The Aaptiv Trainer Diary series takes you into the daily lives of all your favorite trainers. Learn how they balance their personal and professional lives, while they make time for fitness and fun. Up today: Rochelle Moncourtois!
Everyday is truly an adventure for Aaptiv trainer Rochelle Moncourtois. The mom of two balances her time between taking care of her eight-month-old twin daughters, training clients, and working out herself. But she’s no stranger to a challenge.
The California native struggled with hard times in her personal life before turning things around and, ultimately, completing an Ironman triathlon. She credits fitness and prioritizing her wellness for much of her success.
“The key, for me, is prioritizing time for myself,” says Moncourtois. “It’s not always easy to find time for me and my wellness, but I always find a way to make it happen. If I’m not healthy, how can I raise two healthy and strong girls?”
Sometimes, finding time for fitness means including her twin girls into her workouts. “Often times, I’ll run with the girls in the stroller,” she says. “I try to make them part of my routine because they’ll learn early on how important a healthy lifestyle is.”
Prioritizing fitness actually benefits her parenting in the long run. In fact, she encourages other moms to include time for workouts or other personal aspirations in their daily lives, too.
“My most sincere advice for moms is to remember that you need to be happy and feel good, so you can be present and invigorated for your kids,” she says. “If you ever feel guilty about taking time away from them to workout, just remember they are always watching you and taking mental note on how to live their own lives. You can always workout with babies or kids by your side as well! Make it fun and use it as time to bond.”
Needless to say, Rochelle brings a no nonsense approach to getting things done. And she always does it with a positive attitude. Here’s a peek into Rochelle’s typical day:
7:00 a.m.: I usually get up early in the morning when my girls wake up.
7:30 a.m.: I feed and change the babies.
8:00 a.m.: I make my breakfast while the twins watch Baby Einstein. My breakfast has to be easy and healthy. I usually cook some eggs with a slice of wheat toast or heat up a Mighty Muffin, which is full of protein!
10:00 a.m.: Once my twins go down for a nap, I can get some work done! I usually work on creating my Aaptiv classes and playlists. Plus whatever else needs to be done.
12:00 p.m.: I feed my girls again and usually take them on a walk or sit outside and let them get some fresh air while they play.
12:30 p.m.: I make some lunch while the babies entertain themselves. Again, my meals have to be easy and healthy. I usually make something high in protein with some carbs. For example, a low carb tortilla with some cheese and greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Or a salad with some chicken.
2:00 p.m.: It’s nap time for all of us! I’m usually exhausted by this time, so an hour nap sounds good to me.
4:00 p.m.: My husband gets home and I’m off to the recording studio to create some new Aaptiv classes!
5:00 p.m.: If I’m not in the studio, I’m training clients at my home gym.
6:30 p.m.: After work, I come home and eat some dinner, which my husband usually cooks. He’s a much better cook than me. And he always makes something healthy that fits into my diet, like chicken, fish, turkey, brown rice, quinoa, etc.
7:00 p.m.: We put the girls down to go to sleep.
7:30 p.m.: Once they’re asleep I get to workout! Yes, I usually workout pretty late in the evening. I like to go for a walk if it’s not too hot out.
8:30 p.m.: After my evening workout, I shower and eat one more small meal, such as a protein shake. I make sure I get six meals in a day.
9:00 p.m.: My husband and I get to relax for a few hours before going to sleep.