We are so excited to announce our MOM (Motivating Mom of the Month) for December! Each month we will take a moment to honor one of our local mamas at FIT4MOM Montgomery + Frederick Counties. We want to highlight her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle and for her dedication to the program. This month we honor....Hanna Saeterboe!
Hanna is always ready to work with a smile on her face . She jumped into workout routine from the very first class and continues to do so. I love having her and Agnes (and occasionally the whole crew) in classes . ~ Instructor Ewa
Hanna shows up to WORK! She is focused and dialed in for every workout. I enjoy watching her compete with herself during 360 runs! I always look forward to having her in class! ~ Instructor Alice
I met Hanna when she first moved here from Norway. She was very pregnant and adjusting to Washington humidity and still worked out with a smile! I was lucky enough to have our boys become friends and teammates in all the sports so I love seeing Hanna and her crew on the weekends as well. Whether she is running with her stroller, participating in playgroup, or greeting new moms, Hanna is such an inspiration and brings such positive energy to Fit4Mom! ~ Instructor Jessie G.
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We asked Hanna a few questions so we can all get to know her better, and here is what she had to say:
Who are the members of your family?
My husband Knut of 9 years and our three children Sverre (7), Synnoeve (4) and Agnes (13 months).
What is your hometown, and where do you live now?
I’m from Trondheim, Norway and moved to Cabin John in August 2021.
What is/was your career?
I’m a chemical engineer and work for a Norwegian petroleum company. I’m currently on a two-year maternity leave (first year was paid, second year is unpaid).
What is the furthest place you've been from home?
In distance, Australia (vacation). In spirit, it was moving to Austin, Texas for an exchange year in college. I didn’t know a soul and remember being lost on campus and feeling extremely lonely and so far away from home! Luckily it turned out to be one of the best years of my life once I got through the rough patch.
What is your favorite thing to do as a family?
Being in a strange country we love exploring the area, either it is strolling down The National Mall or hiking the Great Falls Park.
Favorite thing to watch on TV?
I seem to have a thing for tv-shows where there are no likable characters like Succession, The White Lotus or The Ozark.
Your favorite song or artist?
I have a lifelong relationship with Coldplay and was lucky enough to see them live in D.C. last summer. Maybe the highlight of 2022!
List 3 of your favorite things or places.
Coffee, chocolate, traveling.
Your proudest moment.
I don’t have a proudest moment, but I can say that I’m proud over my ability to persevere, whether it is work, working out or dealing with challenges in life.
Any advice for other moms out there?
When the going gets tough I like to remember “This is a phase and shall pass too.”
When was your first class with FIT4MOM, and what made you go?
My first class was just a few days after moving to Cabin John, and I remember Jessie saying, “I’m glad you have your priorities straight.” It was an evening class with only the four of us, but I immediately understood that this was something much larger than a gym, this was a community! I I remember bringing 16 oz of water as this is what I usually bring to an exercise class in Norway (and never finish), but halfway through the class I ran out of water! If it was up to me, we would be working out inside in the summer and outside in the winter!
What is your favorite F4M MOCO + FREDERICK class?
I like them all for different reasons and I’m grateful that we have a selection of classes (and instructors). In the past I never liked virtual classes, but I even like those!
Favorite exercise?
Lunge Jumps
How has FIT4MOM changed your life?
Being a part of the FIT4MOM community has given me the opportunity to see and experience the real American mom life. The other members and instructors have been warm and welcoming, and it will be one of my favorite and memorable experiences from my stay in D.C.
What is your favorite thing about F4M MOCO + FREDERICK?
I love that it is a “come as you are” place, whether you are there for the workout, the talks, or the playgroup. I feel like I could show up in any state/condition and no one would bat an eye, instead they would offer me a funny story to make me feel better.
December Bonus Questions:
Does your family have a winter holiday tradition? As most Norwegian families, we eat rice porridge with cinnamon and butter just before Christmas Eve. We put an almond in the bit batch of porridge and whoever gets the almond wins a marzipan pig!
Do you prefer to stay home or travel during the holidays? I feel Christmas is for laziness and prefer staying home (even though traveling is my number one passion).
Favorite way to spend New Year’s Eve? I used to think New Year’s Eve was so overrated, but the last years we have celebrated with two other families in a remote cabin. We spend the whole day together going cross country skiing or making a bonfire and we make it a weekend instead of just an “Eve.”
One word to describe your 2022? Memorable!
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Thank you so much, Hanna for being such a valuable part of Our Village here at FIT4MOM Montgomery + Frederick Counties! We truly appreciate you & the positive energy you bring to class and Our Village!
Check back to see who our next MOM will be in January!