Mary Schanno// Wellness

My baby is potty trained! 🎓💪🏼
Together we set a plan, and made a sticker chart outlining our progress. With each time she went potty in the toilet she got a sticker. Every seventh time she got a sticker, she also would earn a sucker. Then when the chart was completely full of stickers she was able to pick out some awesome ‘big girl undies’ as a reward for working so hard.

We took it one day at a time, celebrated every victory, and if we had an accident, we knew that next time, we would do even better!
She isn’t even 3 years old yet, and already understands and feels that amazing sense of satisfaction, from the consistency of working towards a major goal, and smashing it!

I hope that big milestones like this in her childhood will leave a lasting impression, so that she understands and knows how to set goals and be successful with achieving them throughout her life. She will learn the importance of being persistent, patient, and remain consistent in perusing them.

“Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly overtime”
-John Maxwell

With this being a major part of life’s journeys and challenges, I hope she remembers to celebrate every victory along the way. Also knowing that she will improve with each lesson learned. Regardless of obstacles along the way, she will push through to see those goals come to fruition. ❤️

This morning I read a quote by Winston Churchill that said “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm”.

This is awesome.

True failure only happens when we give up.
With a willingness to ‘fail forward’ daily you are choosing to overcome those obstacles, that would otherwise make you give up or quit.

Nobody always gets it right the first or fifth time. Be persistent! By pushing through, taking risks, and stepping outside your comfort zone you are either progressing forward or learning something valuable to take with you.

Keep going. 💪🏼

I was her..

I was that girl, in that place where I was constantly feeling down about my myself and my appearance. I would find myself in the comparative game where I wanted to ‘look like her’. I would get in my head and feel so bad about myself and my weight. The mirror wasn’t my friend and neither was the scale.

That’s around the time that I would decide I wanted a change. I would get myself amped up and ready to do some major work, and swear that this time would be different. I promised myself I wouldn’t give up and would push myself until I saw a specific number on the scale.

I would do fad diets and starve myself trying to get results. I got on the scale daily, hoping to see those numbers going down- only to be disappointed and wanting to quit already. I wanted instant gratification. I would be so dependent on finding workout buddies because I was never able to just commit to myself and get it done.

I was focused on all the wrong things..

I never understood that to be successful, I needed to work on my mind. I needed to change the way I thought and the way I saw myself. I needed to find love for who I saw in the mirror for exactly how I was. I needed to understand that the scale was a TOOL, food was FUEL, and I was BEAUTIFUL. It’s a switch in your mind, learning to love the journey while celebrating each step you take.

With this mindset shift I attracted the right people into my life that introduced me to different resources and tools to overcome the roadblocks I found myself in front of. I finally started gaining momentum through the obstacles I had faced and refaced so many times from starting over.

“Change your mind, transform your life”
-Shaun T

👉🏼 What if I told you that you are not alone in your journey? You could have the support from a whole community of women working on themselves, and towards their goals too.

👉🏼What if I taught you how to continue to show up for yourself and push through the hard?

Why not you too? You CAN do this.

What if you even grabbed a friend by arm and said ‘hey, do this with me’!? By helping them also conquer those similar obstacles they can’t seem to overcome themselves. This creates an amazing ripple effect.

It’s possible! And it’s AMAZING to see this in action.

I am looking for women to add to my team who are wanting that change. Are you ready to feel a supportive community behind you? Rooting for you as you strive to reach your goals. In finding these things for yourself and seeing how it changes your life, it gets you excited to share this experience with others and how it’s possible for them too!

We got this.. together!! 💪🏼

Can we have a serious talk???

Why do we workout?
Not rhetorical, you can answer this- it’s to lose weight, to gain strength, to get muscle, or lean, gain confidence, burn off some stress, etc, etc.

BUT in all this, how often do we think it’s to maintain an ability to perform normal ADLs (activities of daily life) without injury?! How many of us have HURT ourselves just bending over to grab something off the floor? Tweaking a muscle by twisting wrong? Or know someone, a grandma or uncle, that have broken a hip/bone by simple maneuvers or losing balance?

Working out is SO important for health all the way around. As we age, our changing bodies need the consistency of it. It strengthens our bones, muscles, mind, EVERYTHING! I want you to keep this in mind going forward. It’s not just for looks, it’s complete HEALTH and effects all aspects of our bodies. We need to do our best to take care of that!

Now with that said, I have to be honest- I’m inspired because I fell subject to this a couple weeks ago….
Yep, I literally tweaked a muscle in my abdomen by SITTING UP INCORRECTLY!
It happens to us all, by doing the simplest of things.

To accommodate this injury- I changed to Barre workouts to help safely continue exercise, but dialing back the intensity so that I don’t hurt myself further while the muscle recovered. Listening to my body and doing what it needs❤️

Do it, because you love your body! Because you want to not only live- but THRIVE!!

