Hi, I'm Sara.
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I specialize in Applied Functional Science - rewiring your body and teaching it to move how it should to allow you to do what you love, vestibular therapy- improving balance, coordination and resolving dizziness and treating concussions- fogginess, forgetfulness, headaches etc. In all my work I teach your body how to heal itself without using additional equipment unless it’s something you already own. I’ve worked at Functional Performance Center for 12 years and look forward to returning postpartum.
I am a Second Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga through the Krav Maga Alliance. I have trained at EVKM Self-Defense and Fitness since 2013 and became an instructor in 2014. I began Krav Maga after moving to Arizona from Detroit. In Detroit everyone carried a gun, I did not want that to continue once I moved to Arizona. There was a serial rapist around my apartment complex and I realized I needed to do something. I did not want to be his next victim. I started at EVKM shortly after and never stopped.
Pregnancy
My husband and I are planners- we knew we wanted a baby, we are both older, we both have a career, house, dogs -- all the things. Thankfully we were able to get pregnant despite our age and our eventful past lives.
My first pregnancy allowed me many experiences.
I was of Advanced Material Age (AMA) (geriatric pregnancy) which means significantly more doctors appts and tests than your average person- the positive is we had so many ultrasounds and got to see our baby so many times.
I had Gestational Diabetes which required me to poke my finger 4x per day to test my blood sugar. I fully changed my diet - no pregnancy cravings for me. I avoided all carbs (except for veggies), sugar, ice cream (mind you I was pregnant in Arizona summer), FRENCH FRIES… I increased my workouts to help combat any spikes in blood sugar and thankfully was able to avoid medication.
I had a breech baby!.Baby was Frank Breech for a period of time then regular Breech. I tried all the exercises spinning babies had to offer.
I had an ECV- external cephalic version. This procedure is done in hospital due to high risk of needing an emergency c-section. Thankfully that did not happen, they were able to turn my baby with some real elbow grease and baby stayed put!
I was supposed to have a planned induction at 39 weeks due to gestational diabetes and AMA BUT my water broke spontaneously at 38 weeks.
I arrived at the hospital as a first time mom which means I should be there a long time. I hung out in triage until there was a room available. I was on team epidural. Unfortunately my baby really wanted to enter the world sooner than anyone expected and I didn't get to have my epidural. Baby arrived healthy and happy- and there were no complications other experiencing labor in a way I didnt expect.
I was able to continue to train intermittently in Krav Maga and consistently in Jiu Jitsu up until 37 weeks.
First-time Mom
I am so grateful I have been able to be home with my baby, breastfeeding and spending every minute with her. I have successfully returned to teaching Krav Maga and intermittently taking Jiu Jitsu classes with my baby by my side. She needs me at times and the community we’ve built at EVKM has supported me through all of it. My husband trains with me and having him available in classes has been incredible.
I would like to add- the beginning was so hard. The lack of sleep, how do I breastfeed… and how so i breastfeed a potato that doesn’t know how to breastfeed, did I shower this week… when is the last time I brushed my teeth. It’s crazy. I think it’s worth it
I have not returned to work at this point but plan to in the near future.
Krav Mama
While pregnant I wanted to train so bad- Krav Maga was a challenge due to pad holding and some of the techniques. I had a lot of restrictions. I was able to continue to take our Strikefit classes, continue to teach classes and take Jiu Jitsu classes. I really missed Krav Maga.
Once I had my baby I tried to take classes but realized holding pads on my chest was a challenge, having a partner wasn’t fair when I had to check on my baby and at times the noice level was more than my baby preferred.
I came up with a solution. Krav Mama!
Striking or combatives as we call them will be performed on a heavy bag. No pad holding required, independant work in case you need to walk away and added benefit of being able to wear your baby
Strength Training- specifically designed with the pregnant and postpartum person in mind! I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy so I can also help you make any modifications in the moment. We will build strength to help you feel more confident with your baby.
Self-Defense- Your baby will be included in all scenarios What to do when you’re at your vehicle by yourself to how to defend yourself against an attacker keeping your baby in mind.
Community- I’m excited to build a community of people who want to be safe with their baby, be confident with their baby and prepared for any situation that may arise.
