My first experience with Body Well was FIT4MOM Madison’s inaugural session in April, 2018. I had learned of the program from their website. I also have friends that participated with great success from other franchises throughout the country. I have since participated in every transformation session, mini-session, and holiday / seasonal series since it’s beginning over 14 months ago.

The informational session was exciting, energizing, and perhaps maybe a little intimidating. HIIT workouts? Push-Ups? Food journals? I wasn’t so sure what I got myself into. However, it turned out to be more than just a physical transformation. As a mom, this program reminded me about balance. Balancing diet with exercise, family time, and “me” time. All are equally as important in this journey of motherhood.

That first eight-week transformation and every one since has taught me so much not just about physical health and fitness, but emotional health, friendship, and most importantly self- love. Self-love. Something I have struggled with my entire thirty-something years on this planet. As a mom we are constantly bending, giving, worrying, caring. It’s easy to forget the most basic psychological needs of ourselves. Every Body Well class is ended with a five minute meditation which involves the instructor reading quotes or passages with music in the background. I would be lying if I said they don’t occasionally bring me to tears. Sometimes the simplest words and reminders have the most profound impact on how you start or end your day.

Trust the process. I hit the ground running the first week. I went to every workout, did the “homework” workouts, and logged everything I put in my mouth. (It really does make you think twice about the handful of M&M’s knowing you have to write it down). One of the most surprising and beneficial thing about Body Well is the nutritional support and accountability. Some of my family’s favorite recipes on rotation are from the program recipe guide. Food journaling really made a difference in not just my personal program success but also the realization of exactly what I was putting in my body and how it made me feel.

This hour is for YOU, Mama, make it count. Yes, the classes are intense; high intensity interval training is no joke. But they really are made for every level of fitness. The instructors are trained to help you modify and still get an effective workout. An interesting observation— even the most seemingly fit person needs modifications. I reminded myself many times “It is okay to modify. Just keep moving.” Spoiler alert: Everyone improves their level of fitness during the transformation session. I performed 5 “real” push-ups on day one. By the end of the the session, I had tripled that number and then some. I also actually like burpees now. There, I said it.

I left every 5:00 a.m. workout feeling energized, so strong, and ready to take on the day. Within the first week I had obviously less bloating, had more energy and was so much happier. My husband noticed. The increase in energy and mood really was an unsuspected bonus- my entire household benefited. I had more energy to play with my kids and finish chores that have needed done for weeks. My husband used to joke “happy wife, happy life”. It’s true. My kids fed off my positive energy and confidence. I felt like a better wife and mom by taking care of myself.

Lean on and be a sister joist. The morning of that first 5:00 a.m. workout, I was tired and tearful. I wasn’t sure how this program would fit into my life. For perspective, my 11-month-old had yet to sleep through the night. I was still coping with the stress of an out of state move as a new stay-at-home mom with now two children. We were struggling with getting a diagnosis for my oldest son who was displaying some developmental challenges. I was exhausted and quite honestly lonely. A fellow classmate, now Fit4Mom instructor Emily overheard my frustration with lack of sleep. I will never forget her positivity and words of encouragement that morning. Not just with getting through that workout, with coping with life as a mom. You can and you will get through this.

By the end of the eight week transformation series, I had created friendships that I know I can depend on to push me through the end of a hard workout, but also in times when I just need to vent. At the end of each transformation series we celebrated the victories no matter how large or small. I watched some of my now closest friends cross that finish line with so much admiration, and pride.

As a result of Body Well I have more energy, confidence, and self-love. The weight loss and body transformation of course is the motivator and a great bonus. My advice for anyone considering this program: Try not to stress on the number on the scale. You will lose inches. I lost a few pounds but the inches I lost made it appear that I lost a lot more weight. Muscle weighs more than fat. And feeling strong and confident feels amazing.

Read below to learn a little more about Stacey.

Who are the members of your family and where are you originally from?

John, myself , Nathan (5), Lucas (2) originally from Franklin, PA

When was your first Fit4Mom class and what do you remember about it?

August, 2017. Angie taught it at Dublin. I remember being so nervous about bringing such a small baby rather than a toddler. He was 3 months and at the time the youngest. I also remember feeling so encouraged just being out of the house and moving my body. The workout was challenging but not enough to scare me off. I felt great.

What is your favorite class exercise?

Any ab work , Hill sprints

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

I stay at home and do social media marketing for Music Together of the Tennessee Valley. Previously I was an RN with a variety of backgrounds included OB and Public Health.

What are 3 of your favorite things?

My family, Rosies fish tacos, vacations

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

A massage, solo target trip, sushi with friend, cheesecake from Edgar’s

What has being a mom taught you?

Patience. Trust my instinct.

What is your funniest or most embarrassing mommy moment so far?

My 4-year-old saying a cuss word while walking into his first day of preschool...at a Church.

Any words of wisdom for other moms?

Prioritize yourself. Make a habit of getting away for an evening. Reset, relax for a bit. Refresh. It makes a difference.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM? What would you tell someone thinking about joining.

The community open up so many resources and helps develop friendships. Being a transplant to Madison, I could not have imagined transitioning here without FIT4MOM.