My biggest hesitation in becoming a coach was ‘being seen’ or putting myself out there. I am typically a pretty private person, and that intimidated me.

But.. by being a coach it meant I get to work on improving myself while being someone who is positive and motivating to others. It meant I get to help challenge, and encourage people to give them the tools, knowledge, and friendship/community they need to realize their own personal goals as well.

“You are the best project you are ever going to work on so make it beautiful inside and out”
-Unknown

Pushing past the discomfort of putting myself out there gives me, not only the ability to be a friend and positive influence to others, but it will help me to grow into the person I want to become, and also model to my children that when they put their minds to something they want in life, with hard work and pushing through some discomforts of growing, its achievable. ❤️

Things were looking a bit rough on my forehead! 😆 Huge shoutout to Amy at .insatiablebeauty for her amazing technique! You are simply the best! Thank you, for always making me feel beautiful! 🥰

I asked her if she would want to put a pretty color on her toes for Easter... she got excited, ran out of the room and returned a few minutes later with a bag of crayons and proceeded to give me a purple one from the bag saying, ‘toes, mama’. ❤️🥺

Change your life on a Friday..

We are so conditioned to ‘start on Monday’. If you have big goals that you are excited to work towards and hit, why would you wait 3 extra days to get started?! Stop waiting to change your life. Stop waiting for the perfect time..

Just start. 💪🏼

“You can’t wish for it, you have to work for it” -AC

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️🌈

Man, I’ve been having this day all week! 😆 Gotta choose wisely!
Anyone else? 🙋🏻‍♀️

“Be brave enough to be bad at something new.” -unknown

As children, we are continually encouraged to learn and try new things. It’s how we grow and understand the world and how everything works..

Why is it that as adults, we hesitate, and feel uncomfortable at the thought of change and new things?

Be a kid again today. Try something NEW. Explore, learn, FAIL forward and continue to learn and understand the beauty of this life. ❤️🌱

I used to never be able to commit myself to working out, unless I had a workout buddy to depend on to do it alongside me..

I have, in recent years found strength in myself to be able to push through a program, working out at home ‘by myself’-and yet, I STILL don’t do it alone. I have a whole community behind me.

We don’t always have strong days, we aren’t always motivated or on point with nutrition (we are human, after all). But we find strength in and push each other. We have support, understanding, and encouragement.

It makes such a huge difference in your own success when you lean in and encourage others along the way. No one expects perfection, we are all just making progress towards our best selves.

Is community something you could benefit from?

“You’ll never be bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you can do!”
-Dr. Seuss

Can we talk about these bands for a min?!

I’ve never tried a program with these bands before- and I have to say, they are a new favorite!

I have always had such bad posture. My back muscles usually fatigued so fast when I try to maintain my posture. Through this new program, these bands have strengthened my back in ways that it has never had strength before! It’s a difference I can feel and see!

I can’t believe I’m almost through my first round! And I am SO excited to start again!!

Do YOU want to do this with me, and see what amazing changes happen for you? It going to be awesome!

“Forget about willpower. It’s time for your why-power. Your choices are only meaningful when you connect them to your desires and dreams.”
- Darren Hardy

Some days your motivation won’t be there. So you need something stronger to push yourself to keep going. Your WHY.

Why is this important to you?
Why is that your goal?

It has to be powerful- and clearly defined. Only your WHY will push you further than you ever thought possible. No one is ALWAYS motivated, but those who focus on and are zoned into their goals, are successful in reaching them.

Find your WHY and let it EMPOWER you. 💪🏼

“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon.. must inevitably come to pass”
-Paul J. Meyer

This quote is magic 🪄 When you clearly define your goals (by writing them down, not keeping them in your head) you work towards them with a new purpose. You will have more focus on what will get you there and work harder to see it happen! And when you do that, “it must inevitably come to pass”- magic.

What goals do you still have bouncing around in your head? I challenge you to write them down, where you can see them daily (a vision board is a great option) and continue making steps, however big, towards what you desire most! ❤️

Self care doesn’t mean me first, it means me too..

I loved being pregnant. I was active throughout both of my pregnancies. I ate lots of healthy foods, but also thoroughly enjoyed indulging in my cravings! All the cheese burgers, soft pretzels, and garlic bread with my son. And all of the pastries, candy, and treats with my daughter. I ended up gaining 50-60lbs with both of my pregnancies. With my first baby, I did have an emotionally hard time with the weight I was gaining. I had worked so hard up to that point to get off.

My second pregnancy was different, I had a switch in my mindset. I had done this before, I knew the weight would come off. So I enjoyed myself. Although I indulged, I never made myself feel guilty about it. I was healthy, still active, and I was growing a human!! That takes a lot of energy..

