Our introduction to Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club

My two girls have been asking quite often the past year about doing a trial of gymnastics. As we watched them flip, twirl and master the monkey bars, we decided this would probably be a good avenue to explore! So I pulled up my trusty Google and started looking for places around the city. Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club caught my eye and so I began to learn more about their organization. Just as the US Olympic Gymnastics began building momentum this summer, it was perfect timing for my girls to start in!

Kim Ransom, a former gymnast and coach, founded PGC in 2014 in the community of Braddock. Kim is passionate about using the avenue of gymnastics to instill self-confidence, build a good work ethic, make healthy habits, promote teamwork, encourage problem-solving and create discipline. She wants to ensure that kids have the opportunity to be a part of communities such as PGC and is a great encourager to all her students! 

Every class began with warm-ups and I was impressed at how hard all the students worked. Whether they were running, crab-walking, skipping or hopping, all the kids poured their hearts into learning their skills and it was awesome to see. 

PGC Goals: 

• Consistency: Athletes get stronger faster with the more time they spend in the gym. Dropping in and out of classes is not conducive to learning gymnastics.
• A relationship with his/her coach: Our classes are small so each coach can learn how to motivate your child.
• A team: Having a supportive social environment among peers is crucial!

The instructors were all amazing and my girls loved them! They encouraged having fun while working hard and my girls were always sad for each class to end. 

People travel from all pockets of the city to come to Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club for classes and you will find great diversity! I loved seeing the comraderie among both the students and the parents during the classes. They are certainly building a special community at PGC!

All Gymnastics Classes:

• Are 45-75 minutes
• Are capped at 5-8 students
• Have 1 Head Adult Instructor and often, 1 Junior Instructor
• Are divided by both age and ability levels
• Follow a USAG progression model

My girls love their newly learned skills of tumbling, hand stands, bar routines + more!

Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club joining options give you a TON of value for your money! There is no other gym that offers you the same amount of benefits or perks. Most options allow you to attend as many classes during the week as you like, free open gyms, a free gym mobile app and even private lessons! Doing gymnastics with PGC is a whole new experience- hands down the BEST!

They also have a fantastic venue for Toddler Open Gyms and Mommy & Me Classes. Mommy & Me class (up to age 3) will help develop large motor skills,promote colors, shapes and numbers as well as give toddlers a place to socialize! Go here to check out those options. 

So now you can do much better then Google searching by reading our review! We were thrilled with our experience at Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club and think you would be as well. With the current popularity of gymnastics in our country, fall classes will be filling up soon. Contact them here for more information about their trial month class and signing up for extended sessions as well. 

Pretty soon every bar might become this for your child as well. :) 

Keep up the amazing work, PGC!!

I worked in promotion with Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club. However, all opinions remain my own as I only endorse the fantastic ones. :) 

Giveaway for Sky Trails Adventure Rope Course

Ever since we were able to experience the new Sky Trails adventure ropes course at Pittsburgh Mills last year, my kids have been asking to go again! They loved this adventure and I loved how it pushed them to be brave and challenge themselves. 

Our youngest ones started on the Sky Tykes ropes course that is specifically for kids under 48" tall, geared towards children ages 2-7. It's a fun experience for them and allows them to work on their balance and using the harness.  The platforms are less than 3’ off the ground and they ask a chaperone to assist. 

The Sky Trail® adventure ropes course stands 32' tall with 2 levels of 30 elements. The elements are horizontally strung ropes and bridge activities like zig-zag beams, criss-cross angled rope ladders and cargo nets secured between steel poles. It's so much fun! It's built right next to the food court at the mall, so you have quite the interesting views from the top as well. 

 All ages and abilities can experience the Sky Trail® attraction. Participants are able to choose their path through the rope elements while going at their own pace with the ability to pass other participants at each platform. This course requires a 48" minimum height to participate alone however adventurers 42” or higher can participate with an adult.

My 6yo was way less scared than I thought he would be!

And then there is the zip line! 

My 4yo wasn't tall enough to go by herself on the upper level, but I could go along with her. She was timid at first. but did great. Once she had her first zip line ride, she was definitely hooked!

