Kerry Dixon is a “work-at-home” mom who teaches yoga at The Mettler Center in Champaign. A native of upstate New York, Kerry relocated to Champaign in 2002 to work at the University of Illinois Press. In 2005, she married Champaign business owner Lance Dixon, a divorced dad with two young sons. Today Kerry runs a bustling household that is home to sons Quincy (age 2) and Miles (3); daughter Paige (5); and stepsons Henry (10) and Benjamin (13). A practicing yogini for more than 15 years, she became certified through YogaFit and started teaching yoga last year.
See why we think Kerry Dixon is a Chambana mom to know.
Q: Do you have any tips for how busy moms can fit fitness into their busy schedules?
Rather than focus on fitness, per se, I think it’s important for busy moms to first think about taking care of our bodies, and, most importantly, to do so from a place of reverence and appreciation of what those bodies (just as they are, here and now) do to benefit our families and communities. Moms are mind-numbingly busy. Frankly, the last thing most women need is another item on the to-do list. We certainly don’t need any added pressure to DO something to or with our bodies. Each day we receive far too many messages about the way we SHOULD look and feel. So, starting from a place of self-love, perhaps busy moms can resolve to make time to care for ourselves and promote the overall health of our bodies. Depending on the day, this could take the form of a walk, a hot bath, or an exercise class.
Of course, I know how challenging finding this time can be. For me, it’s been catch as catch can. During each of my three pregnancies, in addition to yoga, I focused on swimming. With three newborn babies in four years time, it was difficult to practice yoga at a studio, so I kept a yoga mat at home and tried to sneak in a few poses while my little ones (hopefully) napped. Although I was sorely sleep-deprived, a bit of breathing and stretching actually helped me stay in touch with how my body was feeling and release built-up stress and fatigue.
As each of my babies grew, I’d take them out in the stroller and enjoy a long walk. Of course, toddlers soon rebel against the confinement of a stroller. Now, I try to find exercise facilities that provide playrooms and childcare. In fact, that’s why I joined The Mettler Center.
If time and money prevent parents from using a gym, I suggest seeking out a neighbor with kids and setting up some kind of childcare exchange. This is also an incredibly helpful option for families, like mine, who don’t have any extended family living in town. I’ve done this several times with a variety of neighbors. The kids love it and parents get a chance to get out and take care of themselves. Not to mention, it promotes a great sense of community.
Q: It’s the new year, and many people resolve to get fit. Do you have any ideas on turning fitness into a habit, so that people don’t give up before Martin Luther King Day?
1. Keep it simple.
Find something that fits easily into your schedule. Schedules constantly change. Kids get sick. They have play dates, school activities, trips, basketball practices, etc. So, adapt as needed.
Resolve to do something that you truly like. Take a tip from your kids and do something silly and fun. Last fall, my husband and I joined an adult kickball league through the Urbana Park District. It was a hoot! We had a great time and it reinvigorated some long-neglected muscle groups.
2. Stay flexible—pun intended. Needs change. Bodies change. If one day you’d like the support of a group and the structure of an exercise class, head to the gym. If you’d prefer some quiet time outside, take a walk.
As the rush of family activity swirls around you, it can be hard to wind down and take a moment to listen to your body. Perhaps the best way to start is to find a moment each day to devote attention to your physical needs. This is perhaps why the practice of yoga has become an integral part of my life. Simply put: yoga is about love. Love of our bodies as they are, in the moment, as we practice. It’s also about turning inward and creating time and space to listen to our bodies.
Q: What kind of fitness activities do you like to do with your kids?
Whatever I can! Kids are natural movers, so we get outside anytime we can regardless of the weather. I love to be outdoors. It truly makes me happy. In fact, one of the most challenging parts of being a work-at-home mom is feeling cooped up in the house. For my sake, as much as the kids, we get out each morning. Some days, we play in the yard, but most days we head out to a park. Happily, C-U has a seemingly limitless array of parks and playgrounds. We visit each and every one of them on a regular basis. Our older boys enjoy basketball and baseball, so we often bring balls and bats to the park as well. My kids also love to ride bikes, take walks, and help out with yard work. Indoors or out, they also love yoga and gymnastics.
Q: Why did you decide to become a fitness instructor?
Actually, the opportunity found me. I attended a yoga class at the Mettler Center and the instructor suggested that I consider teaching. On the heels of her suggestion, I signed up for a YogaFit teacher training session and became a certified instructor. At this point in my life, teaching is a great segue into the paid workforce. It’s flexible and requires only limited hours away from home. In this way, it’s a very good fit for me and my family.
Q: How does your yoga practice transfer into your life with your family?
Honestly, I can’t imagine my life without a yoga practice. Not to sound overly dramatic, but, at this point, it’s essential. Practicing yoga gives me a chance to quiet my mind, and take time away from the decidedly wonderful, but often highly stimulating, family life that my husband and I share. When I finish practicing, I feel renewed, relaxed, and ready to resume my place in our busy household.
Not surprisingly, my yoga practice infuses all aspects of my family life. As yoga emphasizes self acceptance and being in the moment, my practice constantly reinforces the value of patience, flexibility, and kindness toward self and others. In more concrete terms, my practice has led to any number of spontaneous conversations about poses and breathing exercises at the breakfast table.
My children, like most kids, are natural yogis. They practice poses all the time! They love to demonstrate their balance in “tree” or their flexibility in “cat.” They dance around the living room while listening to my yoga music. In fact, my daughter uses my class playlists for her naptime and nighttime music.
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