Meet A Mom: Michaela | Libertyville Area Moms



Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?

I am originally from Willoughby, Ohio a small suburb on the eastside of Cleveland. My husband and I recently moved to the area just before Thanksgiving. We had been traveling with his job for the last few years and his company was moving him back to be the main office in Downtown Chicago. I also recently became the new owner of FIT4MOM Vernon Hills – Highland Park, which I am so excited about!

 

Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)

I am a soon to be a mama of 3. Daniel who is 3 years old, Maeve 18 months and Baby # 3 due this July!

 

What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?

We are still fairly new to the area but love to be active with our kids. I am really looking forward to taking them to the Botanic Gardens and the local farmers market once the weather breaks. My husband and I love to eat at Casa Bonita with or without the kids, the food is delicious! We also recently tried Birdy’s Coffee House in Downtown Libertyville, it will definitely be one of our favorite spots to grab coffee and breakfast with the kids on the weekend.

 

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!

I am the new owner of FIT4MOM Vernon Hills – Highland Park, the Hustle & Muscle studio in Hawthorn Mall and I also own FIT4MOM Willoughby- Mentor back in Ohio!  When we found out we would be moving to the Chicagoland area and FIT4MOM Chicago was splitting into smaller franchises there was not a second thought in my mind that I had to do it. At FIT4MOM we are a community of moms who 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. Our most popular classes here are Stroller Strides and Body Back. Stroller Strides is a mommy and me 60 minute total body workout that you get to do with your little one in the stroller. We sing songs, read books and blow bubbles to help keep the kids happy at the same time!

Body Back is our 8 week transformation program for mamas who are at least 6 months postpartum and looking to get some time for themselves. All of our programs hold a special place in my heart, but one of the favorites going into the new year is always Body Back. and before you say “I don’t need to get my pre-baby body back!” mama, I hear you, feel you, and agree 1000%. So hear me out — our Body Back program is not about getting your “body back.” It’s about finding confidence in your own skin, nourishing your body, and finding strength in motherhood with the support of a motherhood sisterhood cheering you on. The 8-week program is designed with goal-setting in mind. How do you want to grow in 2020? What are you looking to let go of? What are you looking to improve? We are here, through every step of the way.

On top of our fitness programs we plan weekly playdates for the kids and a monthly Mom’s Night Out so the moms can build friendships and get out of the house too!

 


How did you find FIT4MOM? 

FIT4MOM came to me as a new mom and was everything I needed that I didn’t know I was missing.  We had recently moved with my husbands job, and I was living in a new state with no friends or family. As I was walking around in the park one afternoon I was asked by a group of moms to join them for a Free Stroller Strides class the next day. I was terrified and it took me a few attempts to actually make it but it was exactly what we needed! I want to emphasize WE because it’s not just a workout for me. It’s teaching my kids the importance of being healthy, active, and social. The amazing group of mamas that I found got me through a challenging time that was full of change in a new place. I loved FIT4MOM for the fitness and for the sense of community and overwhelming support I received from the other mamas. It truly is that cliche of a judgement free place for mom’s to just be themselves to support and encourage each other. 

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

When I started my FIT4MOM business my husband was living in Georgia and I had our 12 week old and 2 year old on my own. We only saw him about every 4-6 weeks  for over a year! Let me tell you I truly believe no is stronger or more determined than a mom!


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?

Sometimes you need to put the kids in the car and drive around until they nap just give yourself some peace and THAT’S OK. Those days have now become some of my best “me” time, I get a coffee and listen to a podcast while I drive around. I feel recharged and the kids are in a better mood with a solid nap. It’s a win for everyone!

 What’s next for you?

Growing a really amazing Village of mama’s here! I am here to build genuine friendships and relationships with the mom’s in my classes. I want to show the local mom’s how amazing FIT4MOM is and how it can be so beneficial to them and the whole family. I am really dedicated to a year of growth and helping everyone find their #strengthinmotherhood

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