But I also had a vision for myself. My company was also launching a new 100 day workout program that I wanted to try so badly. By the time my daughter was born, I planned to start as soon as I was given the green light to return to exercise at 6 weeks postpartum. I was so ready to get started. Which I did.. Slooowly. I was working out 5 days a week and I modified A LOT. My body was so weak, but determined, I kept going. I ate foods that would help continue to support my baby and help my body heal and regain strength. I kept showing up for myself every👏🏼 freakin👏🏼day👏🏼. Attached are my progression pictures from 40 weeks pregnant to 7 months postpartum.

My journey back to myself has been incredible and powerful. I’ve become a different me, a better me. Being a new mommy of TWO gave me purpose, and desire to become the mommy that my babies needed me to be. Healthy. Strong. And able to keep up. My family deserves a mommy and wife that they can rely on.. and that is motivation that I keep as I continue on my journey.

Where are my postpartum mommies at?! 🙋🏻‍♀️
Whether you’re 6 weeks or 6 years postpartum, are YOU ready for some self care and to FEEL better?

Self care doesn’t mean me first, it means me too..

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away I was thinking, most people hate this holiday with the mindset that it’s for only romance, or “singles awareness”. I, however, have a different take on it.

I grew up in a home, where my mother thoroughly celebrated every holiday! ❤️ She made Valentine’s Day just as fun as Christmas. ‘Cupid’ would pay us a visit while we were at school, and when we got home we would embark on a scavenger hunt throughout the whole house, with a prize at every location and a clue to the next!

Now I am full of nostalgia, as I plan a scavenger hunt for my own children, and send my son to school with fun little valentines for his classmates. I am so grateful that they will be celebrating and enjoying the holiday, the way it was meant to be! A celebration of love! Not romance, but LOVE. In all of it’s beautiful forms— friends, family, pets, and of course SELF love.

I challenge you to shift your mindset this year. What and who in your life do you love that is worth celebrating? Consider yourself. How can you show extra love to your body, and mind?

Being in the month of love, let’s talk about some SELF love!!💕

Being able to exercise is such a gift to your body and it is one of the best ways to show it some love! Discipline your mind to see the beauty of exercise and the benefits that last long after it’s over.

Exercise is so much more than doing the jumping jacks or burpees— it’s about strength, commitment, and mindset! It doesn’t stop benefiting you at the end of the session. These are things that you need for fulfillment in your life, that carry you through your day and other aspects of your life!

Treat yourself with some self love this month and start moving your body! Looking for more fun options for workouts? I have an entire ‘Netflix’ of workouts and options waiting for you! ❤️

Finding the balance for food, and nutrition can sometimes be hard. You need to feed your body for what you would like it to do for you. That doesn’t mean you can’t have treats! I have personally tried a lot of different methods, and in recent years found a solution that I love that is sustainable, flexible and gets you eating from ALL the food groups! It trains you on how to eat for LIFE. No, carbs are not evil, and this foodie (me) thoroughly enjoys eating them everyday! 😆

If you would like to explore how to ‘get your cake and eat it too’ and STILL see results without the guilt, dm me and let’s chat!

Show up for yourself because you are worth it! ❤️

Why did I choose to become a wellness influencer and coach?

I’ve been working on improving my overall health for 11 years now. I’m actually surprised it took me over a decade to become a coach.

I’m by no means a health and fitness expert, but I have learned a thing or two along the way. And I have found a solution that works for me. And the fact that I have been given the tools to learn and be able to share that, is amazing!

Not only do I hope that other people will start their journey, but be able to pay it forward and join me! Being a coach is a powerful ripple effect. It’s just being yourself and allowing others to do the same while they are working on becoming the best version of themselves and inspiring others along the way!

The community that I am a part of is huge! It’s women, men, mamas, uncles, grandmas, and anyone else seeking to make a change, for themselves and/or helping others do it too!
Don’t underestimate the power of your story and who it will resonate with! We have the potential to build something big, for us, for our families, and you are backed by a whole team and community of support.

Coaches are making a huge difference for their families, financially, health, and relationships. Being able to work on becoming your best self and feeling wonderful, powerful and uplifted in doing so.. This is a gift, and I get to share it. ❤️

Want a behind the scenes sneak peak at what I do, and how it could positively effect you and your family?

I always talk about the importance of self care.. but this is on another level entirely.. 😂👌🏼

They are the biggest reason..

As mamas our tiny humans count on us for everything! Love, food, comfort, fixing of the toys, kissing of the boo boos, etc, doing ALL the things.

Taking care of myself is something that I do, not just for myself, but for THEM.

I workout to relieve stress, to gain strength, to clear my mind. I eat in a way that will fuel my body so that it will do what I need it to, and so that I can FEEL good and be able to accomplish the daily tasks that require my attention. I have ‘mommy time’ in the mornings by reading person growth books, and writing gratitude and affirmations so that I can start my days mentally strong as well.

