We are 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 mamas at FIT4MOM Montgomery County. We want to highlight her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle and for her dedication to the program.
This month we honor.....Sarah Hughes!
I first met Sarah when she was pregnant with Michael and she was part of my virtual FIT4BABY session. I would always look forward to seeing her in class because her smile and positivity would radiate, even through the computer screen! I was so impressed that while pregnant with little ones at home already AND during a pandemic, she would still make the time for herself and make her health a priority. She sets such an amazing example for her children. To this day I look forward to seeing Sarah in class. No matter how many kids she has in tow and how chaotic her morning may have started out, she shows up for herself and with a big smile on her face, still radiating that positivity!! She is truly a super MOM! - Andrea K
The more I get to know Sarah over the years the more I’m impressed by her strength both mental and physical. Whether on the screen or in person, she always pushes herself with the biggest smile on her face. When I first met her I had no idea she had triplets, she would baby wear her youngest son and even after a challenging morning she would show up and work hard. I still remember when she tumbled down the hill while getting her older kids on the bus, came to class slightly late and like nothing happened, worked out and smiled through the full class. Sarah, you are an amazing mom. Keep going strong and never lose that beautiful smile. - Ewa K
Sarah is one of the most positive people I have ever met! No matter what else is happening in her life, she shows up ready to get to work, and does so with a smile. When I first met Sarah she would bring her youngest to class, wearing him on her chest, and would never miss a beat during class. By the end of class, Michael would be asleep, and I would always be amazed at her strength and perseverance. We have bonded over the shared experience of being military spouses, and I always look forward to having Sarah in class! Sarah, I am so grateful to know you, and happy that you are a part of Our Village!! - Kim
1. Who are the members of your family?
My husband, Brian, and our five kids – Liam (8), Hannah (6), Caleb (6), Logan (6), and Michael (2 in April). For those trying to do the math, yes, the middle three are triplets.
2. What’s your hometown, and where do you live now?
My dad was in the Navy and my husband is in the Air Force, so I have literally been moving my entire life. I was born here in Bethesda when my dad was stationed at the Academy, but we consider Nebraska to be “home” as that is where most of our family is. We currently live in Rockville/Olney area and will be here until the military has other plans for us!
3. What is/was your career?
I’m not sure I would call it a career, but I used to work in a female adolescent group home and then at a pediatric psychiatric hospital doing both direct care and working in the intake department (All the fun paperwork you have to fill out when you go to the hospital? That was me!) Now I am a stay-at-home mom and busier than ever!
4. Where is the furthest place you’ve been from home?
I went to Juarez, Mexico on a mission trip in High School.
5. Your favorite thing to do as a family?
Anything outdoors – parks, playgrounds, visiting the beach, and going for walks. We also love visiting the zoo, children’s museum, and Baltimore aquarium.
6. Favorite thing to watch on TV?
My husband and I just finished watching Fargo, so I will have to find something new! Abbott Elementary is another favorite.
7. Your favorite song or artist?
Casper Babypants is a current favorite around our house.
8. List 3 of your favorite things or places.
- My family. Watching the kids grow, learn to play with each other, learn new things, do things I never thought they would do (two of my kids have cerebral palsy) is all absolutely amazing.
- The mountains. Literally anywhere in the mountains.
- Chocolate
- Since number one was a bit cliché, I’ll throw in an extra – I really love to crochet!
9. Your proudest moment?
Anytime I see my kids show kindness to each other or someone else. Motherhood is so hard and it is so easy to blame ourselves anytime our kids act out or do something wrong. I think it is important to take note of the good and remind ourselves that we taught them that too!
10. Any advice for other moms out there?
I wish I had some good advice! Every kid and every family are different, so what works for me might not work for you. When you feel like you don’t have it together, remember that you are the “woman across the room” to someone. When you are looking at a mom and wondering, “How does she do it? How does she have it so together?” Just remind yourself that someone is looking at you and thinking the same thing!
11. When was your first class with FIT4MOM, and what made you go?
I took my very first class when we lived in Wisconsin. We were relatively new to the area and I literally googled “things to do with kids in Milwaukee” and FIT4MOM popped up. It showed that a class was starting in about 45 minutes, so I decided to go for it (never mind that two of my kids were still sleeping, I had three babies to get ready, one of whom was still on oxygen, and it was a 15-ish minute drive from my house). I showed up late, of course, and felt like a complete mess. Remember that “woman across the room” comment I made? This was one of those moments for me. When I walked in, feeling a complete wreck, the instructor literally stopped the class to ask me how on earth I made it there and to congratulate me on just making it out of the house. This was just my normal life, but to her it was amazing. What was amazing to me was to be in a group of women taking care of themselves and each other. Needless to say, I had found my people. Honestly, I came for the people and the workout was just a bonus.
Fast Forward a couple of years and we moved to Maryland. I knew FIT4MOM was very active here and I planned my first class as a reward to myself for getting my house unpacked. I don’t think I have ever had my house together as quickly as I did here. I was so excited to be around another group of amazing women and get my blood pumping again. I have been going to as many classes as I can, wherever I can, ever since!
12. Your favorite F4M Montgomery County class?
I enjoy all of them for different reasons! I love the pace of Strides and that it really gets everything done in an hour. I love Barre because it works all those tiny muscle groups and has you wondering how something so “easy” can be so hard. I love Ignite because there’s no cardio and I truly notice my strength improving over time. I love 360 because it’s cardio and it’s the area of fitness that I have always struggled with. Boost is probably the class most likely to make me sweat and feel that good kind of exhausted after.
13. Favorite exercise?
Anything core, dead lifts, and anything that lets me lay on the ground!
14. How has FIT4MOM changed your life?
Being around another group of women who “get it” is more helpful than I can ever truly express. It is amazing to be in a place of no judgement. It has also helped me to make fitness a way of life and be a good example of that to my kids.
15. What’s your favorite thing about F4M Montgomery County?
All the amazing and inspiring moms and of course the kiddos!! I love being able to be with another group of moms who are in all different stages of motherhood. It is this remarkable atmosphere where you can both get and give advice, share a laugh, and not feel an ounce of judgement when your kid starts crying in the middle of class.
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April Extras:
Favorite flower?
Tulip
Best local spot for family photos?
I’ve got nothing. We need to take photos, so I’m looking for ideas myself!
Your favorite way to spend a rainy day?
Cozied up on the couch and crocheting.
Tell us about your most memorable spring break!
Michael was born just before Easter, so it was great to have the kids at home during that time (and not have to worry about the morning rush for a week!)
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Thank you so much, Sarah, for being such a valuable, dedicated member of Our Village here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County! We truly appreciate you and the positive energy you bring to classes and to Our Village!
Check back to see who our next MOM will be in May!