New Jersey is home to many ambitious and talented women who juggle family, career, and home. A select few of these women are also extremely busy building their own companies to help better manage the balance between work and home life. At NJMOM, we want to highlight these extraordinary women who build New Jersey businesses and learn the secret to their success.
Mary Vidal, Owner of WholeCore and NJMOMpreneur
Mary Vidal, owner of WholeCore based in Hoboken, New Jersey specializes in holistic approaches to core and pelvic floor recovery training and education for women in every stage of life. This mother of two instructs classes, private lessons, and workshops through the use of functional movements that can be applied to every day life. Mary’s training not only builds core strength and educates on nutrition and lifestyle, but also creates a supportive environment where women can be honest about sensitive issues and questions. NJMOM had the pleasure of speaking with Mary about how her own challenges motivated her to help others, how she balances work and play, and her family’s favorite places to visit in New Jersey.
Photo via Lauren R. Penza, Diamond Butterfly Photo LLC
NJMOM: What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Mary: I offer Core & Pelvic Floor Recovery Training and Education through small group classes, in-home privates and workshops. Through these programs clients learn lifelong skills to get healthy, fit and functional and address common core problems such as a belly bulge, leaky bladder and back pain. As a result clients are able to breathe more freely, move better, and improve their overall quality of life.
More than just a core workout, my unique programs take a holistic, individualize
Photo via Lauren R. Penza, Diamond Butterfly Photo LLC
Because building a healthy, fit and functional body cannot be accomplished with exercise alone, clients also learn about key areas that contribute to core and pelvic floor recovery including nutrition and
My group classes serve two different types of client: Postnatal moms (6 weeks to 1 year postpartum) and Every Woman (Whether you’ve had a child 1, 5, 20 years ago or never, it’s never too late to restore your core!)
NJMOM: What inspired you to come up with the idea for your business?
Mary: I began teaching yoga in 2004 after the birth of my first child. I quickly realized that my clients (mostly moms) were all struggling with core issues of one kind or another. This realization along with my own core challenges motivated me to learn about and search for solutions to our common problems. With some formal training and a lot of self study I started incorporating core recovery into my yoga classes.
This shift got me started down the path, however, it was Geri White, my cousin and owner of Hudson Valley Physical Therapy, who convinced me of the true need for core and pelvic floor recovery programs outside of physical therapy. My conversations with her inspired me to pursue advanced training and start my current business. Thank you, Geri, for being my inspiration!
Photo via Lauren R. Penza, Diamond Butterfly Photo LLC
NJMOM: What is your favorite part about your business?
Mary:
I love watching women gain a sense of empowerment when they have the knowledge and tools they need to re-connect with and re-build their bodies. There is a wonderful feeling of hope when they realize they have the power to make their lives better and more vibrant.
NJMOM: What is your background in your business expertise?
Mary: In addition to teaching Yoga and Momilates® to moms for more than a decade, I have advanced training in Postnatal Core Assessment, Recovery, and Exercise Programming and have attended numerous courses on anatomy including anatomy of the female pelvis. I also have certifications in Vinyasa, Postnatal, and Restorative Yoga and Momilates®.
Photo via Lauren R. Penza, Diamond Butterfly Photo LLC
NJMOM: Who is your role model?
Mary: I feel that many people are my role models: my husband, children, family, friends, coworkers. They all inspire me in different ways. Professionally my biggest role model is my Postnatal teacher, Jenny Burrell, founder of Burrell Education. I truly admire her passionate dedication to providing quality women’s fitness and wellness education and her never ending pursuit of knowledge on the subject.
NJMOM: What is the best piece of advice your role model ever gave to you?
Mary: To succeed you must…
Be brave.
Get yourself out there.
Collaborate.
Join a community of people who are on the same path as you.
Shine your light!
NJMOM: Do you have a favorite quote you live by?
Mary: “You can always learn something new.”
My two boys once told me that they would engrave this quote on my headstone because I say it so often. I love learning and feel that it is an essential part of living a fulfilling life. Learn something new every day!
NJMOM: What are your favorite things to do in NJ with your family?
Mary: My favorite thing to do is spend time outdoors with my family: going to the local Hoboken parks or walking on the waterfront, enjoying the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City, and hiking in any one of NJ’s beautiful reservations.
NJMOM: What is the best part about being a mom for you?
Mary: The best part of being a mom is watching my children grow up and develop their own unique personalities. They never cease to amaze and inspire me. I feel honored and privileged to take part in raising these fine adults.
NJMOM: What are your favorite businesses in NJ?
Mary: I love the diversity of New Jersey and the businesses that reflect the many cultures of this state. Some of my favorite places to go are Ironbound Newark (Portugese restaurants and groceries), Mitsuwa and H-Mart
NJMOM: Where do you reside in New Jersey?
Mary: My family and I have lived in Hoboken for 15 years. The Mile Square City is a wonderful place to live. It’s close to New York City, yet still has a small town feel. What I love most about Hoboken is that school, friends, restaurants, grocery stores and public transportation are all in walking distance of our home.
NJMOM: Anything else you’d like to tell moms in NJ?
Mary:
As moms, we spend so much time and energy on our children that we often neglect ourselves.
Take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually by making self care a part of your routine. You’ll look better, feel better and be a better, happier parent as a result!
To learn more about WholeCore, please visit www.mywholecore.com or email mary@mywholecore.com