• We had such a great time at the Adventure Ropes Course, it's a great family activity!! And don't forget, Pittsburgh Mills has 2 fantastic play areas for kids as well. 
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• $7 for the smaller Sky Tykes
• $14 for the Sky Trails & Zip Line. 
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• Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
  Sun: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• 590 Pittsburgh Mills Blvd, Tarentum, Pennsylvania 15084
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• GIVEAWAY:
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• Ready to try it with your family? I have 4 passes to giveaway! Enter below. *Please note that your personal info is not kept, stored or used to spam you in any way. It is simply for winner's notification!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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• I was provided passes by Sky Trails for review. However, all opinions remain my own.

A chat with Dr. Amanda of Family Chiropractic

Last fall I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Amanda when we were both speaking at The Mom Con. I enjoyed hearing her talk on how passionate she is about incorporating healthy living along side her chiropractic business. Some people might not associate a chiropractic clinic with holistic health and wellness. But Dr. Amanda and her husband, Dr. Cotey, are true believers in not just fixing symptoms, but addressing lifestyle, diet, and whole body heath to help each person feel at their very best potential. (Read more of their story here.) That is a big reason they have a very special upcoming announcement as they change the name of their practice to simply Family Chiropractic. (formerly known as Jordan Family Chiropractic.)

Here are some questions I posed to Dr. Amanda about her practice:

1. What led you and your husband to start your chiropractic business?
Our purpose in life is to passionately restore family health and animate future generations, and what better way than through the chiropractic lifestyle. We've personally had life changing experiences all because complete strangers went out of their way to introduce us to a better way towards health that we had no idea even existed. We feel obligated and very proud to spread the message of health to our local community.

2. You are in the process of changing the name of your business, what do you hope the new name conveys to families?
We believe our new name and logo speak for themselves! Our practice members come to us because we continuously elevate their health, inspire self responsibility and help them take action through a rhythm of education, specific adjustments and nutritional support.

3. I recently heard about how chiropractic care can be an amazing resource for infants struggling with reflux. Can you share more about those benefits?
That is absolutely true! We are experts when it comes to the human body and we specialize with pediatrics and pregnant women. We see kids of all ages. Many of our practice members bring their kids in to be proactive with their health and to insure their children are functioning optimally. Typical issues that we see in newborns and children are colic, reflux, ear infections, bedwetting, growing pains, IBS, scoliosis, etc. The truth is, if a child is suffering from anything, they deserve the opportunity of experiencing chiropractic care.

4. What are some other ways families can benefit from Family Chiropractic?
The benefits are truly up to you. We have patients who truly need help with pain relief from chronic issues, headaches, migraines, etc. We also have patients who need help getting their body to function at a higher level due to cancer, autism, cerebral palsy, etc. Additionally we have patients who seek to be proactive about their health rather than waiting until there is a problem to deal with. This care is comparable to working out – we all know it will lead to a healthier happier life, but do we all put it as a priority and make time for it? Or do we wait until we are over weight, tired and miserable then wish for the magic quick fix? We believe your Health is your greatest assest and you are responsible for it.

5. Anything else that would be helpful for families to know about your business?
The most common statements we hear in our office are parents saying, “I never knew this was even an option.” “Why didn’t I hear about this sooner?” “I am so thankful Julie referred me to you, I had no idea you could help my family so much.” It is a our greatest pleasure to help restore your family’s health.

Would you like to learn more about Dr. Amanda's Family Chiropractic? Join them for an exciting FREE event + Launch party!

Thursday, May 14th, 6:30pm. 

Treesdale Community Center

1 Treesdale Cmns, Gibsonia, PA 15044

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They were selected out of 500 chiropractors in North America to be featured in an extreme make over! There will be amazing food, provided by Oakmont country club, Tamari, Whole Foods and others! There will be the exciting announcement via a CEO of a multimillion dollar company as well as raffle prizes.  If anyone is interested in learning about how to take their health to another level they are more than welcome to attend, they will not be giving a lecture or trying to corner people. All attendees are able to enter into a free raffle. The grand prize is worth over $2400 which will be one free year of care! Children are able to attend, however, ideally they would love parents to be able to relax together and have a nice night out. There is no babysitting availability at the center.
RSVP is required to help with food availability. Register here.

Thank you, Dr. Amanda, for sharing with the Momtourage followers the wonderful resources Family Chiropractic can offer to families!

Dr. Amanda received her degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. She and her husband have been in practice for 6 years and have two beautiful little girls who are 3 and 16 months.

9125 Marshall Road, Suite 101

Cranberry Twp, PA 16066

724-741-6080

info@JordanFamilyChiro.com

This post sponsored by Family Chiropractic, however all opinions remain my own. 

