Hello FIT4MOM QC blog! It's been a while! But what a better way to come back than to introduce you to one of our long time members, and our March M.O.M. Tina started with us during her pregnancy with our FIT4BABY program and has continued in our stroller based programs and also been in Body Back as well! Let's learn a bit more about her!

1) Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and then moved to Chicago for grad school. I lived in Chicago for 11 years before moving out to the Quad Cities with my husband, Joe.

2) How many kids do you have?

Just one running around, but there's currently a bun in the oven. Albie’s two years old and we are expecting a little brother or sister for him at the end of May.

3) How long have you been participating in FIT4MOM programs and what programs have you done?

I started with Fit4Baby when I was pregnant with Albie, I did a session of Body Back last spring and I’ve been active in Stroller Strides for about 2 years.

4) What motivates you to exercise?

Being active is a big part of my life, and now as a mom, I want to model the importance of exercise for Albie. To be completely honest though, I love to eat and exercising helps me enjoy all the food and feel like I have some degree of balance. I may not always enjoy exercising while I’m doing it, but I almost always feel more energized and happy afterward.

5) What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

Without a doubt, the supportive community of mamas! My husband and I are not from the Quad Cities and we moved here just before I got pregnant with Albie, so there were a lot of changes happening and it meant so much to have a place to go where there were moms from different walks of life who freely offered friendship, helpful advice, and shoulders to cry on when I just didn't think I was cut out for motherhood. The great workouts are obviously a huge part of what I also love about FIT4MOM. I don't know that I would have been working out much that first year if I couldn't bring Albie along.

6) What is your favorite thing to do for yourself, in your Mom-ME time?

I'm still figuring this one out! Currently, it's reading (I'm working on my 3rd book of the year. It's a record!), knitting, walking aimlessly around Target, and napping when I can.

7) What is one piece of advice you would give to new moms?

Nobody knows what they're doing when it comes to being a mom (or is it just me?). You just get good at winging it because as soon as you think you have something figured out, your child will figure you out and then mess with you.

Tina, thanks so much for being such a integral part of Our Village!