has cardio, resistance training, and improves functional mobility. High intensity interval training (HIIT) will get you the most bang for your buck. EMOM’s (Every Minute On the Minute) are gaining mainstream popularity right now. Pick 2-3 movements, such as squats, push-ups, or a Russian twist. Start your clock and repeat all of the movements 10 times each. Use whatever time is left in one minute to recover. When the next minute starts, begin the reps again. Continue for 5-10 minutes. String this together with a few different exercises and you’ve got yourself an efficient 15-30 minute workout.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How do you find time to exercise as a new mom?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Now that Georgie is a little bit older, we take her on runs with us in a gently-used B.O.B. passed down by a friend, or I go out when she goes to bed. I also try to get little bouts of strength training in when I teach at the gym.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Who do you follow on social media as workout / lifestyle inspirations?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I follow a lot of pro runners (Jenny Simpson, Emma Coburn, Kara Goucher, Lauren Fleshman, etc.), running/athletic clothing brands, such as Oiselle, Athleta and New Balance, and my yogi cousin, @TinaBock. There’s also an inspiring community of “regular” moms who value fitness and healthy lifestyles. Just search the hashtags #motherrunner #fitmomstrongmom and #BAMR to find some![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Breastfeeding Diet
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Are you breastfeeding?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Yes, Georgie is still on the boob juice. I’ve been on leave from my full-time job since she was born, so we’ve had it easier than many families (moms who pump at work- you guys are serious rock stars!). Therefore, I plan on nursing for as long as it still works for us. She also enjoys a lot of whole foods 2-3 times a day (i.e. broccoli, string beans, avocado, eggs, squash, chicken, peas, sweet potatoes- especially purple ones). Baby-led weaning is the best decision I’ve made thus far. Google it![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What does your diet look like?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My diet hasn’t changed much, other than drinking less coffee (I still cry inside) and beer. Have you seen those memes that say something to the effect of “Eats kale, avocados; insert super-food, all day long, then houses a bag of Oreos before bed”? Yeah, that’s me. My diet includes a solid breakfast, small, healthy snacks every 2 hours or so, and a usually-well- balanced dinner. But every night while watching Jeopardy, I drink tea and have something sweet. Old habits die hard.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How many times do you work out per week, and how long per day?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Pre-baby, I was either running, hitting yoga or a circuit class 5 days/week. These days, if I workout 2 days in a week, I consider it a success. Life in a small beach town keeps us active without having to schedule our exercise, though. We walk or bike almost everywhere. My side jobs all require some kind of physical activity, too.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Do you feel like you are hungry all of time?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]All. The. Time. I’m a walking Snickers commercial. My bigger issue after giving birth and throughout this nursing business, though, is hydration. I’ve felt dehydrated for 10 months. I’m like LoneStar in the desert. (I’m showing my age- it’s a Spaceballs reference!)[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How do/did you keep up with your milk supply?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Fortunately, once my milk came in, I didn’t have any issues with my supply. I have a sneaking suspicion that this kid is going to be a bit like me- she doesn’t eat a lot in one sitting but eats OFTEN.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Could you please share with us your favorite quick and easy snack/recipe?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This week, my favorite is chocolate chia pudding. Whisk ⅓ cup of raw chia seeds, a tablespoon of cacao/cocoa powder (I used Rockin’ Wellness powder), and ½ tsp of pure vanilla extract in 1.5 cups of dark chocolate almond milk. Portion into 4 ramekins or mugs and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours (better yet, overnight). It’s DELISH! I guess you could do regular milk, but I’m lactose intolerant so I stick with non-dairy “milks.” Also, anything in the book, Run Fast, Eat Slow is awesome.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Beauty and Style
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Did you lose hair after giving birth?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]SO MUCH HAIR!!! I have a ton of hair to begin with, so I’m used to shedding. But this was RIDICULOUS. I wish I could have donated the wig’s worth that fell out every time I washed it. Around 6 months, it tapered off. Now I’ve got these wisps growing back all over my head. Awkward.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How do you keep your hair shiny and smooth? Any secret hair care product?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My hair is not usually shiny, nor smooth. It is always up in a ponytail or bun! Between the sweat, salt, sand, wind, and wax, forget it. There’s no point.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Any secret skin care tip/ product?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Drink water, wear sunscreen, skip the makeup.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Do you do mani/pedi? What’s your favorite mani/pedi color?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I do not.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What's your favorite accessory or tip to create an instant glamour?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]An eyelash curler, some good, organic lip balm… and pearl earrings.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What item in your closet do you wear the most? What’s your favorite daily wear attire?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I wear mostly activewear: leggings or running shorts, sports bra, tank or T, and a hoodie on top if necessary. If I’m going somewhere I need to look more presentable, a J.Crew button down with dark jeans or toothpick cords are my uniform.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What’s your favorite workout brand?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Oiselle. Hands down. Pricey, but worth every penny (plus they have good sales).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How many yoga pants do you own?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If we consider running tights to double as yoga pants, then too many to count. Is this your way of telling me it’s time for a closet clean-out???[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What’s your favorite nursing attire item and brand?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Ugh. This was difficult for me, which is why I was SO EXCITED to stumble upon your brand!!! After wasting a bunch of money on items that didn’t fit me well, I settled on 1 top from Old Navy, plus 2 nursing tanks and 2 nursing bras from H&M. I can’t wait to try out Sweat&Milk![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sleep
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What time do you go to bed and get up?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I try to get to bed around 9:30 (which usually means 10:00). I wake up at 5 on the mornings I teach at the gym, 7- 7:30 the rest of the week (or whenever Georgie wakes up).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How many hours do you sleep per day?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I’ve never been a good sleeper. If I stay asleep, I could get 6-8 hours. But outside of Disney World (where I burn a billion calories a day and am exhausted by nighttime), I don’t think I’ve slept through the night 2 days in a row in 18 years.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What coping mechanisms have you found to be helpful with regard to lack of sleep and fatigue?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I think I might be a unicorn. I have yet to experience fatigue from lack of sleep. Georgie USED to only wake occasionally to eat if she didn’t consume enough during the day, so I didn’t lack sleep (not from her, anyway!). A few weeks ago, however, she started waking up a few times a night to cruise around her crib or to let us know her mouth hurts. But, like I said, I’ve never been a good sleeper, so it doesn’t affect me too much. My poor husband, on the other hand...[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Do you do mani/pedi? What’s your favorite mani/pedi color?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I do not.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What's your favorite accessory or tip to create an instant glamour?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]An eyelash curler, some good, organic lip balm… and pearl earrings.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Tell us what your typical day looks like.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Every day is a little bit different. Here’s a sample of a “local summer” (aka September) day:- Wake up, drink coffee, pump or nurse, get dressed
- Teach early xfit class at gym
- Breakfast, playtime, walk dog, naptime (workout or plan classes)
- Bike to beach or my parent’s porch for more coffee (decaf this time, ugh)
- Lunch and more playtime
- Nap #2 (laundry, dishes, etc.)
- Bike to river beach to teach Mommy&Me SUP class
- Pop home to change, walk to fitness studio to teach TRX/circuit class
- Dinner, read books, walk dog
- Bathtime, pjs and bed for baby
- Jeopardy (always on DVR), tea & cookies
- Run, shower, maybe catch a game on TV or a show on DVR
- Read in bed for a bit, then lights off