We are so excited to announce our MOM (Motivating Mom of the Month) for April! Each month we will take a moment to honor one of our local FIT4MOM Montgomery County Moms for her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle and for her dedication to the program. This month we honor Joanna Band!

Joanna is fun, full of energy and cheerful, pushing herself through each SS class. Even when she was going through a rough time with her son Harrison not wanting to be in the stroller, she never gave up. Having both of them in my classes is a true joy. Me and Harrison became friends from the very first class, I enjoyed holding him (and working on my biceps at the same time) and talking to him. Thank you for being part of our Montgomery Mall crew Joanna. The best part is , you are not going anywhere , we will get to see you with double stroller soon :) ~ Instructor Ewa

Joanna always has the best attitude and pushes though every workout with strength and poise! I have loved watching her become a “mom pro” and Harrison grow into the cutest little toddler. I can’t wait to see him become a big brother and show his sibling how to be a big boy at Stroller Strides! ~ Instructor Lyndsey

We asked Joanna a few questions so we can all get to know her better, and here is what she had to say:

1. Who are the members of your family?

Myself, my husband Adam, and our 2 year old son Harrison

2. What is/was your career?

Before having Harrison, I was a healthcare consultant at a firm in DC. Now, I am so fortunate to stay home with our little guy!

3. When was your first class, and what do you remember about it?

My first class was in June of 2016, 5 months after having Harrison. I vividly remember telling Adam, before that class, that I’d see how it went, but I probably wouldn’t join right away. Before I left class that first day, I had registered for an unlimited pass and haven’t looked back since. For an hour, I was surrounded by the most motivational, supportive and kind group of Mamas, and I immediately knew that this was a community that I wanted to be part of. Our family has met some of our closest friends through Stroller Strides and we feel so lucky.

4. Where can we find you? What is your Fit4Mom routine these days?

Harrison and I still try to get to as many Stroller Strides classes as possible. Our schedule has become quite busy with Harrison starting preschool, his music class, and his gym class, but waking up on a Stroller Strides day always puts a big smile on our faces. We have our little routine of packing his snacks together in the morning, and we spend our car rides trying to guess some of the songs that we’re going to sing and what friends will be there that day.

5. What is your favorite strides exercise?

I may get some eye rolls for this one, but I’m going to say burpees! Before joining SS, the thought of one burpee was very intimidating. The fact that I can now do 10, or even 20, at a strenuous pace amazes me. My whole body hurts, in a good way, once I’m done. Stroller strides (specifically Maya and Ewa) has also taught me to love a tough leg workout!

6. What has being a mom taught you?

Patience. After having Harrison, I’ve learned that I can’t always control every situation. 5 minutes often turns into 20 minutes, and I’m ok with that now.

7. List 3 of your favorite things.

My family, summer days at the pool, traveling

8. Give us a giggle- What is your funniest or most embarrassing mommy moment so far?

About a month after Harrison was born, Adam hosted an event for his clients in a suite at a Capitals game. Though we were both exhausted, I wanted to join him to meet some clients that I hadn’t met before. The night was going well, but about halfway through, I looked down and realized that Harrison had spit up all over my sweater before we left the house and I was just then noticing. Luckily, most of the guests were parents and no one made a big deal, but I was quite embarrassed!

9. Any advice for other moms out there?

Enjoy every moment with your little one. The time really does go by so quickly, and you’ll miss even the hard days when they’re gone!

10. What would you tell someone who is considering attending their first Fit4Mom MoCo class?

Do it! Your first class is always free, so there’s no obligation, but I guarantee you’ll love it. You’ll be sore in the best way possible for a few days after class, and you’ll spend an hour with the most inspiring group of women. You will never be judged, and as I quickly learned, our trainers double as the best baby cuddlers and soothers you will ever meet!

Thank you, Joanna, for being such a valuable part of Our Village here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County! We truly appreciate you & the positive energy you bring to class and Our Village!

Check back to see who our MOM will be in May!