TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Fit Chicks classes focus on healthy mothers

ADVERTISEMENT

BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: September 2, 2009

LITHIA - Sometimes, melting away that baby fat takes team work.

Natalie Johnson, owner of Fit Chicks for nutrition, exercise and weight management, offers her services as team leader for those finding it nearly impossible to shed the extra pounds after pregnancy.

"My first business in San Diego catered to women with loads of money who almost never worked," said Johnson, of Apollo Beach, whose business spans the region from FishHawk Ranch to South Shore, Tampa and Pasco.

She moved here with a 1-year-old. "I was approached daily by my neighbors and coworkers who had children and couldn't lose the weight, not because they didn't know what to eat, but because of time-management issues," Johnson said.

Today, she's working with MOMS Clubs and individuals who years after having their babies still need help.

"Most people know what to do with nutrition and exercise. They just find it hard to make themselves a priority," Johnson said.

For Charity Toth, of FishHawk Ranch, watching what she ate was the tricky party. So, Johnson had her focus more on working out.

"The program is a 12-week program and what I really liked about it is she has a very holistic approach," Toth said. "It's more of really looking at nutrition, health awareness ... and the importance of exercising correctly."

Toth, who was pregnant while taking the Fit Chicks course, said she gained about 60 pounds with her first child. Now in her third trimester, she has gained less than 20 pounds and credits the Fit Chicks program with helping her to keep the pounds at bay.

Toth organized a group from the MOMS Club of Bevis and others to take the 12-week course.

"I know women are way more successful in groups," Johnson said. "My primarily focus is on behavior. We talk about being more in touch with your body and yourself and eating only when you're hungry."

All Fit Chicks classes are child-friendly and either incorporate the children or offer them entertainment.

Prices depend on the group's size and length. A three-month program for 15 to 20 moms would run $99 each, she said. Larger groups or those meeting for less time are slightly less.

To learn more, go to the Fit Chicks Web site at www.fit chickenterprises.com.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 627-4763.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT