I was a dancer, a runner and a yoga instructor before becoming pregnant with my first son, Silas, and had thought that returning to exercise after giving birth would be no problem! I was surprised by how difficult I found it to find the time, motivation and energy as a new Mom to fit this into my life. Finding Fit4Mom became my answer as I finally had a way in which I could exercise and be with my son all at the same time. As well, as a new resident of Fairfield County and a new stay at home mom, I had been worried about feeling lonely and isolated. Fit4Mom classes provided me with a community and friends and gave a sense of purpose to my daily routine. I found myself coming more and more often and missing the days when I wasn't able to make it to class. When the opportunity to train as a Stroller Strides instructor came up, I jumped at the chance to delve more deeply into something that had become a passion for me. When I became pregnant with my second son, I continued going to Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre classes up until the day I went into labor. I was amazed at how different this pregnancy was. I felt better able to move, I had less nausea in the first trimester and less aches and pains overall. I truly felt that I was staying fit while being pregnant! Having been a part of the Fit4Mom Southeast Fairfield Community for 2.5 years has completely changed my life as a mother and as a person. I have made lifelong friends through the community, I have taken on challenges and learned so much from all of our moms, and especially our amazing instructor team. I love bringing my passion for exercise, my love of babies and children (I will gladly push your baby around while you are working out!) and most importantly, my joy at being a Mom and a part of this community to the Stroller Stride classes that I teach.