Introduce us to your family!
-Hey everyone! I'll be married 10 years this week to my husband Rob. Together we have 4 kids. Emma (8) Dane (6) Micah (4 on Halloween) and Aiden (11 months)
How long have you been a member of F4M Naperville? What made you come to your first class and which classes have you participated in?
-I joined F4M in the summer of 2016 when my oldest was about 8 months old. As a first time mom in a new city it was hard. My husband traveled all the time so motherhood felt isolating. I was looking for ways to get out and meet other moms. A fellow F4M friend told me about it and I signed up and haven’t looked back. I have tried most of the classes minus Fit4baby. I don’t make it to as many classes as I have in the past. As a stay at home mom who homeschools and has a baby in and out of the hospital, I have to say the solo boost classes are a favorite! A little time away plus a great work is sure to make a mom feel good!
What are your favorite things to do with your family?
-We love to be outside when we can. Fresh air is always good to change up the moods. In the summer we try and get to the pool as much as we can. In the fall you’ll find us raking leaves almost daily! And come the winter months we love the opportunity to go sledding. Board games are another favorite in our house. The kids all love to pick out their favorites. This past year we have been in the city quite a bit so the kids have gotten curious about Navy Pier and all the other fun spots Chicago offers. Hopefully we can make some trips there for fun and not hospital visits. This year has truly been about being a family and prioritizing the time we have together special. Every day is another blessing!
What would you say to a mom considering joining our village?
- If you’re on the fence about trying F4M, just try it. You won’t regret it. Before I signed up I was nervous if my daughter would sit still in the stroller, I thought if she’d cried I’d be looked at or feel like a bad mom. I was worried if the workouts would be too tough for my post partum self. But after the first class all of those thoughts went away. You won’t be judged, but instead there will be a group of moms ready to welcome you and your kid(s). No one cares if you’re late or if the baby cries. In fact a mom will probably offer their extra toy or snack. That’s the great thing about this village is we are all in the season of raising kids as well as doing our best to take care of ourselves.
What has been your biggest gain since joining FIT4MOM Naperville
- If you would have asked me this question last year I would have said the amazing workouts. But back in September of 2023 we learned that our 4th baby was diagnosed with a heart condition. After people found out about our little guy, I received more love and support from this village than I could have ever imagined. And it hasn’t stopped. At F4M you are not just getting workouts, you are also getting to be a part of this amazing group of moms who will always go above and beyond to support a mom through the good times and also the really tough times. And motherhood is tough! I wouldn’t be the mom I am today if it weren’t for signing up 8 years ago. Even though I am not involved as much these days, I know that when I can make it to a class, that door will always be open!