Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Conneely.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Before I started my own fitness journey almost four years ago, I was VERY depressed. I had a baby one year prior to starting and the “aftermath”, my postpartum body was making me sad, uncomfortable in my own skin and I hated being in public. I tried to accept that this is the way it was going to be. That, after you have a baby, this is what you looked like. I lied in bed, tired, not wanting to get up to spend time with the people who loved me the most. I missed parties, and even casual chances to socialize with friends because I couldn’t stomach the thought of having people see me at that weight. I had begun to see myself as the number on the scale, and not as the person who was standing on it.
I called my doctor about six weeks postpartum and explained my symptoms to her. I was immediately put on anti-depressants. It was such a punch in the gut, that as a new mom, “there’s something the matter with you” and “you need medicine to fix you.” How was I so sad? I just had this beautiful 10-pound baby just six weeks ago? Why was I crying all the time and feeling so isolated? When I had so many friends and family there to help? Why did it seem as if I was I the ONLY mom on this entire planet struggling? Every other mom at music class and on the playground seem to have it all together; smiling, taking in these moments with their pride and joy and back to their “goal weight.”
I started working out in the effort to lose the baby weight for reasons based on looks and confidence. And quickly realized I wanted to be the best possible version of myself for my family. For my daughter. I wanted her to be proud of me. I realized I have the ability to shape the way my daughter will see herself and her body for the rest of her life by the way I guide her today. And I want to guide her through a healthy lifestyle of eating healthy, working out and caring for her body.
My transformation is so much more than the change to my outward appearance. I work out to stay sane. To be happy. To have energy. To give everything I have to my family and my daughter. It’s literally my drug of choice.
Working out is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. Without drugs. Moving your body and sweating just 30 mins. a day can have a profoundly positive impact on depression and anxiety. It also relieves stress, improves your memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood.
You don’t need a fancy gym membership or tons of equipment. And, you certainly don’t need hours and hours. Give yourself 30 minutes a day five to six days a week. And watch the transformation happen. I want Squatnowwinelater.com to encourage others to SWEAT each day because I saw a change in myself after using solely exercise as my drug of choice after my postpartum struggle and I know what moving your body and nourishing it daily can do.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh goodness, definitely not a smooth road. I’ve had ups and downs along the way in my own fitness journey. Especially in the beginning, having a newborn to tend to in the middle of the night and not getting the proper amount of sleep our bodies need to function the next day. It was difficult to get up the next morning and want to sweat. But the one thing that keeps me succeeding is I’ve never given up. I keep pushing forward and knocking those barriers down. And that’s exactly what I encourage and push my clients to do also. Every day will not be perfect, but those are the days that matter the most. That’s where you become stronger in your own journey. That’s where you’ll see change.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Squat now wine later is what it says in its name. All about balance. Squat now wine later is all about leading a healthy lifestyle. And because it’s a lifestyle – you have to have balance. Eat your veggies and sweat but also rest and have your chocolate cake too (and maybe wash it down with some wine)!
I motivate and coach individuals in their own health and fitness journey. Every journey and everybody is different and so I coach every one differently. Some are here to lose weight, others, want to gain muscle. And, some are here to maintain. And I’m here to help each of those individuals out with nutrition guides, workouts, meal prep, and being there as someone to confide if or when the struggle starts to set in.
I’m most proud of Squat Now Wine Later because I work hard on empowering individuals to reach the goals that lie ahead of them. And become who they want to be. I want them to be proud of themselves and hold their head high and strut with confidence. I am there, cheering them on every step of the way to ensure they get there.
What sets Squatnowwinelater.com apart is the fact that I am an online coach, but I am very involved in your day-to-day activities. And here to answer all of your questions. You can do your own workouts, or you can hop online and follow my workouts. It really is your own program and your own journey. Again, everyone is completely different from the next client. If you have a dinner out one night and you know ahead of time – email/text me the menu to that specific restaurant and I’ll help you choose something that will allow you to keep on track with your goals.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Dallas is a great place for fitness and wellness.
Contact Info:
- Website: Squatnowwinelater.com
- Phone: 214-683-9348
- Email: ashley@squatnowwinelater.com
- Instagram: Squatnow.winelater
- Facebook: Squatnow.winelater
Image Credit:
Kelly Christine Photos
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