Giveaway: Jump Start Sports Camp

Last year my son had the opportunity to participate in his first summer day camp after we were introduced to Jump Start Sports. Being his first camp, he (and I!) were a little nervous. :) But then we met Coach Jen!

Jen Yuvan has worked with kids and sports for over a decade and she is fantastic! Jen is the Pittsburgh Area Manager for Jump Start Sports. She gets the kids motivated, encourages the nervous ones, and makes sure all the kids are actively involved.

Jump Start Sports will host summer camps all around the Pittsburgh area; including Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, Irwin, Monroeville, Allison Park, Bridgeville, Brentwood, Munhall, Sewickley, Harrison City + more! Go here to see the options and to register.

Their sports camps are active and fun! You also have the option of half day or full day camps.

OLYMPIC MULTI-SPORTS CAMP
Children ages 4-12 are divided into “countries”, separated for age-appropriate instruction, and learn about a wide variety of Olympic sports including track and field, soccer, basketball, hockey, team handball, and more.

COLLEGE DAYS MULTI-SPORTS CAMP
Children ages 4-12 "enroll" in the college of their choice and have a blast learning about and playing a wide variety of college sports, including basketball, soccer, hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, and more.  Campers make a school pennant and wear their school colors to demonstrate their school spirit throughout the week.  Children are separated by age for all competitive activities.

Jump Start Sports also offers a wide variety of sports leagues around the Pittsburgh area, including soccer, basketball, hockey, t-ball, and lacrosse. Go here to find out more about their sports leagues.

GIVEAWAY:

Jump Start Sports has generously offered to give one child either a free week of sports camp or one of their 6-week sports programs of tball, lacrosse, deck hockey or basketball. (Ages vary per camp and each sport.) Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

We know there are lots of summer camp options. Jump Start offers a fun way for kids to stay active and learn new skills in sports!

This post sponsored by Jump Start Sports. However, all opinions remain my own. Photos used by permission of JSS.

Challenger Sports - British Soccer Camps

The roll out of summer camps has begun! Are you looking for something active and help develop new skills for your kids? Then check out Challenger Sports - British Soccer Camps!

British Soccer Camp is the most popular camp in North America - 150,000 campers! With an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players ages 3-18, British Soccer Camps provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert's right in the heart of their own community. In addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun your child can have learning the sport they love!

Enroll your child in a British Soccer Camp today and receive a Free British Soccer Jersey - Sign up during Early Registration and they will immediately ship you a great looking British Soccer Jersey! PLUS - enter code FMG15 and they will include a bonus Challenger water bottle. Go here to enroll.

 

There are over 12 camps in the Pittsburgh area! You can find locations here.

This post sponsored by Challenger Sports and US Family Guide. All opinions remain my own.

Why is everyone giving my kids sugar??

I do believe that we could change the name of Holidays to Candydays and they'd basically be the same! Between Valentine's Day, Halloween and Christmas, it seems we have a never ending flow of treats cascading into our home year round. 4th of July, please don't lose your claim on watermelon. :)

*This post is not intended to be judgmental in any way towards those who may choose different foods to feed their kids. I'm not here to fuel the mommy wars!! As I view it firsthand, I simply want to bring awareness to what foods we are giving out to children in general. 

We don't eat a perfect diet. My kids eat their share of treats & goodies. But since the moment I became pregnant for the first time, I have become much more aware of what I am putting into my or my kid's bodies.  The items I work the most to keep out of our diet are high fructose corn syrup, artificial food dyes, msg & nitrates. (Thank you, Trader Joe's & Aldi's for making this possible on my budget.) This is just a guideline we use for our family to help make better food choices. I am not a medical professional and am not here to say these ingredients will make your  kids do or act in a certain way. But from my research, I've come to the conclusion that they are vastly bad for our bodies and unnecessary for good food, so why mess with it?! You can read why here, here, here, & here. If we're going to eat a treat, I'd prefer it's made with real sugar and/or natural food dyes. Should be pretty simple, right? But as my kids have gotten older and participate in more events & activities, it seems like candy is being shoved at them from all directions.