Not only is it great for me to be able to keep up with them, respond to them in a loving patient way, but it also shows them what it is to take care of their bodies and minds. ❤️

My babies are my biggest reason to push myself each day, to prioritize my health. I show up for myself, to be there COMPLETELY for them.

What do you do for self care? Any mamas out there looking for more?

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
-Brene Brown

Being a health and wellness coach, for me, means that while I’m working towards my goals, I can show you the good, the bad, and the ugly of what it takes to accomplish them. The triumphs and failures are all part of this amazing journey. I hope that I can show you that even though it’s hard, it’s POSSIBLE. I am here to do what I can to support you in your journey, or better yet, maybe I can inspire you to START! Plus it helps to keep me accountable. 😉

What better way to start a new journey then to do this together?! Ready to join me? 💪🏼

Day one, or one day.

Today was my day one of my new program. I LOVED it! For me, it’s all about taking back the control from the crazy ride we have all been on this last year.

The word that I’m focusing on this year is, opportunity. I’m working on changing my perspective to be able to see the opportunities in both challenges and and triumphs. Opportunities that would make me a better wife, mother, and friend.

What word will be your focus this year?
Will you take back control too?

Day one? Or one day?

You are doing an amazing job!!
No matter what challenges you are personally facing while acclimating to our new norm, you are not alone.
So many times we try to ‘keep up’ with others who seem to have it ‘all together’. Give yourself grace. Breathe deeply. Your personal best is enough! Remember to be grateful everyday for all the small things that make the biggest difference in our lives. .
You got this! 💪🏼

Pic credit: Pinterest 📸

My “Why”

I’ve struggled with self image and weight my entire life. Nine years ago I made a decision to make a change. At that point I wasn’t happy or healthy. Mentally I wasn’t in a good place. Stuck hating on myself and my body. Punishing myself mentally and physically for any indulgence. Skinny and ‘perfect’ was the thing to aspire to. Something had to change for me.

I had many different phases of starting and stopping- unable to motivate myself to do it on my own, always needing a workout buddy etc. I found some victories along the way- at that point success for me was focused mainly on the number on the scale. I was pretty hard on myself.

About two years ago I started a different kind of journey. Something clicked for me, mentally. I found my strength, and self love. I finally realized I’ve been going about it all wrong- life is so much about balance. I found LOVE for my body after carrying my beautiful babies and seeing what it was capable of. Adopted the mind frame of, I ‘get’ to workout everyday and fuel myself with good healthy food that keeps my mind clear and body functioning and healthy- physically I feel better and more confident. It makes me a more patient, and clear minded mommy that can keep up with her kids. I’ve learned to give myself grace. It’s about progress NOT perfection. I eat according to my goals. So sometimes, I do say no to the cupcake- but other times I say, yes! And I don’t feel guilty or bully myself. Balance. So, you will probably see me over here living my best life with my cupcake and STILL getting the results! 😆❤️💪🏼

Success isn’t defined by that number on the scale, but found in many places, and in every SMALL step along the way.
i.e. “You decided to eat some vegetables with your burger instead of fries?!” Woo hoo!!
“Your pants feel looser today!!” Yesss!!
“You FEEL energized and confident?!” Amazing!!!!

Notice and celebrate each one!

So WHY have I chosen to become a wellness coach? To inspire, and show the way for others to overcome similar obstacles I’ve faced as I continue learning on my own journey. I want to set the example for my children. To give them knowledge and tools to have a more positive life. What I do everyday makes me happy and gives me fulfillment.

“A happy life is a fulfilled life, and the intention is that you find fulfillment through living on purpose and experiencing and creating the things you enjoy and find meaning in”.
- Niyc Pidgeon “Now Is Your Chance”

I want to share that opportunity with others. And be a light to those looking for it or wanting to regain control of their journey.

On the left in the attached image is me at the very beginning of this hard and AMAZING journey 9 years ago. I forgive her for the choices that lead her there. Because that same girl CHOSE to START. In her struggle she found strength, confidence, and self love.

The picture on the right is someone I’m proud of, who still has a long way to go- but is far from where she was!!

Mary Schanno// Wellness updated their business hours.

Hello there,

During such uncertain times I feel like having a positive mental state is crucial as a mom to help keep ourselves and families functioning and sane. I feel like there hasn't been a better time for me to announce that I will be doing online influencing with health and wellness coaching.

This has been something I have contemplated doing for awhile now- and I am excited to finally start! I started my journey nearly 9 years ago and as I continue to learn and grow in my own journey, I hope that by sharing I can help inspire and empower others to start theirs.

If you'd be interested in healthy inspiration for delicious and healthy food, workouts, and positive motivation- you can follow my page here!