Meet our instructor, Alison O'Brien! She recently certified in Body Ignite and brings her whole heart to every class. 💪 Catch her Thursday evenings at 7:30pm at The Treehouse in Riverside for a full hour of strength, and Wednesday mornings at 9:30am at Prime Athletic Club — followed by a playdate for moms, kids, and babies to socialize. You'll also spot Alison subbing, showing up at events and Sip & Strolls, and cheering us on with her kiddos in tow. She's a dedicated mama and a true gem in our community. So lucky to have her! 🔥
Tell us a little about your family—who’s in your crew and what stage of mom life are you in right now?
My husband Paul and I have been married for 13 years, which is wild to me! It has flown by! We have 2 kids- Desmond is 4.5 years old and Lilah is 1. Parenting littles is the most fun adventure, but also the most tiring. Paul and I sometimes look at each other in disbelief that we made these two tiny people that we're fully responsible for... and then we crank up the music and have a family dance party.
What do you love doing outside of teaching for FIT4MOM—work, hobbies, passions, anything that fills your cup?
Outside of teaching FIT4MOM, I love spending time outdoors whether it's at a local park, a forest preserve, or state park. I also love reading, primarily novels. I wish I had more time for my other hobbies like crafting and baking but parenthood is pretty all-consuming at the moment.
What classes do you teach with FIT4MOM, and what part of leading them truly lights you up?
I've been teaching Stroller Strides since July 2025. I love teaching a class where kids are welcome and celebrated. I'm a teacher at heart and having a group of kids in front of me to read to and entertain is a joy. Also, seeing moms connect and enjoy each other's company while moving their bodies, building community and strength week by week is an amazing thing to be a part of. I recently started teaching Body Ignite as well! It's a nice change of pace instructing a moms-only class where we can really focus on ourselves and bring some extra mindfulness and intention to our movements.
What’s one thing you wish every mom knew about taking time for herself?
For me, taking time for myself boosts my mood so much. Spending a couple hours out with a friend, at a social event, or just doing my own thing helps me to show up for my family with fresh energy. I always notice a positive difference in myself when I am intentional about making time for myself.
What’s your go-to mom hack that actually saves your sanity?
My best "hack" has been teaching my kids how to contribute in their own way to all the work and chores that are part of daily life. I love including them in everything from cooking to laundry to clean up. Our motto is "we're a family and we work together" and seeing my son embody that as he helps me prepare a meal or puts away his clean laundry makes my heart so happy.
Tell us something fun or surprising about your family or mom life.
I somewhat spontaneously bought a 20-something year old pop-up camper last summer, determined to get my family outside even more. We took it out for one really fun weekend towards the end of summer last year. There were some minor challenges, including having a baby who loved shoveling dirt and acorns in her mouth. Nonetheless, we are hoping to make many more trips with it this year!
FIT4MOM Oak Park River Forest offers fitness classes for women in all stages of motherhood, including prenatal, stroller & moms only classes. Your first class is free! Click here to try a class.
