Where are you originally from?

Auburn/Federal Way, WA, not very far from Redmond/Bellevue.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I think I joined summer 2018, once I was able to work out again after giving birth.

What classes do you attend?

I'm currently in Run Club, but I'm signed up for the next session of Body Well!

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)?

My workout buddy is Kal (short for Kaladin), he is 2.5 years old. He loves fast feet and burpees!

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

The coaches are incredibly supportive and have created such a wonderful community of moms.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

I'm stay at home now, but I was a lab technician in a microbiology lab at UW before having Kal.

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

Yes, I think it's important. I'm not the most social of people, but even when I'm not actively participating it's reassuring to hear what other moms are going through and know you're not the only one.

What is your favorite beverage?

A latte with just enough eggnog that I can taste it and it feels indulgent, but not enough to be too rich.

What is your favorite dessert?

Strawberry shortcake or sticky cinnamon rolls

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

Run, take a long hot bath, read or play video games. I don't get much uninterrupted time for those.

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

Any place where my husband (Matt) and I could be intimate anytime we want.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I'm tired all the time due to constantly being hyper aware of anything regarding my child. However, I balance that by being much more consistent with my health, especially exercise. I also had no idea how much love I'd have. I imagined it, but I really had no idea how intense it would be.

I am happiest when...

We (Matt, Kal and I) are all laughing together! Or when we're on a fun adventure.

There is so much to say about this amazing mama. She is determined, dedicated, and a huge inspiration to so many women in our Body Back group! Meet Katie!

Where are you originally from?

I'm a SoCal girl at heart where I spent most of my childhood but I've lived my adult life in the PNW.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I joined in 2016 when my daughter, Evelyn was 4 months old, I was hooked after that first Stroller Strides class!

What classes do you attend?

I'm addicted to the virtual Body Back and strength/core classes but I do miss Stroller Strides at the park with my girls.

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)?

My girls are Evelyn(4) and Emily(20 months), they are my WHY.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

The compassion, support and friendship I have found with the women in this village has been life changing. I have always felt that the classes and instructors have welcomed me no matter my fitness level throughout my postpartum journey but challenge me to become the best version of myself.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

SAHM

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

Every mother deserves to be part of a village like FIT4MOM, to be surrounded by other moms who 'get it'.

What is your favorite beverage?

Cold brew iced coffee

What is your favorite dessert?

Anything chocolate!

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

Take a nap during a massage, get a man/pedi, finish with a salon blow out and have room service while binge watching my favorite shows on Netflix!

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

Four Seasons Maui, give me all the blueberry mojitos beachside!

How has becoming a mother changed you?

It has taught me the most selfless form of love.

I am happiest when...

I am at the beach with my family!

I’m always looking for new recipes to use my browning bananas, and this one fits the bill! It incorporates lots of clean ingredients with our WA favorites — the apple! I followed this recipe exactly as written, and once the muffins were cooled, placed them in a large ziploc bag into the freezer. I pull one out in the morning for Luke’s lunchbox or with an afternoon cup of coffee. They are also great as a post-workout snack!

Baking is a hobby in which kids love to participate. It incorporates measurement, food safety, small motor skills, fractions and more! Invite your kiddos to join you;). Enjoy, my beauties! Xo

https://www.rockrecipes.com/oatmeal-apple-banana-low-fat-muffins/

Meet our mom of the month, Crystal. This superstar mama inspires us with her dedication to fitness, her motivation, and all around positive, sparkling personality. Thanks for being part of our (virtual) village!

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in Northern California and met my husband in San Francisco after college.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

2016 while pregnant with my second child, Natalie.

What classes do you attend?

I started with Fit4Baby, then Stroller Strides, then Body Back and now I'm a Body Back and Run Club member.

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)?

Thomas is 6 and Natalie is 3.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

It has been my lifeline, this year, especially! I knew I liked to exercise but I don't think I realized how important it is for my physical and mental well being. The format of the FIT4MOM community is the best I've found and the one program I have stayed with the longest. I love the comradery, the coaching, the group fitness, the fact that classes are different Every. Single. Time. I am always on my toes, sometimes literally, and I love how fast paced the workouts are. I also feel like the community is real; people can be quiet, funny, engaged or not, and all of those things are accepted and encouraged.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

I am a Vice President of Operations for my ad agency, MediaCrossing. I run all the social ads for my clients, so those ads you get on Facebook? Yeah, probably me. Sorry Not Sorry!

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

Villages are what helps keep you sane during any time of parenthood. Finding other people who are going through similar circumstances, who have an outlook on life that is focused on family, health and friendships is what a village is. When you can deepen relationships within a village things get even better. It takes work and energy so it's wonderful that the FIT4MOM village includes all the aspects of what is important to me in a single place. It has facilitated health and wellbeing.

What is your favorite beverage?

Lattes, Wine, Water, in that order.

What is your favorite dessert?

Dark chocolate, but, I'm kind of picky. There is this chocolate torte thing drizzled with olive oil and sea salt from my favorite restaurant in San Francisco that I literally dream about. If it's not that, I'd probably eat cheese instead.

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

Sleep, workout, shower, and get fully ready for a day. Or, go out to dinner with my husband. Turns out, I really like the guy!

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

At this point, anywhere I can go for more than 3 days at a time to rest and recuperate, and then, experience an actual vacation. If it's a place, I'd go to Hawaii or where we honeymooned, Canouan Island.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I am quite different now that I'm a mom. I'm still super driven and self motivated, but a lot of my focus has shifted to my kids. I've learned that I have more patience than I thought existed in the universe and that I'm pretty good at picking battles. I also know that I'm a better mom when I have rest and have exercised.

I am happiest when...

My kids are calm, happy, laughing and my husband and I are laughing about something.

Where are you originally from?

Bothell, WA

When did you join FIT4MOM?

Fall 2017

What classes do you attend?

Stroller Strides and Saturday FIT4BABY!

Who are your workout buddies and their ages?

Elliana (Ellie) 3 and baby sister 37ish weeks.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

The community that has become part of my life - knowing there are other mamas going through similar things as you as a mom.

It is something that keeps me accountable and moving, it has allowed me to feel like I am a stronger and better mom for taking care of myself and for setting a good example for my daughter. I love showing her that exercise is fun and healthy, and watching her show off the exercises she can do randomly when playing or showing her daddy.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

Currently a stay at home mom - used to be a preschool teacher!

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

Yes! All the pieces of your village help form who you are and give you the energy to do what you do. Your village helps support you through the ups and downs of motherhood and give your child/children a community to grow up in.

What is your favorite beverage?

Smoothies. My favorite alcoholic drink is a fruit mojito.

What is your favorite dessert?

Ice cream or strawberry trifle.

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

Haha honestly right now I have no idea - maybe go get a pedicure, get a treat and go sit and read a book in the sunshine by myself.

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

Right now anywhere with a beach and sunshine!

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I didn’t know that I could love or feel this way about another human. I have a greater capacity for understanding and empathizing about many pieces of life and all things related children.

I am happiest when...

I am spending family time together or outside or when watching others interact with my child.

Meet mom of the month Cathy! Finding your village when you move to a new place can be tough. We're proud of this mama for diving in and setting an example for her girls. Congrats, Cathy!

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in Woodinville. After college I lived in Seattle, NYC, and London. My husband, Jeff, and I moved back here 3 years ago, right before our first daughter was born.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I started Stroller Strides in 2017, after my daughter, Chelsea, was born.

What classes do you attend?

Run Club and Stroller Strides

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)?

Chelsea is 3 years old and Whitney is 8 months old.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

I love that you can make it what you want. There's a huge variety of classes to choose from, so many friendly women to get to know, and many opportunities to socialize (can't wait till we can do that again!) No matter your level of fitness, you will find a non-judgmental, welcoming group of amazing women.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

I've been a stay at home mom since my first was born. My most recent job was a researcher at a law firm in London. I stalked people online and wrote biographies on them - I loved it!

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

I think it is SO important for moms to have some sort of support network. Motherhood is amazing but it can be really, really hard and I don't know what I'd do without my mom friends. It's incredible seeing the kids go through such similar phases at the same time. Just knowing I'm not alone and I'm not the only one facing the challenges of raising kids has been a huge benefit to me these past few years.

What is your favorite beverage?

A nice, hoppy IPA.

What is your favorite dessert?

My DIY Oreo blizzard. I had them almost nightly through both of my pregnancies.

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

I'd get a massage or pedicure and then drink wine with my husband or a friend.

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

Anywhere warm with a beach where I can just sit.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

Beginning a mother has made me want to become a stronger person. Standing up for myself has never come easy, but now I know these girls depends on me to stand up for them and teach them how to do it for themselves. There's lots of room for improvement, but I'm working on it.

I am happiest when...

When I tell my daughter, "I love you" and she says back, "I love you too." It's seriously the best feeling.

Meet our July mama, Sheetal! She is currently enjoying her last few months at home with her little boy, before going back to teaching this fall. THANK YOU Sheetal for continuing to join in our virtual classes. You rock!

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from India and I have lived in the US for a little over 5 years.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I joined FIT4MOM in 2018 when I was pregnant with Om and I used to do the Fit4Baby classes. I began Stroller Strides when Om was about 8 weeks old and I was instantly hooked because of the wonderful community of caring mamas!

What classes do you attend?

Currently I am doing my second round of Body Back. Other than that I have tried the Run Club (and loved it). I used to do Stroller Strides, but since we have gone virtual I have been doing a lot of nighttime HIIT classes and some Strength and Core classes.

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)?

My workout buddy is my little boy Om. He will turn 15 months in a few days!

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

My favorite thing about FIT4MOM is the community of caring, supportive mamas. No matter how hard a day has been or what issue I am grappling with, it is heartening to know that I am not alone. Even though we can't meet up often anymore or we don't talk much, the mere thought that someone has my back and is rooting for me in this motherhood journey gives me strength.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

Currently I am a Stay at Home Mom. Before having Om I was a Special Education teacher for elementary students in the Lake Washington School District. I will be going back to full time teaching this fall and am trying to make the most of this time with my sweet boy.

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

I have truly started to believe that it takes a village to raise a child well, especially in this day and age. Our children learn from what they see and the more diversity, respect, kindness and sharing they see, they will grow up to be those values too. On the other hand, having someone to vent to while dealing with sleep deprivation, teething, hormonal changes and what not helps keep me keep sane!

What is your favorite beverage?

My favorite beverage swings between a proper cup of Indian tea and margarita depending on the time of day. ;)

What is your favorite dessert?

My favorite dessert is ice-cream with chocolate, chocolate, chocolate cheesecake..... Basically, anything chocolate!

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

Assuming that we are not in the middle of a pandemic anymore, I would take my husband on a city tour of bar hopping!

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

We recently visited Cancun, Mexico. I would love to go back there (child free). It was one of the most beautiful places I have visited in a long time.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I think I have learned to let go. It has been hard but also liberating to be able to let go of things I can't control and enjoy the things I can.

I am happiest when...

My little boy falls asleep and I sit there watching him feeling proud of being his mom!

Meet Maria! She joined us from FIT4BABY, and now take HIIT classes online. This busy mama of two impresses us with her drive to further her career. Plus, she's from a country where it takes just FIVE MINUTES to file your taxes! That's an #adulting win :)

Where are you originally from?

I am from a little European corner called Estonia. We are known for a beautiful old-town (from the 14th century), one of the highest numbers of start-ups per capita and the most digital government in the world. We vote online, all state services are accessible online, and just to make you all jealous, filing your taxes takes the average Estonian less than 5 minutes. The only public service you still have to turn up for in person is getting married, everything else you can do online.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I joined in August last year, approximately 5 days after I moved here. I went in for a FIT4BABY class with Katie Kozlowski and was hooked.

What classes do you attend?

I am finding myself mostly in HIIT classes, especially during Body Back sessions. Although I can’t wait to get back to the studio and try out TRX, it somehow appeals to my fondness for gadgetry.

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)?

My workout buddies are Leila Rei, who is nearing 4, Casper Fin who is nearing his half-year birthday, and Christoph (their dad), who I have had no luck convincing to join me so far.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

I love the can-do enthusiasm that everyone involved oozes. I think this positivity starts with Jamie and trickles all through the Village from there. It is infectious.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

I quit my job as a CEO in energy and retail back home when we moved and have since been volunteering and freelancing in consulting and strategic planning work. I am now upskilling in full stack web development and will be heading back to the job market this summer looking for something in software engineering or technical project management. That is if anyone is still hiring in the midst of this crisis.

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

For me personally, moving here, while pregnant, to the other side of the World from everyone I knew, finding this Village was such a blessing. We have kept contact with some of the ladies from that FIT4BABY class, who all now have brand new babies, and it has been priceless. Just the fact that I can moan about sleep deprivation or baby weight gain or feeding problems at 4am and someone says, “Same here!“, makes all the difference. Not feeling alone is even more important in a time like now, when connecting with people has to be more deliberate. Ultimately our own mental health paints everything else in our lives and a Village is what keeps you sane.

What is your favorite beverage?

It’s a tossup between black coffee and G&T.

What is your favorite dessert?

Something really basic, like a great bar of chocolate or really creamy gelato. Even better if mint is involved.

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

I assume this imaginary babysitting happens in an imaginary pandemic free world so I would take my husband and go to the fanciest rooftop cocktail bar I could find.

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

I want to sail across the Pacific ocean ending up in French Polynesia. Some people do it with kids, but I would rather not.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I have so much more patience. Not with my kids, but with everything else. For example I have gotten much better at playing tennis, because I just don’t get as frustrated with myself.

I am happiest when...

learning or experiencing something new.