Arebesk Adds a Pop to Your Barre Class
In case you missed it, I interviewed Leana Shayfer the founder of Arebesk on the NMFIT Mind and Body Podcast, click here to listen to the full interview! I had so much fun interviewing Leana that I decided to have her on the NMFIT blog too! Arebesk is a line created by Leana, an activewear sock where aesthetics meets functionality. Shayfer says " I love being a mom, but I still held on to my dream of seeing my ideas and creations blossom into a successful business".
Leana Shayfer creator and founder of Arebesk
Arebesk can be found in almost 30 Pilates, Barre and Yoga studios across the USA and online retailers. The best part of growing this brand is meeting so many amazing, supportive business owners and working mothers like myself who not only love the product but the story behind it.
Continue reading to learn more about Leana, her love for fitness and her company Arebesk.
NMF: Has fitness always been a major part of your life or was there a catalyst/point in your life when you made it more of a focus and priority?
Leana: Fitness was definitely not part of my life growing up until I was in my late 20's where I started to walk a lot which I always did because I just loved being outdoors. It really wasn't until I had my 2nd child that really hit me that my body was changing and not for the better. I was never into running or Soul Cycle and I really struggled with the question, "What can I do on a daily basis that I would love to do and have time to do?" I had a responsibility to take care of 2 little kids with barely enough time for myself. I heard that an Eden Sassoon Pilates studio opened up near my home and someone said it was the best workout for your body. I was skeptical but I signed up for a few classes not sure if I would commit but after a week I was hooked and going almost every day. I loved the way my body and mind was changing for the better after a short time. It has been 2 years since I walked into Eden Sassoon Pilates and I still go almost 4-5 days a week so I can say I finally found a workout I can commit to.
NMF: What are a few of your go-to healthy snacks/drinks that help keep you on the straight and narrow?
Leana: I have always struggled with snacking and sometimes I am running so much between work and kids that I don't even have time to snack so I came up with a good plan for myself the past year and it's been helping me not be so hungry all day. I pack snacks to take with me the night in case there is no time in the morning. I will take 1 packet of Justin's organic peanut butter packets ( because I am a peanut butter lover and not going to give that up), small ziplock bag with toasted Ezekiel bread ( to dip in my peanut butter if I like), carrots, cucumbers (they are filling) and an apple. As far as drinks.....I have a no soda rule gave that up a while back. I will either take an enormous container of iced water or some Polar Seltzer Water ( they are the best with no sugar or added flavors) which come in so many amazing flavors ( it is an east coast brand). I would say water is key to minimizing hunger. Sometimes you are thirsty and mistake it for being hungry so I always drink a cup of water if I feel hungry and if that doesn't work then I will eat something.
NMF: How do you train your mind and stay motivated?
Leana: This is probably the hardest thing for anyone to do and even harder when I was younger but now, after having kids and seeing the world differently I am able to really appreciate the opportunity I have to pursue my business and I want to be a good mom and role model for my kids. I hang on to the image of my kids faces every day and it is enough motivation for me to keep moving forward and to deal with any obstacle that might come my way. I see how proud my kids are when they see mamas grip socks and it gives me an energy I never had before.
NMF: How do you change your body?
Leana: I'm still trying to figure this one out haha. I have always been a curvy girl and for years I was trying to figure out how to get smaller but I am also a food lover and not going to starve myself. As I got older I became more comfortable in my own skin but still want to shed some pounds so that is why I stuck to Pilates. I found that with Pilates it is not a workout that will get you thin quick but it will change your body over time if you are consistent and do it more than 3x per week in addition to eating clean. Pilates is great for your mind and body and you will see a difference over time.
NMF: What are your fitness favorites?
Leana: My fitness favorites are walking and Pilates can't say I love anything else as much but I promised I would try other workouts before the end of the year!
Craving a smoothie? Looking for a challenging workout? Visit the NMFIT shop for the Ultimate Strong workout and smoothie book by clicking here! Follow my Podcast station to get full updates on upcoming episodes: https://anchor.fm/nadia-murdock