I love to dance; I love to baby wear, and I want to share that with other moms!
I became a Salsa Babies instructor six months ago and for me, it was love at first dance.
Salsa Babies is a class that you have to experience to understand what it is about… having fun with other moms, bonding with baby and being active in a way that is safe for the postpartum body.
I have, to be honest, though, before trying Salsa Babies, I did not think it was going to be a good workout for me.
When I think of the exercise, I think of jogging, lifting weights, doing push-ups, and, believe me, I did try to get back into that after 3rd baby, but it wasn’t working. I had no time alone, believe it or not, and my body was not comfortable with jogging after an almost 10lb baby.
The reason I tried Salsa Babies the first time was because I loved that I could wear my baby, but I did not expect that I would have as much fun as I did.
I was so awkward and messing up the steps, but I just laughed at myself and kept going. Clark slept happily through the whole thing.
I knew I had a great a workout when I saw our matching mom and baby sweat marks on our shirts and best of all my hips didn’t hurt, which had been my challenge with exercising! Now I love Salsa Babies so much I dance almost every day. It is my only formal workout and still sometimes it is what I do to help Clark fall asleep.
My passion for Salsa Babies, however, comes from a whole other aspect of the program…safety. Many women, as I did after each of my pregnancies, feel ready soon after giving birth to resume physical activity. And many, I very much included, don’t realize that although our bodies are healthy after giving birth, they are very vulnerable for up to a year postpartum.
What I love to tell moms is that every step we dance has been assessed and approved by pre/postnatal fitness experts at FitMom. That includes all current moves as well as any future moves we may create. We consider joint health, pelvic floor health and the safety of the baby in the carrier.
I’ve learned more about my postpartum body since training to be a Salsa Babies instructor than I did as a mom of 3 and as a Registered Nurse for 10 years! I am totally hooked on Salsa Babies, and I love that it is my job to share the experience with others.
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Naledi Stones has been a Salsa Babies instructor since 2015.
She resides in Collingwood with her husband and three beautiful children. Her baby wearing
journey, which began five years ago, continues to be an integral part of her day to day life!
Naledi is also a Registered Nurse that believes health comes from within and only needs to be nurtured to thrive in all of us!
She currently offers Salsa Babies, Salsa Tots and Salsa Bellies in Collingwood and
Barrie, and will soon be bringing the programs to Orillia, Owen Sound and Orangeville.