We've been to libraries, hardware stores, church, school, doctor offices, banks, thrift stores and more where my kids are offered candy. Before you judge me about being the mean mom and one little piece won't hurt them, let me just share that the issue is not one little piece. The problem is that it's offered EVERYWHERE. I want to say to any teacher, director, leader, employer, organizer out there....before you stock up on the candy to pass out, please reconsider! Handing out candy or sugar treats to someone else's child should not be a right that anyone takes for granted. Kids love stickers! Choose stickers!! If you really, really want to do suckers, then please consider these as a better option. Pencils, pretzel rods, rubber balls.....check out Oriental Trading. They have an amazing assortments of kids items for cheap!

My husband and I were at a catered dinner where we had a lovely menu of chicken marsala, vegetables, & fruit. The kids of all the parents were given pizza and cookies. Something seems wrong with this picture! My son recently came home from a birthday party and told us he had 2 cups of coke. My husband and I looked at him and in unison said "real coke?!!" Wow, I just wasn't expecting that to even be an option at a 6 year old party. Besides the pizza, ice cream & cake, needless to say, he was not feeling well! However, it was a great learning experience for him to see what a difference he feels in his body and I'm glad he has really become more aware of it. 

As foster parents, we have to watch our foster kids go to visits with their birth family and get fed junk food and candy and then have upset tummies for the next 48 hours. My foster son recently had to miss Sesame Street Live because it was after a visit where he had been fed junk food that made him sick. It is terrible to watch and feels so senseless! I watched this pattern go on for months until we were able to get the courts involved in what they were being fed. Since then, they are no longer sick after their visits. It makes such a difference. 

While I don't make a big deal of food choices being offered when it is out of my control, I feel the pressure because of my preference on whole foods. It's not convenient....it's not what is being offered.....it's not what everyone else is eating...... Someone even told my son, "we need to ask your mom because she is very particular". (Oh, not cool!) If we as moms don't raise our concerns and BE concerned about the many horrible food choices that are all around us, who will? 

Our bodies feel better when we are eating well and we want our kids to feel well. The less sugar we eat, the less we crave it. Obesity is so prevalent in America and if we don't teach our children not to crave sugar constantly, the problem is only going to get worse. Treats in moderation? Absolutely. But please don't expect for parents to feel excited next time you wave a sucker in front of a child's face and then "ask" the parents if they can have it.

*Although this post mentions some companies and products by name, it is not sponsored by any of them and all opinions are my own. 

In Review: Jazzercize ( + free classes! )

I've always loved sports & fitness. Team sports, running, exercise classes....I'm in! But then this little thing happened called children and wow, it is so hard to find the time, energy and venue that is a good fit around taking care of my 4 little ones. Maybe you made a goal in the new year to try to be more fit or maybe you fall into those "winter blues" that is so easy to do in the long, cold months of winter.  Exercise is such a good way to keep yourself feeling better both mentally, emotionally and physically! This past week I was invited to participate in my first Jazzercise class. What made this possible? Three little words: free childcare provided. YES.

I really didn't know much about Jazzercise and it can be hard to picture how physically challenging a class can be when it is set to Jazz. But what I found out is that they actually use a wide variety of music. Dance, hip-hop, country, and yes, a little jazz during cool-down time, it all makes for a fun and lively class!

 I attended the Dance Mixx class which promises to torch fat, sculpt lean muscle, and crush calories with its high intensity workout that mixes dance-based cardio with strength training. Fresh, pulse-pounding music and body-blasting moves bring the intensity to transform your body, boost your mood and ignite your energy.j I would definitely say it lives up to its claim! It was high movement, an intense core workout and FUN! Kim was a great instructor who stayed engaged with everyone and kept it energetic.

I attended a class in the North Hills where they offer 10 classes a week (morning, afternoon & evening options). As I mentioned, they also offer FREE child care (for the morning class) in a room stocked with books, blocks & toys. One of the great things about Jazzercise, is that you can pay a monthly fee and your classes are unlimited for the month! Miss your usual class? Not a problem, just try one on a different day. Take one, three, five or ten classes a week, it's all up to you! Go here to put in your zip code to find your nearest class location. Many locations offer even more classes a week. Childcare will vary by location. 

One thing I really enjoyed about the class is the variety of ages. Seriously, I love taking a fitness class with women who could be my children's grandma, they're so motivating and fun!! But don't worry, there is a variety of attenders from young moms to the older group. Or you could be like this mother/daughter duo and take it together!

So here is the coolest news! You have the opportunity to get the month of January for FREE when you sign up a 6 or 12 month membership. There is also no joining fee when you sign up for a membership this month. Not sure about committing to a membership? Classes are $10 each, try a few to see if it's a good fit for you! 

