We are so excited to introduce you to October's Motivating Mom of the Month. She is sweet, strong, hard-working mama and balances career, self care and motherhood with grace and passion. When she joined our Body Back Transformation program just over a year ago she embraced all that it has to offer—and she continues to be 100% committed to her wellness and the wellness of her family. She shows up in the early morning with a smile on her face, a positive attitude and with enthusiasm to sweat and give it her all! As she celebrates her ONE YEAR Body Back Transformation Anniversary, we are delighted to honor the amazing Michele Montanaro!

Here is what our instructor team has to say about Michele:

"I am so thrilled to honor Michele as our Motivating Mom this month. She is so incredibly kind and gives so much to those around her. It has been incredible to watch her hard work and dedication in her journey through Body Back. Watching her care for herself is so inspiring! We are so proud of you". - Instructor Colleen

"It is a blessing to have known Michelle even before her FIT4MOM journey started, and an honor to recognize her hard work, dedication, and consistent efforts in being the absolute best version of herself! Congratulations on this well-deserved honor as our Motivating Mom of the Month! You are such an inspiration and we love you"! - Instructor Lisa

"It is with a great, big, congratulatory, “Way to go, mama!” that we recognize Michele this month! Michele has just celebrated her one year anniversary in our Body Back program- a choice she made when she wanted to push herself beyond her comfort zone and start impacting her health and well-being in a positive way. And she has achieved this again and again, by leaps and bounds!!!

Before she became a super star in Body Back, Michele began classes with us several years ago as a brand new mom to her adorable Violet. It was wonderful having Michele and her daughter with us and watching the threads of FIT4MOM love begin to intertwine in her life. Fast forward a few years and Michele was post-baby 2 and looking to take things up a notch. That’s when she started Body Back and she took off!

Michele has applied herself in both body and mind to every aspect of the Body Back program. She has grown in personal strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and has even added running to her repertoire, completing her first 5k this summer! Michele has also embraced healthy eating for herself and her family. You should see the masterpieces she creates in her kitchen, always getting her littles to join her and participate in the fun. Add to this that Michele is a one of our teacher mamas, so she knows that the hustle is real. And as if all of that weren’t impressive enough, Michele runs a side business + passion project selling her own beautifully hand-made art and home decor. Yes, she is one accomplished woman!

Body Back pushes you to your limits- and then asks you to go a bit farther. Michele has met these limits and expressed when she’s felt challenged, but then she continues to push through and show herself that she is capable, successful, motivating, and outstanding. All of these qualities make her such a shining example for our community of moms. How many women have wanted to put themselves out there but life has gotten in the way? We get it. And so does Michele. She has overcome the odds and for that she should be truly proud. Watching her transform her body, health and self-image has been a privilege, and it has been 100% due to her dedication, perseverance, and strength of character.

Michele, we are so very fortunate to have you in Our Village!! Wishing you many Congratulations and much love!!" - Instructor Sarah

We asked Michele a few questions to get to know her better and this what she shared:

1. Who are the members of your family?

My family consists of myself, my husband Jim, Violet 4, Max 21 months, my dog Belle and my cat Louie!

2. What is/was your career?

I have been an art teacher for 14 years. I spent most of my time teaching elementary art in Ridgefield and I am currently an Art Teacher in Wilton.

3. List 3 of your favorite things:

Cooking, painting and going on new adventures with my little ones are my favorite things to do. I love watching how they interact with each other and it is fun to explore new places together. Cooking for Body Back has really expanded my love to cook, it has challenged me to make everyday meals for my family much healthier! When I find the time I obviously love to be creative!

4. What would your partner say is your best quality?

My husband said that my best quality is that I am creative and positive.

5. How long have you been a member of FIT4MOM Southeast Fairfield County, and what has it done for you?

I have been a member of FIT4MOM since Violet was 8 months old in 2015 and I just celebrated my one year with the Body Back program. I know I have told Courtney and Sarah a hundred times that FIT4MOM has truly changed my life. When I started Body Back a year ago, the early 4:30 alarm clock was a hard sight, now I look forward to getting up and seeing all the other strong #5amwarriors. I am in the best shape of my life and I have the energy I need for my little ones thanks to the amazing support of the instructors on FIT4MOM. This village is an amazing place to be part of.

6.What is your favorite class exercise?

My favorite exercise is running. This is something I really struggled with when I started FIT4mom, I was never a runner! Now I go for a run when I need to release stress of motherhood or just need to get outside and move. I would have never done this pre-FIT4mom.

7. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?

Something that surprised me about motherhood is how strong we really our for our families! My mom made it look so easy with three children so close in age. Everyone always needs something and sometimes the days are overwhelming but the love of motherhood is so strong. I never realized I could love two little ones the way I do today!

8. What is your proudest mommy moment so far?

My proudest mom moment is the day I walked in to see Violet putting shoes on Max, while reassuring him, "he is ok". They are at an age where they are truly interacting with each other and forming an amazing relationship. I love watching them grow together. I hope they will always take care of each other be close.

9.Any advice for other moms out there?

Take a break and be kind to yourself, you are being the best MOM you can! When I am feeling overwhelmed with motherhood I ask for help. Sometimes it is a five minute uninterrupted shower or a warm cup of coffee. Sometimes we just need to take a break and realize we are doing the best we can!

Michele - You truly are a motivating mom and we are so honored you chose us to help give you the #strengthformotherhood! Keep up the great work!! xoxo