Smarties I am excited to introduce you to Carrie Kaschak. I first met Carrie in 2013 when we ran the Palmetto 200 (We Don’t Run… We Fly!) and she was one of my van mates. I am excited to feature her for many reasons today, but what brings a smile to my face is a memory of a delirious heat and sleep deprived conversation the van girls had at our rest stop; child birth. Carrie was not a member of the “mom’s club” then, and after our graphic shared stories on child birth, I didn’t think any of the non-moms would cross that line… EVER. Thank goodness that she either forgot that conversation or disregarded us all. When I first met Carrie, I was intimidated. The girl is a power house, fit, young, beautiful, and did I mention fit? I quickly learned that she was super sweet and my intimidation was put to rest… a little bit. I love/hate to pulse with Carrie at Flywheel! One of my favorite workouts that the QC has to offer by one of the best fitness queens! I dare you to take one of her classes and not love it and all that it does for you.
Smarty Mom: Carrie Kaschak
Married to: married to AJ for 4 years.
Children: Daughter, Kendall (6 months old)
‘Hood: Mint Hill
Years in Charlotte: 3 years
Home Town: I am originally from Timberlake, NC.
Job Title: Southeast Training Manager and Master Instructor for FlyBarre
Tell us about Flywheel/Flybarre and your role. I began instructing FlyBarre in October 2012. I started teaching 1-2 classes a week and absolutely loved it. I gradually started teaching more and more classes and became a Full Time Instructor and a Training Manager in 2014. I love the results of the workout! I have never seen another workout provide such quick results. If you are consistent with FlyBarre, your body will change. I also love how our class is driven by the music. The class flies by and is so much fun. Anyone can do FlyBarre. I personally pulsed every single day during my pregnancy, including the day that I delivered my daughter. We see people of all shapes, sizes, and ages in the FlyBarre studio. We are all chasing a common goal of increasing strength, feeling good, and leaving the class accomplished.
Pregnant and pulse? Postpartum fitness I really recommend continuing to workout while you are pregnant. With your doctor’s approval, there is no reason to stop doing your workouts throughout the entire pregnancy. Often times I would feel less than great at the beginning of a class, and by the end of the hour, I felt totally normal! Make it a goal to move your body, get your heart rate elevated, and sweat once a day. Not to mention it makes the postnatal experience of “getting your body back” so much easier!!
Post-delivery, my first workouts involved brisk walking around my neighborhood. Kendall was born in January during the coldest week of the year. I remember it was 11 degrees the morning after she was born. We returned home on a Friday, and I did my first walk Saturday morning. I had to keep my pace up to keep my fingers from freezing!! Within a week, I was practicing modified planks and modified push-ups. My husband and I went to the gym 10-days post-delivery for some light treadmill work and light upper body resistance training. I did not push too hard for the first 4 weeks after delivery. Honestly, learning to breast feed, lack of sleep, my metabolism increasing from nursing, and just general recovery from the trauma of delivery is enough of a workout!! I returned to FlyBarre 4 weeks after delivery and felt great. I used modifications for some of the abs based on my personal comfort, but everything else was 100%. I cycled 5 weeks post delivery and felt great, but winded!! The amazing thing is that your body remembers the fitness level you once have achieved. Within just a few workouts, I felt back to my normal self.
Barre or Wheel? Both workouts offer different results for anyone. Flywheel is our cardio class that is focused on high intensity intervals set to high energy music. You will burn calories and sweat a lot!! FlyBarre is a body sculpting workout using light weights with high repetitions. We will fatigue each muscle group using pulsing movements that specifically target and tone the glutes, thighs, abs, and arms. Flywheel is burning your calories, and FlyBarre is unveiling your muscle definition. Both cardio and strength exercises are necessary for optimum results. 
What would you say to someone who’s too scared to try Flywheel? Flywheel Sports as a whole strives to offer fitness for everyone in a welcoming and warm environment. We have a community vibe within our studios. If you come twice, you will feel part of the family. #FlyFam
Some fun Carrie questions:
Last book read? All of my reading these days is research for Kendall!! I am reading about homemade baby food! Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron
Favorite home cooked meal? Fresh wild caught salmon, grilled. Mixed greens salad w/ goat cheese and spiced pecans. Roasted Sweet potatoes
Favorite restaurant? I really love Illos Noche.
Favorite place to shop for workout wear? I wear a combination of Flywheel gear and Lululemon. Our Flywheel crops and leggings have great patterns and a super flattering fit. Lululemon helps round out my wardrobe with great fitting sports bras, running shorts, casual throw-on hoodies, and fabulous socks.
