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....Veronika Ruf!
Veronika is fun to have in class . Her enthusiasm, commitment, motivation and inspiration shines. I first met her at one of the Body Boost classes I taught at Rio, she brought her niece with her to get her inspired and to fall in love with body movement . She came with her few more times and what an inspiration Veronika was for her niece?! She is now on a rowing team and loving to workout! Everyone should have a loving aunt just like Veronika is.Thank you for being part of the village , thank you for being such an inspiration and thank you for your beautiful smile each time I see you! Keep going strong Veronika and always keep smiling!~Instructor Ewa
I just love having Roni in class! She always brings her positivity, and she has such a nurturing demeanor that makes every mom around her feel loved. She comes ready to WORK and she's knows she's capable of greatness. Her smile makes me smile and I look forward to seeing her every Sunday morning! ~ Instructor/Franchise Owner Heather
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We asked Veronika 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?
Husband Hector, Daniel, 7, and Sofia, almost 6.
What is your hometown, and where do you live now?
I’ve been a bit of a gypsy throughout my life. I was born in Ecuador, where I grew up. I moved to the US to attend college in New Jersey, and then moved to Philadelphia, Chicago, Mexico City, and Connecticut. Five years ago, we moved to our current home in Darnestown.
What is/was your career?
I’m in construction management. My academic background is in civil engineering and architecture, but I enjoy the process of construction the most – getting my boots dirty at the job site.
What is the furthest place you've been from home?
Oof, that’s a hard one, as I love to travel. South Africa, Australia, Thailand or maybe New Zealand? And yet, there are so many places still to explore…
What is your favorite thing to do as a family?
We like visiting museums, aquariums, zoos and the like. Even when we travel, we try to find places with educational content to visit.
Favorite thing to watch on TV?
Historic dramas, mostly on PBS, followed by a good geeky documentary on something about outer space.
Your favorite song or artist?
I mostly listen to classical music and opera, so definitely Mozart.
List 3 of your favorite things or places.
Third place: San Diego, CA, second place: Norway, first place: New Zealand. I’d move to Christchurch in a heartbeat.
Your proudest moment.
Does popping out two kids count? Joking aside, I feel pride on my kids’ little daily accomplishments, like when they read or play sports, violin, ballet, etc. Seeing them grow and become their own persons with self-pride and solid values gives me pride every day.
Any advice for other moms out there?
Be present in the moment. If you’re paying attention, the little everyday things can really fill up your cup: a friend’s hug, a spouse’s quick kiss, a child’s smile. And every day is different, and we feel different. Your body today is different then last week or last month and that’s OK. Don’t miss out on today’s joy because you’re longing for yesterday or trying to figure out tomorrow.
When was your first class with FIT4MOM, and what made you go?
Body Boost at Lakelands Park Middle School with Maya – January 2019. I hadn’t exercised in a couple of years (through both my pregnancies), and I kinda felt like a slob. I found a F4M pamphlet at Two Left Feet where I used to take my kids for Music Together classes, and it just hit me that this is what I really needed.
What is your favorite F4M MOCO + FREDERICK class?
I really like to mix it up between Body Boost, Ignite, and Strides 360. The different classes really complement each other.
Favorite exercise?
Any sort of crunches; they make me feel powerful (sounds crazy, I know)
How has FIT4MOM changed your life?
F4M has touched me physically, mentally and spiritually. First, physically I’m healthier, stronger, and more in tune with my body. Mentally, the consistent workouts have helped me retain a focus and constancy that I never thought I had. And I’ve made connections to other moms, especially the instructors, that have lifted my spirit. I really believe that this community has transformed me into a better person in all aspects of my life.
What is your favorite thing about F4M MOCO + FREDERICK?
Arghhhh, tough question. Maybe the variety – each instructor brings a different vibe to class, every class is different, every mom brings a different energy. And the team keeps reinventing it all to make it so much fun.
February Extras:
Would you prefer to get away during the winter to go skiing or go to the beach?
Definitely skiing. Although I learned to ski in my 30’s, I grew up in the mountains so I’m not much of a beach person.
Valentine’s Day: a lame Hallmark holiday or a great excuse to celebrate (and eat chocolate)?
Mostly a lame Hallmark holiday, I prefer to celebrate and eat chocolate for no particular reason.
Funniest pickup line you’ve ever heard?
“Hold your horses” said by my now-husband the first time we met at a construction project meeting.
Let’s talk s’mores preferences: Should the marshmallow be golden brown, slightly charred and gooey, or blackened?
Slightly charred and gooey, but it’s not a s’more unless it has Hershey’s chocolate in it!
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Thank you so much, Veronika 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!