How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I’m mom to E (5 years) and C (1 year)
How long have you lived in Columbus and what made you move here?
I have lived in Columbus for 8 years now. I moved to Columbus after graduating college because my then fiance had been down here for a year for work.
What is your favorite family activity?
Our family loves spending quality time together. One of our favorite things to do is go to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. We get a membership for Christmas every year (an AMAZING present) so we frequently go, explore an area or two and head out.
What is your favorite place to explore in Columbus?
I love all the different parks we can explore! There are so many unique parks around Columbus!
What do you love about living in Columbus?
I love all the different restaurants and places to explore. There’s so much I still haven’t explored!
Tell us about your business and how you got started.
I own FIT4MOM Columbus North. FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading prenatal and postnatal fitness program, providing fitness classes and a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy, through postpartum and beyond, our fitness and wellness programs help make moms strong in body, mind, and spirit. I joined FIT4MOM as I was battling my way out of postpartum depression. I desperately needed to get out of the house and talk to other adults (that I didn’t live with). I immediately fell in love. I was drawn to the functional fitness for moms. I quickly started attending A LOT. I became in the best shape I’ve ever been in and made amazing mom friends. Not only that I was able to watch my daughter create amazing friends as well at class and playdates. I was going to begin instructing when our previous owner announced she was moving. I officially took over FIT4MOM Columbus North May 2020.
What do you love about your job?
I love connecting moms with each other and local resources. I love that I can bring my kids with me and teach them healthy habits. I also love that I can go to classes without them, it’s all about balance! Oh and I also absolutely love pushing the babies around.
What is your number one tip for moms who want to get into a fitness routine?
Find what works for you! I’ve always been more interested in group fitness. Finding something where I could meet other moms and spend time with my littles is perfect for me. I get in a great workout, get a chance to talk with other moms who get it, and spend time with my kids.
What makes FIT4MOM unique?
I think what sets us apart is our unique community we build together. We get to workout outdoors (as long as possible), meet mom friends, have our little ones socialize after class, enjoy planned playgroups, connections to local resources, and lets not forget Moms Night Out which we do once a month!
What can a mom expect from her first FIT4MOM class?
You can expect to be welcomed into our village and to meet other local mamas. You would complete an hour-long workout. During a mommy and me class you would interact with your kid(s) and chat with other moms. You could hang out after class and let your littles socialize and/or join a playgroup. Our Instructors and Members love to meet new Moms and you can always try your first class for free!
How do you juggle work and mommyhood?
Honestly, I have no idea. We do not have family in the area so my kids are with me basically 24/7. My husband works full time and teaches swim lessons 2 nights a week. I have to try to find creative solutions to getting things done. Even doing that, I will think they are occupied until the minute I get on the phone or a zoom call. Then all of a sudden they want to “help” and join me in whatever it is I’m trying to do. I’d love to say I wake up early and get things done but my son has always been a terrible sleeper so that hasn’t been feasible. I’m hoping it will get a little better again once E starts pre-k. I LOVE afternoon pre-k because I can get C down for a nap and have a few hours where I can actually think. Though I’d be lying if I said I was 100% productive during that time. Sometimes I just need a minute to breathe before I dive into getting things done.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
I have heard so many good things (and of course bad) that this is hard. The thing I didn’t expect was how young the comparisons start. I always remind myself that years down the road no one will know or care if your baby was breast or bottle fed, when they potty-trained, learned to read etc but they will know who was raised to be kind.
To find out more about Fit4Mom Columbus North, visit their website here!
photo by: Kristen Nester Photography
