Fitness Files: Missy Reder Ab-EZE

Missy Reder is a 47-year-old-mom of 4 and knows the importance of staying in shape while balancing a family and career.   After the birth of her youngest child, she was left with four finger width diastasis recti and three epigastric hernias. The invasive corrective surgery left Missy unable to engage her abdominal wall. She had little sensation and couldn’t contract her stomach muscles.  This encouraged her to create something that could work the core in a unique way with a multitude of variations! That's when the AB-EZE was born! Continue reading my interview with Missy to learn more about her must-have fitness tool and how it can change your workouts.

NMFIT: 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? 

Missy Reder (MR): I taught group fitness throughout college years, it wasn't until I turned 40 that fitness became a major part of my life. In 2012, I decided to train for a physique competition and won the 2nd place in the Bikini Masters Division of the MuscleMania SuperBody show just after turning 42. I subsequently placed top three in the same divisions of the Fitness Atlantic and WBFF Montreal shows in 2013. I spent a lot of time at the gym as I prepared for these competitions. It became very apparent how many women were struggling to transform their physiques without achieving the results they desired. I decided to become a NASM personal trainer and help fellow women learn how to exercise efficiently and effectively in order to reach their goals. What are a few of your go-to healthy snacks/drinks that help keep you on the straight and narrow?

NMFIT: How do you train your mind and stay motivated?

MR: As a 500 hour certified yoga teacher, I understand the importance of mind-body connection. I do not follow the advice to "just do it" or "get it done". I take more of a 'feel your way forward' type of approach to fitness. I replay in my mind a workout or exercise choice to see if it is an appropriate fit for how I am feeling at the time. I make a mental note of what my current goals are and if the chosen activity supports the desired outcome. I always ask myself what is the number one thing that will make me feel better in this moment. Instead of setting conditions such as length of workout, a distance of a run, or number on a weight rack, I continuously question if I have done enough or would I feel better doing more. It's an ongoing internal conversation that keeps me self-connected. I encourage my clients to do the same so that they learn to exercise intuitively and reduce the pitfall of all or nothing mentality. I believe that a daily meditation practice is key to replacing the need to 'get motivated' while simply gravitating toward activities and choices that feel good.

NMFIT: How do you change your body? 

RD: Form, alignment, mindfulness, and breath are essential in making an exercise effective. You can do 1000 squats but without incorporating these essentials, you are just going through the motions. Once you understand the mechanics of the movement, concentrate on the muscles you desire to change, and coordinate your breath, you can actually feel your body change with just one rep.

NMFIT: What are your fitness favorites?

MR: I love movement, all types of movement. I really love trying new things and experiencing how my mind and body respond to different fitness approaches. I am especially drawn to yoga.

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