Meet Amy, our Mom of the Month for February 2025!

Tell us about your family!

My husband Rob and I have been married for 9 years, together for 15. We went to Dominican and started dating our Senior year. Our daughter Molly is nearly 5, and our son Sam just turned 1 a couple of weeks ago. We also have 2 dogs, Wi-Fi and Suellen. Wi-Fi is probably around 12 and an Australian Cattle Dog/Beagle mix, Suellen is probably like 8 and we say she's a Border Collie mixed with love because we don't know what else is in there (and knowing doesn't really matter anyways). Both were adopted from PAWS.

Current/previous career?

I've been a graphic designer with The Royal Group, a corrugated manufacturer, for the last 13 years. Which is the fancy way to say I work at a box factory. I get the artwork ready for everything from your regular ol' Amazon boxes to endcap displays in CVS, Walgreens, and Target, to trays inside Costco.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Strength, in so many ways beyond physical strength.

Favorite local spot?

The chocolate dipped brownies at Twisted Cookie on Madison street are SO good and SO big that you can eat half and save the second half for the next day's "I deserve a little treat" moment.

Meet Jessica, our Mom of the Month for January 2025!

Current/previous career?

I am a Nurse and Professor. I currently teach a variety of classes including pathophysiology, pharmacology and Adult Health. My nursing experience is in Emergency and med-surg nursing.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood is the most rewarding experience. I love watching my kids develop into amazing humans. I love seeing the world through my kids eyes.

Favorite local sport?

The patio at Maya del sol. I can’t wait for better weather to enjoy a margarita outside with amazing food.

How did you find Fit4Mom?

Shortly after the birth of my twins I saw a Facebook post to join the start of fit4mom. I was so grateful to join this amazing community during that crazy time. So many moms helped hold and feed my twin newborns. Thank you so much to those mamas. I would have lost my sanity without you.

What's the best part of Fit4Mom?

The moms! I am so grateful for the moms that have supported and guided me as a mom. This is the best community!

Favorite class/exercise?

Meet Rebecca, our Mom of the Month for December 2024!

Tell us about your family!

I met my husband, Boomer, in 2014 and we married in 2016. Our kids are Willa (5.5 years old) and Bennett (3 years old).

What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood means being ready all the time! I hardly ever know what is coming next and need to be ready to adapt. It is a joy to watch my kids grow up, develop personalities and experience life through their eyes.

Favorite local sport?

I love hockey but haven’t been to a Blackhawks game.

How did you find Fit4Mom?

I joined Fit4mom in 2019 while on maternity leave with Willa. I saw local and non-local moms in Fit4mom communities and am glad I joined ours.

What's the best part of Fit4Mom?

FIT4MOM makes exercising fun! I love the social aspect, that my kids can watch me work out and that I am getting stronger! I love the mix of in person and virtual classes as well as that there are classes with and without kiddos.

Favorite class/exercise?

Boost- I love that I get a great workout and a class without kid interruptions.

Meet Kelly, our Mom of the Month for November 2024!

Tell us about your family!

I live with my husband Larry, two sons Killian (6 and half) and Larsen (21 months), and two cats, Ollie and Tito. Larry and I moved from Syracuse NY to the Chicago area in 2016. I am originally from Alabama so we do a lot of traveling over the holidays between NY and AL.

Current/previous career?

I am a trial attorney for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chicago District Office.

What does motherhood mean to you?

It's really rewarding and really hard. I feel very fortunate to be a mom.

Favorite local spot?

Addis, Fitzgeralds, Autre Monde, Addis, Morton Arboretum.

How did you find Fit4Mom?

One of my mom friends recommended Fit4Mom to me when I was pregnant with my 2nd.

What's the best part of Fit4Mom?

The best part of Fit4Mom is the other moms and having a space for myself for self care.

Favorite class/exercise?

There are a lot of great classes, but I probably like the boost workouts the most. Other than the meditation where I just get to relax at the very end of the workout-- probably squats or kicking/punching combo cardio moves.

Meet Alison, our Mom of the Month for October 2024!

Tell us about your family!

My husband and I have been married for 12 years and we have a dog, Clover, a 3 year old son, Desmond, and I’m currently pregnant with a baby girl due towards the middle of October.

Current/previous career?

I am a teacher at heart! I’ve taught in preschools and daycares and I taught English learner students in a K-5 school in Addison for the past 6 years. I’m currently taking a year off from teaching for maternity leave.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood is a joy! And a challenge! I love seeing my son grow and learn and change every single day and am looking forward to adding another little one to the mix.

Favorite local spot?

I love being within walking distance to the shops on Madison in Forest Park, so I’m often picking up mochi donuts at Forest Park bakery or getting takeout with a large side of baba ganoush from Petra Falafel.

How did you find Fit4Mom?

I saw the Boost class being promoted on Facebook in the Spring of 2023, so I took a chance and tried it out and ended up becoming a member.

Tell us about your family!

I am blessed to have an amazing husband, Mike, daughter Keira (4.5), son Patrick (2), and spunky pooch Charlie (9). Mike and I met in Chicago and lived in Bucktown before moving to Oak Park in 2020. We love this community so much, and it’s perfectly in between our families on the north and south side.

Current/previous career?

I work in the finance group at Hyatt Hotels and started my career as a CPA in public accounting. I love talking about travel, but don’t rely on me for any tax advice!

What does motherhood mean to you?

My goal in motherhood is to take enjoyment in all the little things because I understand how quickly it all goes!

Favorite local spot?

Hard to choose! I love Buzz cafe in SEOP, such a fun space that supports local artists. Publican bread is also a close second, everything is fresh and delicious! Another favorite is Fitzgeralds in Berwyn for some live music, it’s very kid friendly.

How did you find Fit4Mom?

Like many of us I’m sure, I joined during the pandemic in 2020.

What's the best part of Fit4Mom?

If your family falls into the 40% of U.S. children who bring their lunch to school, you might find yourself standing in the kitchen on any morning wondering, “What am I going to make for my kid’s lunch today?”

Most families start the year strong, packing lunches that are as nutritionally balanced as they are adorable! However, the motivation to keep that going can run dry quickly, especially once extracurricular activities ramp up. From daycare to grade school to homeschool, we've found some of the best lunchbox ideas and compiled a quick guide for you!

In today’s fast-paced world, getting swept up in the demands of motherhood, work, and everyday life is easy. As moms, we often juggle multiple responsibilities, leaving little room for self-care or moments of calm. In this free Mama Masterclass, we’re excited to feature Lisa Druxman, founder of FIT4MOM, who shares her insights on how busy moms can incorporate breathwork into their daily routines. Lisa has advocated mindfulness and meditation long before it became a trending hashtag, and she’s here to demystify breathwork and its incredible benefits for mothers.

When we think of maternal health, our minds often go straight to topics like prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. While these are undoubtedly crucial aspects of a woman’s journey to motherhood, they don’t paint the full picture. Maternal health encompasses much more than just the months during and after pregnancy. It’s about a woman's overall well-being, particularly in areas that directly affect her reproductive health, fertility, and long-term health outcomes.

Certain health conditions that aren't directly tied to pregnancy or childbirth can profoundly impact a woman's ability to conceive, maintain a healthy pregnancy, and even affect her life beyond her childbearing years. While they are not exclusively related to pregnancy or childbirth, they are significant women's health issues that can impact reproductive health, fertility, and overall well-being.

Among these conditions are ovarian cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and uterine fibroids. All of these health issues are often overlooked in discussions about maternal health. These conditions can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones, leading to challenges in fertility and pregnancy, and can have long-term consequences if not properly managed.

Tell us about your family!

My husband, Armando, and I lived in Pilsen for 4 years before moving to Berwyn in March 2023. We enjoy walking to local restaurants, salsa dancing, and visiting family. Our son, Benito, was born in February 2024. He is a smiley slobbery bundle of joy!

Current/previous career?

I am a primary care pediatrician at Rush North Riverside.

What does motherhood mean to you?

I had a lot of medical knowledge about infants & children, but I didn’t understand what parenthood felt like until I had Benito. So many fears and frustrations, but also so much love!

Favorite local spot?

Dinner at La Lupita (on Cermak) and ice cream at La Michoacana (many locations).

How did you find Fit4Mom?

Maria Horvath invited me to join Fit4Baby last fall. I loved Kristen’s classes! I felt stronger and more prepared (physically & emotionally) for labor.

What's the best part of Fit4Mom?

Working out and socializing without worrying about childcare, because Benito is in the stroller with me.