I definitely encourage you to consider Jazzercise. Group fitness is always a great way of accountability to keep you consistent and is usually way more enjoyable than working out by yourself. I always do better at "momming" when I've had a good workout. It magically extends your patience level as well, haha! Here's to banning winter blues, feeling fit, and maybe making some new friends in the process. Sounds like a win-win-win. :)  

This post sponsored by Jazzercise. All opinions remain my own. 

Pittsburgh Moms Gettin' Fit & Healthy: Leigh Anne Cowger

 This series is intended to be an encouragement to all moms, whether you have battled weight gain all your life or simply find staying fit & healthy a much more difficult challenge as a busy mom. We can learn from each other and, most of all, be a cheer leader to those in this journey! You can read the introduction to the series here. 
Embody Natural Health will be sending Leigh Anne a free smoothie coupon from their Juice Cafe! 

And so we begin with Leigh Anne's story, in her own words.....
Hi, I'm not sure how "great" my story is, but I have always been a bigger person all my life. Here is where I started.....

 I was in athletics but still not the "skinny one". I gained 70 lbs while pregnant (my son will be 4 in May). It took me a little over a year to get the motivation to begin but I am continuing my journey. Weight watchers is the only thing that works for me. I still have my struggles, I am still trying to get about 15 lbs off to get to my goal (which is also the lightest I will ever be/maintain in my 34 years of life).

In the past 2 years I have also got an interest in races. I started off with 5k's but as of today I ran in a marathon relay, 3 half marathons (training for my 4th now) and hope to at some point complete a full marathon. I still don't like to run just for fun; but once I get signed up for a race that is the motivation I need. I also am trying to get into other things to keep it interesting; classes, weight training...anything, especially if I can include my friends!

So I don't have a completed story; and I am still working to find a balance. It seems you get a good routine down, then your child gets into the next phase of life to throw it into craziness again. So I know with my history/family background it will be a tough battle and I don't have the motivation everyday; but overall I am going in the right direction and will continue to work and do what I can to reach my goal and maintain for myself but also for my son...my family. I know there are a lot of great stories out there and I can't wait to read from other moms to see I am not alone and get the "motivation" on the days I can't give it to myself.

Leigh Anne Cowger

I say, Way to go Leigh Ann! Keep up the motivation and the great work!

{Look for more stories in the coming months.}

Momtourage Moms Gettin' Fit & Healthy: Introduction

*Please note that I am not a medical professional, it is not my intention to offer any medical advice. This series is intended for encouragement to moms in this journey. These opinions remain my own and I encourage anyone to seek the advice of their physician if they are pursuing a serious weight loss plan. 

 After my household went from two to five kids overnight (we're foster parents) I found my lovely work-out routine (pushing my 2 kids in a double stroller) fly out the window. All 5 just wouldn't fit. :) So then came the challenge of trying to fit in workouts....when? When you're a mom with multiple young children, you really just battle tiredness a lot. So getting in workouts can be really challenging - good thing playing tag with your kiddos counts! (wink.) I have always been an athlete and involved in sports my whole life. I haven't battled weight gain in a huge way. But I also am used to feeling fit and certainly see extra lbs. easily creeping on as each decade goes by. I know that this is a big challenge for most moms to find ways to stay fit and healthy. So on the Pgh Momtourage facebook page recently, I asked if there were moms out there who have either a) been able to lose a lot of weight or b) would like some motivation in their quest to fit & healthy. I am chosing to focus this series on being fit + healthy and not strictly weight loss. We all know that a healthy weight looks different for everyone - it might be size 6, it might be size 12, it might be something else! I fully believe that being active & eating healthy go hand-in-hand, it's almost impossible to do one without the other. I had several moms who immediately responded either sharing the great accomplishments they've made in this area or asking for encouragement as they begin this journey. So over the next few months, I will be sharing the stories of several Pittsburgh moms. I hope we can all be a good cheering squad for them and offer lots of encouragement! We can all be inspired by each other. It takes a lot to share your story. To say I was this. Or I looked like this at my heaviest. I really applaud these women for putting their story out there and they hope it will be an encouragement to others in the journey. 

Let's give ideas for staying fit. Share recipes for healthy eating. And, as we anticipate our long-awaited Spring (it will come! it will come!), work together to be Momtourage Moms: Fit & Healthy. 

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Look for their stories coming soon. If you are interested in having your story featured, please email me at pghmoms@live.com.