Professional Series - Mama Strong with Shayli Campbell

Meet Shayli Campbell, Pre and Post Natal Certified Specialist, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, owner of Shayfit Gym, AND mom! Shayli gives us some priceless insight on the journey to building strength, confidence, and a healthy lifestyle that celebrates mamas inside and out.

 

Tell us a bit about what you do!

I’m a Pre and Post Natal Certified Specialist as well as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. I own a gym in St. George, Utah called Shayfit Gym. I run my online programs/app and sell pregnancy and postpartum programs as well as daily workouts, ab challenges, custom macro plans and more. I am also in the process of launching my own custom branded Shayfit App. I love helping people, especially mamas in all aspects and stages of life. Pregnancy, postpartum or regular everyday things. I love being able to just be a small part of their journeys in helping them better themselves not only with their fitness goals but finding themselves so that they feel strong and confident inside and out. Fitness is a lifestyle; it shouldn’t be something you do because you hate your body, you should do it because it makes you feel good and alive. 

How did you become interested in specializing in pregnancy and postpartum fitness and training?

When I was about 4 months pregnant with my first baby boy, I decided to get my pre and post natal certification not only for myself but so that I could help other women and write a program too. I wanted to be able to not only have the knowledge for myself to take care of my body and baby during pregnancy and postpartum but I wanted to be able to help other mamas during these challenging times. Working out and eating healthy during both of my pregnancies was so beneficial for me. I had amazing pregnancies, felt great, and recovered so well even after having two unplanned C-sections. All the benefits that exercise gives mama and baby is endless and so beneficial. This certification is THE BEST and my most favorite certification I have ever done. I now help thousands of women work out their whole pregnancy then help them recover and heal their core and bodies during the postpartum period and beyond. 

What is your philosophy on nutrition, exercise and lifestyle in pregnancy and postpartum?

I have always believed that fitness is a lifestyle. Make health a part of WHO you are. Not just something you SHOULD do… I love this because I feel like so many times we think working out is such a task or something we “don’t have time for” when really it can be just a part of our routine if we want it to be. Do it because it makes you feel good. Makes you feel alive. 


Can you share some tips you have for moms in pregnancy and postpartum for staying healthy, fit and happy?

Advice I would give a mama is… strength train during your pregnancy IF YOU CAN. Being able to stay strong and build muscle will benefit you for every stage of pregnancy and postpartum. I’m not saying you have to go and LIFT HEAVY or MAX OUT. But lift weights and stay strong if you can. Obviously never do anything that causes pain but in staying active and working out, the benefits for mama and baby are endless. I would also say make sure you find a program or make sure you are aware of your core during pregnancy. Learn how to inner core breathe so you can avoid any added abdominal pressure or coning. Obviously all women experience some sort of “ab separation” but if we can learn to strengthen our inner core/pelvic floor to avoid coning or avoid doing things that cause coning during pregnancy, postpartum recovery and healing our core after won’t be as hard. 
 

Do you have any suggestions for moms who may be struggling with self-image during pregnancy and postpartum?

We live in this “diet culture” so it makes sense that accepting your changing body in pregnancy/postpartum can be hard. There is so much pressure on gaining the “correct” amount of weight during pregnancy, and guess what - there is NO CORRECT WEIGHT. Everyone is different and carries their babies differently. So here is a reminder that your body is beautiful no matter what stage you are in. The extra skin. Stretch marks. Flab. Tightness. Gushiness. Every single part because it is YOU. Your story. Your journey. Your hard times and good times. There is no race. No “snap back”. No time limit. Quit comparing. No body or person or journey is the same. And that is what is so BEAUTIFUL. And taking care of YOU matters. Go to the gym if that makes you feel good. For me, working out is my escape. It’s my stress relief. It helps clear my head. I’m a better and happier mom and person. I love feeling stronger. So today, give yourself grace and remember how incredible you are. We got this mamas 🤟🏽

What are your favorite products from Copper Pearl?

I would have to say swaddles because they are the perfect temperature and perfect snug fit. Another favorite is the kids clothes because the material and quality is so soft. My kids love the fit and feel of them!