We are so excited to announce our MOM (Motivating Mom of the Month) for February! 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....Shaina Duecaster!

We are so lucky to have Shaina in our Village and I am honored to call her a friend. She comes to class ready to work…but always with a smile! Seriously, I didn’t see her without a mask for months and she even smiles behind a mask and winter hat! Shaina is up for any class format in any type of weather. But just as important, she can be counted on to hang out and chat in the Montgomery Mall parking lot long after evening classes end and to be armed with plenty of Starbursts. I can’t wait to meet her newest addition and to see Austin rock his role as big brother. ~ Instructor Jessie

Love having Shaina in my classes. She always comes ready with big smile, no matter how cold it is outside . Can’t wait to meet her newest addition! ~ Instructor Ewa

--

We asked Shaina 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?

Me, my husband Ben, our son Austin (2), and baby girl due in April!

What is/was your career?

I stepped away from work a few months into COVID to stay home with Austin. Before then, I was in IT program management.

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

My first class was Body Boost at Montgomery Mall with Jessie in November 2020. We worked out in near freezing temps under multiple layers and masks, and I remember thinking ‘this is crazy, and I fit right in.‘ I was so excited to find people committed to their fitness and well-being, who are all in different stages of their motherhood journey.

Where can we find you? What is your FIT4MOM routine these days?

You’ll find us at Rio, Montgomery Mall, or Pike & Rose 2-3 times a week. I’ve also loved the On Demand option during the winter months for solo workouts.

What is your favorite exercise that you have done with FIT4MOM (in Strides, Barre, 360, Body Ignite or Body Boost)?

Boost is what got me hooked, and Ignite has been great while I’ve been pregnant. I love all stroller classes - it means so much to me to be able to prioritize working out while taking care of Austin.

What has being a mom taught you?

This is such a hard question! I’ll choose one thing (out of what feels like a million) - I’ve learned how powerful connection and validation can be, even for a kid as young as Austin. I also know how much patience and endurance is required to keep that connection through the tough times, so I think I’m getting better at identifying what I need to avoid burning out so I can keep showing up for my family.

List 3 of your favorite things.

Double digit runs, cookie dough, and spending time with good friends.

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

I’m sure we all have a good blowout story! Mine was at a Starbucks when Austin was just a few weeks old. I took him to the bathroom to change him, only to find out that the diaper bag was empty. I was pretty traumatized by that experience, so I may forget shoes, jackets, or snacks from time to time, but I will ALWAYS have an extra diaper (for Austin or anyone else who might need it)!

Any advice for other moms out there?

I don’t think I have any great advice to impart, but I think about this quote often (Morgan Harper Nichols): ‘Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else's survival guide.’ Hearing other moms’ stories has been so helpful for me, and has made me feel more comfortable and confident in the choices that I’m making for myself and my family. I’m very grateful for that, and I hope I can help other moms along the way too!

What would you tell someone who is considering attending their first #fit4mommocofrederick class?

I think it’s a little bit like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for workouts - one class can be the perfect fit for all types of moms - whether you’re pregnant, easing back into working out, or looking for a really challenging class. I’ve never regretted a single workout!

--

Thank you so much, Shaina 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 March!