FIT4MOM gave her an outlet to have time for herself and would help encourage
BC Health, Beauty & Fitness 17
her to get her out of the house.
“I feel like that was a gift that group gave me, and that is what made
me decide to be an instructor because I
really feel passionately about sharing
that gift with other moms as they are either
starting their motherhood journey
or are continuing along their journey of
motherhood,” Krafft said. “My absolute
favorite part is the acceptance. There’s
never been a time when I was at a
FIT4MOM anything – a class or event,
anything – that I didn’t feel like I didn’t
completely belong there, even when it
was my first time, even when I wasn’t
doing the exercise correctly. There was
never a time I felt out of place or unwelcome.”
“I think I want more moms to know
you don’t have to go through
motherhood by yourself and there
are lots of other moms out there.
FIT4MOM is a place where, if you’re
looking for a community, connections
or you’re looking for a workout, it’s a
place where you should come.”
– Suzanne Crowe, FIT4MOM Bergen owner
FIT4MOM, according to those involved, has benefits that far reach outside
physical fitness. With its focus on friendships and community, it gives
a place for women at all stages of motherhood.
“I have found that this group of moms is so open and supportive of each
other that it truly is a community,” said client and mother of two Deanna
Mackey Molina. “You have moms who give a listening ear, advice if you
want or simply people who understand what you are going through. I never
really understood how much I needed this type of community until I found
this group.”
Deanna Mackey Molina joined back in January 2017 and has since been
involved with Stroller Strides, Body Back and Stroller Barre.
“I feel as if I found FIT4MOM at the perfect time for me,” she said. “I
had a newborn, was contemplating leaving my job to stay home with my
daughters and dealing with every range of emotion you can imagine.
Stroller Strides gave me an outlet and something to look forward to each
week. The fitness part was as important as the social part with so many
other moms being able to empathize. These days, I have a wonderful group
of moms who have become friends and who are there to encourage and
support each other. Overall, I am very grateful to FIT4MOM.”
Adding to the self-care for the mothers, Krafft also sees the benefit it
has for her daughter, as they get time to bond during the class and her
daughter also gets to practice her nursery rhymes and participate in activities.
The classes offer a unique experience for both mom and baby.
For hesitant or new moms or moms-to-be, everyone encourages that
they give the program a try. FIT4MOM offers a “very unique and special
group where you are supported and can be yourself 100 percent of the
time,” said Mackey Molina, and acceptance is key for all involved.
“You really have nothing to lose,” Krafft said. “I say to my moms all
the time, ‘The very hardest part of our class is getting there.’ Getting out
of the house with children, regardless of their age, is a challenge, and if