Favorite class/exercise?

Allyson Felix. The name itself evokes images of lightning-fast sprints and unwavering determination. The most decorated woman in Olympic track and field history, with 11 medals adorning her collection, Felix is a powerhouse on the track. But beyond the accolades, she's become a champion for a cause close to many FIT4MOM mamas' hearts: motherhood and athletic excellence.

Let's rewind a few years. In 2019, Felix, then pregnant with her first child, found herself in a fight for fair treatment. Her longtime sponsor, Nike, wanted to significantly reduce her sponsorship during her pregnancy. This sparked outrage, not just for Felix but for countless athlete-moms facing similar challenges.

Here at FIT4MOM, we know the struggles of balancing motherhood with fitness goals. It's a constant juggle of diaper changes and bicep curls. But seeing a world-wide Olympic talent like Felix face such hurdles and discrimination during pregnancy was a massive wake-up call. It highlighted the need for better support systems for moms who refuse to let motherhood sideline their athletic dreams.

We know the feeling, mamas – that pre-baby urge to lace up your sneakers and feel the wind in your hair is probably stronger than ever. You miss the freedom, the endorphin rush, the sense of accomplishment of a good run. But after the incredible journey of childbirth, returning to running postpartum requires a shift in mindset. It's not just about picking up where you left off.

Your body has just accomplished something remarkable – growing and birthing a tiny human! It's still recovering, adjusting, and figuring things out. Here at FIT4MOM, we understand that. We prioritize listening to your body and honoring its needs during this special time. While that pre-pregnancy routine might be calling your name, a smarter, safer way to get back to running sets you up for long-term success.

The good news? These five questions will help you navigate your return to running safely and effectively. They'll guide you towards a smooth transition that prioritizes your health and well-being while still allowing you to experience the joy of running again. So, ditch the pressure to jump straight back in, and let's get you back on the road the right way, Mama!

In today's fast-paced world, mothers' role is undeniably crucial yet often undervalued and overlooked. Societal expectations of women can be overwhelming. They are expected to excel in their careers, maintain a harmonious household, nurture their children's development, and often prioritize the needs of others above their own. This constant balancing act can lead to mothers neglecting their own happiness and well-being.

According to the Loneliness Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), mothers, especially those with young children, often experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. The demands of caregiving, coupled with societal expectations, can leave mothers feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. This loneliness can have detrimental effects on mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Moreover, the lack of recognition and appreciation for the immense contributions of women further exacerbates this issue. Society often fails to acknowledge the tireless efforts, sacrifices, and unconditional love that mothers provide daily. Instead, mothers may feel undervalued, invisible, and underappreciated, leading to frustration, resentment, and burnout.

We're thrilled to introduce you to Liz, our July Mom of the Month and vibrant new owner of FIT4MOM Oak Park River Forest! Liz isn't just bringing her passion for fitness and community to our beloved village; she's also bringing her wonderful family along for the journey! Liz and her husband, Brian, have been happily married for over a decade. They've built a beautiful life together here in River Forest, where they've been rooted for the past five years. Their family is completed by two adorable daughters: Audrey, almost 7, and Madeline, almost 5. Of course, let's not forget their feline friend who has been part of their family adventures for an impressive 12 years!

What do you love most about being a mom?

Helping these babies/little people grow up to be such amazing and kind human beings. I am in awe of what they say/do/bring each new day. There is not one day like the next.

How did you find FIT4MOM?

Summer of 2020 I saw there were moms meeting up with strollers on Facebook. 6 feet apart. Working out. Wearing masks. My mind was blown away. I wanted to talk to other moms and have my 6 month old meet other kids so badly. I have been so happy ever since.

Running is an empowering and exhilarating way to stay fit, clear your mind, and take time for yourself. As moms, we often juggle a lot, and running offers a perfect escape to recharge and refocus. However, running safely and comfortably requires some planning, especially when dealing with different conditions.

“Being a mom often requires mental toughness. Knowing I can endure uncomfortable or challenging situations, such as running in really hot or cold weather, builds that mental muscle and my confidence to know I can handle whatever motherhood may throw my way,” says Whitney Heins, founder of The Mother Runners.

Here’s your FIT4MOM guide to running in the dark, in various weather conditions, in heat, in winter, and while running alone.