Fitness Files: Melinda Nicci
Melinda Nicci founder of Baby2Body
Melinda Nicci is the Founder of Baby2Body and she knows what it means to train your mind and body! With several years of experience in the fitness industry, Melinda saw something lacking when it came to resources for pregnant women. This time last year I was constantly researching the do's and don'ts when it comes to maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle while pregnant which is why I am happy to share this very helpful option! Baby2Body helps to keep women inspired and motivated so that they can live the best life during pregnancy and new motherhood. Although I am now a mother, the site is still an excellent resource postpartum! Continue reading to learn more about Melinda and how she is changing the lives of mothers everywhere!
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?
Melinda Nicci (MN): Yes, always - for as long as I can remember. I was born and raised in South Africa, and the lifestyle there is so focused on being active. It’s not so much about being into fitness, but more about playing sports and being outside as much as possible. That was all I knew growing up, and I think it’s naturally developed into a deep-seated passion for health and fitness.
NMF: What are a few of your go-to healthy snacks/drinks that help keep you on the straight and narrow?
MN: I’m not really much of a snacker. I’m a personal proponent of Intermittent Fasting because it works for me and my body responds really well to it - but we’re all different, and it’s definitely not for everyone. On my fasting days I guess my ‘snack’ equivalent is usually a cup of hot green tea for a bit of an energy boost. On my non-fasting days, if I’m not able to sit and have a bit of lunch I’ll snack on raw cashews and every now and then I do love a green smoothie - usually avocado, kale, kiwi, and apple is what I’d go for.
NMF: How do you train your mind and stay motivated?
MN: Since fitness has been part of my life for so long, if I take even two days off from exercising my body will let me know that it’s not happy. I love how working out makes me feel, and I hate how not working out makes me feel, so I think that’s a natural motivator in itself. What I’m getting at is that when you’re consistent with something it becomes really easy to stick with it - and that's so true for exercise.
That said, I do regularly practice mindfulness and use meditation to help me stay focused, productive and on top of everything else going on in my life. I usually start every morning with a bit of meditation, and I’ll spend about 10 minutes in a mindful state every night before bed to help me process the day I’ve just had and get ready for the one ahead.
NMF: How do you change your body? What are your fitness favorites?
MN: I’ve never been one to focus on changing my body - it’s more about treating it right every chance I have. When you make the healthiest choices when it comes to what you eat, when you exercise, and how you tend to your emotional wellbeing, then your body will thank you for it and you won’t want - or need - to change it.
My fitness favorites are swimming and weight training - that’s what I’ll cycle between most often. If I had to pick one particular workout move or body-weight exercise it would definitely be the plank; it’s so good for all-over toning and you can do it absolutely anywhere.
For more information visit: Baby2Body