Valerie Williams

What was your motivation for starting Every Mother?

I was tired of looking pregnant! I have always had a relatively flat stomach (I carry my weight in my behind) and I wanted to feel confident in my belly again.

What are/were your goals?

My only goal when I started the program was only to close my DR. I’ve never had success with a diet or exercise routine in the past (due to not sticking with them), so my expectations were incredibly low. Now my goal is to finish Surpass!

What are your tips for sticking with the program?

Just keep going and give yourself lots of love along the way. If you can’t do a move, just modify, if you can only do 3 lunges in the beginning (like me) then do those and maybe the next week you’ll do 4. Just do what you can and keep going!!

What has been your favorite Every Mother moment?

I’ve had so many good moments with this program. I think the best one was losing 4 inches off my waist in the first month. I thought my tape measure had somehow shrunk. I couldn’t believe it.

What advice do you give to other mothers trying to prepare for birth/resolve DR/meet new fitness goals? (please answer based on your current experience)?

My advice (and what I tell myself every day) is to just keep going. You’ll have good days and bad days. You’ll have days when you feel motivated and others when it’s tough. Just keep going. Do something, even just the Core Compressions, or a walk, anything. I also tell myself that it took 3.5 years (and two kids) to get me this out of shape, so I can’t expect to jump back into shape in a month. That has helped me put this journey in perspective. It’s a marathon, not a sprint!

What charity have you chosen for donation and why?

The Austin Empty Bowl Project. This program helps feed hungry children in Central Texas. Each November, potters donate hand made bowls, restaurants donate delicious soup, and musicians donate their talent. People come and pick out one (or more) bowl, get yummy hot soup, listen to fun music, and all the proceeds go to after school programs for children in need to ensure they have balanced meals.