Community Member Highlight Mind Running Treadmill

iFIT Member Highlight: Breanna Maurer

After struggling with postpartum depression, iFIT member Breanna Maurer found the support she needed from the iFIT community to get back to doing the things she loves most. For her, that includes training for trail races, including an ultramarathon! Breanna was kind enough to share her story with us.

iFIT Member Breanna Maurer does a running workout

Breanna’s story

As the mother of two toddlers, I struggled with postpartum depression and, as a result, ended up gaining a lot of weight. With the support of the iFIT family, I've lost weight and just finished my first 50-mile trail run!

iFIT Trainer Tommy Rivs Puzey taught me to set a goal, create a plan, and then work tirelessly, so I did just that. I’m currently training for my next ultramarathon, and I’ve never been happier or healthier. I’m very transparent about my story because I want other mothers to know that they aren’t alone and don’t have to accept a version of themselves that isn’t bringing them the happiness they deserve. The amazing iFIT Trainers helped me realize that. Heather Jenson opened up about her postpartum mental health, so I knew that I just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other. With social media and the iFIT community, I learned that I’m never alone. The trainers aren’t robotic—they speak with love, and the support is incredible!

iFIT Member Breanna Maurer does a strength workout

In addition to exercising with iFIT, I’ve also utilized the sports psychology and sleep meditation workout series. I feel so lucky to have these services included in a membership that truly emphasizes my overall health. I simply couldn’t appreciate iFIT more.

How did exercise help with your postpartum depression? What advice would you give other new mothers struggling with it?

For about two years after my daughter was born, I spent most of my time on the couch making unhealthy decisions...it was like pouring gasoline on a fire. I didn’t want to admit that I had a mental illness. I honestly thought that I had a brain tumor and convinced my doctor that I needed a CT scan. I had to find a way to gain control, so I started by pacing back and forth in my living room for exercise and competing in step count challenges with friends. My head became less cloudy as I began to see results from making better choices.

Then we bought a treadmill, and I found iFIT Trainer Tommy Rivs Puzey. He explained time after time how small daily deposits lead to incremental changes. I began troubleshooting my bad days by making sure that I exercised, went outdoors, cleaned something in my home, and ate at least one healthy meal. Over time, I added more nutritious meals, cleaned a little longer, and moved a little more. Eventually, I began feeling well again!

My advice to mothers who are struggling—put on an episode of Blue's Clues™ and repeat the words from the closing song: “When you use your mind, take a step at a time, you can do anything that you want to do!”

iFIT Member Breanna Maurer enjoys strength training workouts

How have the iFIT Mind™ series impacted your mental health?

I’ve found iFIT Guides Dr. Jarrod Spencer and George Mumford to be the most helpful for me. They’ve taught me how to find that space I need before I choose how to respond to difficult situations. Dr. Spencer has eased my performance anxiety before big races by helping me realize that I’m simply doing something memorable and that the secret to peak performance is excitement. I found his words comforting and believe that iFIT’s Mind of the Athlete Series to be a contributing factor in my top performances in my most recent races. I placed third overall in the female category in a 25K trail run last weekend!

Who are your favorite iFIT Trainers?

John Peel and Tommy Rivs Puzey

What's been your favorite iFIT workout series that you've completed?

Iberian Beginner Running Series

What ultramarathon are you training for now?

My next is a 50-mile race in Blue Knob, Pennsylvania. I’m already organizing the tools in my mental toolbox!

iFIT Member Breanna Maurer does a running class

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine, especially if you are pregnant. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

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People Need People: The Positive Effects of Socializing

As human beings, we are social creatures by nature. Instinctively, we don’t like feeling alone, and our bodies and brains actually function better when we are surrounded by others. We are basically wired to be social. If you were to google “why humans need humans” or anything along those lines, you’ll find a plethora of articles explaining why social connections and friendships are vital to our health and well-being. Outside of our family units, when we have friends we can lean on, laugh with, cry with, and talk to, we are nourishing ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. We need that connectivity not only to survive, like this article suggests, but to thrive. Whether you’re someone who prefers to have just a few really close pals, or you’re a social butterfly with a lot of friends, at the end of the day, we need those relationships. Here are the top three reasons we need friendships in our lives! Friendships improve our health Research has shown that having strong social connections is vital to our health. For starters, it can reduce stress levels, ward off depression and suicide, lower the risk of dementia, heart disease, and cancer, as well as boost our immune system...and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also easier to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle when you have the support of friends and family. Friends extend our life expectancy Aside from improving our overall health, maintaining friendships can also add years to our lives—just like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and not smoking. Multiple studies have found that people who have positive relationships with their family, friends, and community are happier and tend to live longer. Some studies have even gone as far to conclude that social belongingness is just as important as physical survival needs, such as food and shelter. Friends make life more fun This might not be a mind-blowing revelation, but friends bring an abundant amount of happiness to our lives. While I’m sure you can find enjoyment doing certain things solo, I’d argue that most things are more fun when you do it with someone else. There’s an unexplainable joy that comes from sharing experiences with people we care about. Studies have shown, including this one conducted back in 2011, that having meaningful social relationships affects our neurobiological endogenous opioid system (think endorphins), triggering the part of the brain that makes us feel good. Simply put, connecting and interacting with our friends gives us happy feelings. Ever caught up with an old friend, then felt really good afterwards? Those are your endorphins kicking in, telling you that what you just did is healthy for your emotional and physical health! So, no matter what stage of life you’re in, make it a priority to get out and do things with your friends. Whether it’s a quick phone call or grabbing lunch, keep your friends close and remember to have fun!