Mom About Town: Tanya Fly

Let’s face it; unless you’re doing it all wrong, getting a total body workout is usually no fun—mostly because it’s hard and accompanied by deep burning sensations. I, for one, always want the burning to end so that I can change back into my skinny jeans, kick up my feet and enjoy some ice cream. You know, just to speed the cool-down process along. But since that would be counterproductive, I sweat it out and settle for a cold bottle of water instead.

But when I heard about an exercise class someone described to me as ‘getting a workout while watching The View,’ I had to try it for myself. And since I can admit to stealing some time every now and then to be entertained by Barbara and the gang, I had a feeling I might even enjoy myself.

And I did. I sweated and burned and laughed…a lot. And later I found out that Tanya Fly, creator of the Nu Method, is a mom, and that’s what makes all the difference. Tanya helps women through transitions using what she has learned as a mother to provide a total body workout tailored to their physical and emotional needs, especially those of new moms.

The best part is that time with Tanya gets results. After only three weeks of working out, I got a butt compliment. And it was from a woman, so the fact that I have a nice butt is official. So I decided to get to the bottom of this amazing Nu Method-thing. (No pun intended). And like for every cool NYC mom I meet, I had a few questions for Tanya.

What inspired you to start doing what you do?
My marriage ended and I was already in the fitness industry, but the dream had died. I had to figure out how to dream a new dream. So I stopped dreaming about us and started dreaming about me—not just for myself, but also for my boys. And that manifested itself as the Nu Method.

The Nu Method is choosing something new knowing that you have the choice to be new. Under the guise of fitness, my ultimate goal is health and the well being of the soul.

Tanya explained that her biggest fear was becoming a single mother. But through personal fulfillment, self-motivation and finding balance—the tenants of the Nu Method—she has transformed herself into an independent woman for her sons, eight-year-old Jadun and five-year-old Hunter.

What’s the most satisfying thing about the work that you do?
When I can see that people feel good about where they are in the class.

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you about being a mother?
I don’t know if anyone ever said this to me but I think it’s the best advice there is: Try to be who you really are as a mother so your kids can know you, not only as a mother but as a woman. I think kids appreciate that.

The thing I regret the most about my relationship with my mother is that I didn’t know her as a woman. All that sacrificing of self to “benefit the child,” doesn’t.

What’s the worst advice anyone has ever given you about being a mother?
The opposite of what I just said. Don’t allow yourself to die in the process. I can’t stand to see that mother. Motherhood should be an extension of what you are—not all of what you are.

Amen! You’d think she’s been reading my blog. Actually, she has her own blog that expresses personal fulfillment very well.

What is your favorite bedtime story?
We’ve graduated from reading bedtime stories to keeping journals because I just wanted to plug in more. We talk in the journal. It’s been working really well.

What is your favorite children’s song to sing?
Lost Ones by Lauren Hill. The world is influencing them.

What do you think is the most overrated kid’s toy?
Any and all tech-TV games. Don’t get me wrong—I have them and we just got a Wii. But at least with the Wii they have to move.

Where is your favorite place to eat with your kids?
We don’t go out much, so when we do, we end up having chicken nuggets from McDonald’s. No, they’re not healthy but it’s what they like.

Moms never cease to amaze me. Let’s appreciate the irony here. Tanya, who has worked in the fitness industry for 10 years, is the first to admit she doesn’t always choose the healthiest meal option. She has that extraordinary mom ability to focus on things bigger than herself, and decides that sometimes the chicken nuggets are good enough because they’re a quick source of protein that make the kids happy.

What’s the one thing your children do that makes you cringe?
When they tell me they can’t (do something). I hate hearing them limit themselves.

How would you describe your parenting style?
I don’t think I have one particular style. I just try to give them an idea of what is expected and try to create stability where there’s instability.

If you were invisible for one day, who would you spy on?
Oprah Winfrey. Absolutely.

Big O is two for two.

Name one NYC mom you would nominate to be interviewed by me?
Ann Holloway.

Ann is a writer from one of Tanya’s classes. And I hear she’s amazing.