Photo Credit: @gearheadoutfitters

If there’s one thing Amanda Herget has learned along the way, it’s how important it is that she prioritize her own health and well being. 

As a busy mom and co-owner of multiple Gearhead Outfitters stores with her husband, Ted, she definitely has a lot to juggle and can relate to the fleeting work/life balance that busy moms continuously search for.  

But experience has taught her that she has to pay attention to her body and her well being. We asked her a few questions about where she is with her well being now, and how she would apply what she’s learned to help other busy women and moms who are searching for that balance…

You’re a mom and co-owner of a very successful retail business with multiple locations. How do you fit it all in?

I live by a calendar (I like the old fashioned one) and lists. I start every morning looking at my day and make an hour by hour plan. My workouts take priority each day, which means that I often attend meetings in workout clothes and a hat. 

So how do you make your own wellness routine a priority?

The key word is “prioritize.” I’ve learned along the way that if I don’t prioritize my health and wellness, I won’t be able to take care of all my responsibilities with my family and work. When I don’t feel my best, everything else in my life starts to suffer. 

The stores you own with your husband, Gearhead Outfitters, are retail stores that cater to people who live active lifestyles. How are you teaching your kids about living a healthy and active lifestyle?

This is an everyday topic at our house. We discuss healthy choices regularly, even though they don’t always choose the healthiest option. We don’t push any certain type of diet for our kids, because I feel that that often backfires. My husband Ted and I practice what we preach and we model healthy behavior. Kids are very observant and watch and listen to everything.

What’s the first thing you do every morning when you wake up?

RUN to the coffee maker. I drink organic coffee that we roast in our store, and I take it with almond milk and honey.

What’s your favorite way to move your body?

I am a runner, I have been for 15 years. I really enjoy that time by myself to think and enjoy the outdoors. But yoga is my love! It makes me feel so strong and confident. I started yoga to help me recover during marathon training, but now running is a supplement to my yoga training. 

What’s your go-to meal when eating out?

Eating out is a treat for me, most of the time I cook at home. So when I eat out it’s often a more indulgent meal. I do always try to order a salad or some greens with my meal even if I order a pizza or a burger. There’s an Asian restaurant in town that makes gluten-free lettuce wraps. That’s typically my go-to when we order out.

What are the top 3 fridge staples that you always have on-hand?

Spinach, frozen fruit and almond milk, all organic. As long as I can make a green smoothie, I’m good. 

What’s the self-care practice you couldn’t live without?

My massage chair! My husband bought it for us a few years ago, and I thought it was the tackiest thing I’d ever seen. I was determined to get it out of the living room. The first time I sat in it, I was hooked. Now I carve out 20 minutes every day to sit in that chair. It’s helped my neck and back tremendously!

What are you most obsessed with at the moment?

ON Running Shoes. The Cloud is my go-to style. I currently own two pairs but would buy every color, they’re the most comfortable athletic shoes I own. Even though they’re running shoes, I wear mine to the gym and just around town. I run in the Mizuno Rider. 

What are the top 3 items that every active person needs?

For a woman, proper fitting shoes and sports bra are the most important. Both should require a trained staff member to fit you. Proper fit is more important than the brand or color of a product. Body Glide is also a must-have item! It prevents blisters and chafing. I use it on my feet, bra line and thighs.

What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled so far?

Traveling brings me so much joy. I have always loved seeing the world and absorbing as much culture as possible. Thankfully, my husband feels the same way. We had the opportunity to travel to Italy for our 14-year anniversary, and the food was like no other. We loved the old architecture and active lifestyle the locals live. We definitely want to go back and take our kids next time.

What’s the next place you’re dying to go?

We have never been to Santa Fe, New Mexico and it’s at the top of our list.

What’s the mantra you’re currently living by?

One word: mindfulness. Trying to make sure I am present over perfect in all I do. 

What’s the thing you’re most proud of doing in the last year?

Learning the “best yes.” A friend of mine bought me a book called The Best Yes, and I’ve shared it with many other friends. As moms, we all try to do it all at a cost of our own health, which is something I’ve learned the hard way. The stress of trying to balance work and home life was literally killing me. I have now learned my limits, I know when I need to rest and I don’t feel guilty about it. I have also learned to lean on my friends to help me with my kids’ activities if I can’t make them all. I am being proactive rather than reactive with how much stress I can take on each day.

If you had to choose only one wellness tip to share, what would it be?

Make your well being a priority, move your body everyday and use food for fuel, not as a reward. In a lifetime you may live in multiple homes, and you spend hours cleaning it and taking care of the lawn. But your only house is your body and you only get one. Treat it with the same respect as you do your home.