I am excited to introduce Ann McCue, a mom I met through a new mothers group in my neighborhood. She is a working mom times two; that’s right, she actually has two jobs. Well one is a job, and the second is truly a passion for Ann. She crunches numbers by day as controller for Aston Properties, but she also teaches yoga at Yoga for Life. And if I have ever seen how yoga can keep a mom fit and calm, Ann is living proof. She actually taught yoga up until the week she gave birth to her first child, a beautiful little girl named Ezri. Ann is originally from Miami, Florida, but has called Charlotte her home for the last 9 and a half years with her husband Russell. Let’s learn a little bit more about how Oprah and yoga changed Ann’s life.
When did you get started in yoga and when did you start teaching?
I started to participate in yoga classes when I moved to Charlotte in 2001 at Yoga for Life. This was after I watched an Oprah Winfrey episode featuring a master Yogi. He mentioned how in just minutes you can release stress and tension from practicing yoga. At that point, I had a lot of change in my life creating stress while I adjusted to life in the real world. The changes included a move to a new city, beginning a new job, leaving the glorious college life behind, and living with my boyfriend (husband) for the first time. I was instantly intrigued by the Yogi’s words and soon realized the benefits from my own yoga practice. It’s amazing how quickly things can fall into place with little yogi centering! I enjoyed it so much, I decided to pursue my 200 hour certification and began teaching classes in 2005.
Why do you think yoga is so great for moms?
Yoga is great escape for moms to take a breather and wipe the noise and tension from their heads. Yoga is not just a physical practice. I’ve found it to be physical, mental, and even spiritual. The beauty of it is how unique each person’s experience can be. A routine practice each day or even taking as little as 5 minutes a few times a week can make quite a difference. I’ve found the benefits to be instant and quite cleansing. A quick and easy practice for a mom on the go is to find a place to sit (preferably quiet, but take what you can get!), close your eyes, and take in deep-full breathes. Count up towards 10 with each exhale and feel the benefits!
Favorite Yoga move?
Pigeon posture – not only is it a great hip opener, but it always clears my mind.
Did you teach through your pregnancy?
Yes, I taught classes until about a week before Ezri’s delivery. I fully recommend it for all pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. It kept my body strong and flexible during each stage of pregnancy. It helped “ripen” my body for labor and delivery, as well gave me mental strength. Yoga breathing techniques were vital for keeping me calm and focused during labor.
Favorite “mommy time” activity?
I love reading to and with my daughter. She’s picking the books and pages to read, and I’m along for the ride. She already has her favorite… “The Foot Book”!!!
Favorite place to meet girlfriends for lunch?
My office! I crunch my hours at work by not taking a lunch so I can pick Ezri up early to spend time with her through the week. I don’t want to miss anything!
Favorite girls night out spot?
People go out?
Best place to eat for date night?
My husband and I love Cantina 1511. Wish we had more opportunities to get there.
Favorite weekend escape?
The beach
Favorite place to buy clothes for girls?
Children’s Place/Costco
Favorite park?
William R Davie Park on 51
Mini-van or SUV?
SUV
Best book you’ve read lately?
It’s been mostly kid’s books for the past 16 months!
Smartiest way you save $$?
We buy diapers on Amazon.com through Amazon mom. Sign up at http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info and start saving using their “subscribe and save” option. It’s easy to manage your subscriptions through “Your Account”.
I could not live without my (mom or kids related…)
Ezri’s blankies. She has the Aden & Anais muslin blankets that she carries like “Linus” to calm her when she’s upset. Too cute!
2 comments
When I first began practicing yoga, I took classes from several instructors, but Ann quickly became my favorite! When I was pregnant, I was so excited to find out that Ann also taught a pre-natal class. The class was a great way for me to turn off all the noise of my life and to just focus on the connection between the baby and I. Not only was I relaxed when I left, but it also helped me sleep better too. I would highly recommend Ann’s yoga classes!
I have known Ann since we were 7 years old. She has always been an amazing person and not surprising that she is an amazing mom.. Great blog about Ann!!