Fitness Influencer Steph Claire Smith in Two-Piece Workout Gear Shares "Running Tips"

Steph Claire Smith loves being a mother, but in addition to motherhood, she's an entrepreneur, and even a co-host for @kicpod + KICBUMP! She embraces the health and wellness journey, and uses social media to inspire others to do the same. "Some running tips from someone who never thought they'd say they could enjoy a run. When I tell you I used to HATE running, I mean I really hated it. I'd get to 200m and wonder why I'm bothering and hate the fact that I was already struggling. So here's what I've learned and what helps me actually enjoy going for a run! 1. Needing to walk or take a break doesn't mean the run doesn't count. 2. Your pace does not matter – stop comparing it to those you see online. 3. Following a program helps you build up to your goal distance safely. 4. Starting your journey with friends or a community helps so much with motivation!! 5. Don't worry about what your body looks like as you run, it's gonna jiggle, it's gonna move, it's gonna get red and sweaty," she said on Instagram. Here's what Steph does to maintain her fit physique.

She pushes through tough workout routines. "Not every session is going to feel amazing! There are so many factors that can come in to play when it comes to how we feel doing during any given workout. There were many points throughout my workout today where I questioned if I should just stop right there and then and walk out. And if this was because of energy levels, I would have! I think it's important to tune into our bodies like that… But I knew I had the energy, and I've committed to doing three sessions a week for this challenge," she said on Instagram. "I just had to get out of my own head, and stop worrying about having to regress or rest, I took the pressure off of the workout needing to look a certain way and just kept at it. I'm so glad I got it done, and I'm proud of myself for sticking to my goal! Don't let these sessions define the next! You're incredible."

She loves being a mom, but doesn't feel guilty prioritizing her health and setting a good example for her child. "Love him seeing his mumma put in time for herself. Finally got my first workout done of our Express Lift Challenge 💪🏼 We were shooting new Kic workouts last week, plus I was a lil under the weather so didn't want to push it by visiting the gym, but I finally got to it today and even better… I got to get it done in our new STAX. X Kic collection 🤩Challenge enrollments are still open if you're wanting to start our gym challenge with me!! If you're not already subscribed to Kic head to the link in my bio 😘 Lettssss go," she said on Instagram.

She wants to inspire others to focus on building strength. "The workouts that have made me stronger than ever are here and I'm so excited for you to try them. For those of you who get into their first Express Lift workout of the challenge, please let me know your thoughts! I can't wait to kick butt together for the next 8 weeks," she said on Instagram.

She practices pilates to stay in shape. "A question I get asked a lot is 'what is your fav training style' and I always get stuck because I think it's fairly even between Pilates and strength training in the gym! I think what I love about our Pilates in the app is that I can squeeze them in at home when Harvey's watching the tv," she said on Instagram. According to Better Health, "the health benefits of Pilates include improved flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the 'core muscles' of your body), balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body, enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs, improved [stabilization] of your spine, [and] improved posture," to name a few. 

In a video she posted on Instagram, she shared photos of athletes with bodies of all shapes and sizes, captioned "just a reminder that elite female athletes look like this!! So beautiful, strong and talented in their own unique ways and we're here for it. This is your reminder that 'healthy' doesn't look one way." She wants to spread the word about the importance of confidence and mental strength to her online community.