We are so excited to announce our first MOM (Motivating Mom of the Month) of 2023! 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....Alison Hughes!

Alison gives it her all in each workout with focus, dedication, and enthusiasm. She’s all strength and smiles, all the time. That energy is contagious in class and I just love when she’s there! ~ Instructor Marie

Alison is strong, determined and committed . Always ready to push herself during workouts . Her energy and smile is contagious. I love having her in classes and seeing how much stronger she is getting, one class at a time! ~ Instructor Ewa

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We asked Alison 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?

Our family includes me, my husband, Seamus, and our three kiddos, Declan (8), Nora (5) and Brendan (3).

What is your hometown, and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Olney, Maryland and now live just down the street in Kensington.

What is/was your career?

I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist and feeding therapist in a private practice. It is the best job in the world!

What is the furthest place you've been from home?

I spent a month in Australia between junior and senior years of college.

What is your favorite thing to do as a family?

We love a good movie night!

Favorite thing to watch on TV?

My husband and I are watching White Lotus right now. I can also watch Schitt’s Creek on repeat and never get bored.

Your favorite song or artist?

Joy of My Life by Chris Stapleton

List 3 of your favorite things or places.

-Charleston beaches- we love Sullivan’s Island

-Pizza Night- making homemade pizzas as a family on Friday evenings

-Coffee- I go to bed looking forward to my morning coffee

Your proudest moment.

Most recently, I am proud of prioritizing myself. In 2021 I tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation that puts me at a very high risk of being diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancers. I chose to have a preventative double mastectomy in April and have been working out consistently with F4M since then. I am proud of myself (and my family) for getting through that surgery and ending the year stronger than I started!

Any advice for other moms out there?

Honestly, who am I to give advice?

When was your first class with FIT4MOM, and what made you go?

This is terrible, but I can’t actually remember. I *think* it was a class at Westfield Wheaton back in the summer of 2017? I know I joined soon after I was cleared to workout following my daughter’s birth and spent the summer toting 2 kids to classes and play groups. It filled my bucket in a way that I needed so badly.

What is your favorite F4M MOCO + FREDERICK class?

Right now, I am pretty much Body Boost all the way, but I do want to try some Ignite classes in the new year.

Favorite exercise?

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but squat jumps.

How has FIT4MOM changed your life?

Giving me a place to show up completely judgement free.

What is your favorite thing about F4M MOCO + FREDERICK?

Probably that it’s there for you in every season of motherhood. As my kids started growing and our daily routine changed with them in school and me working more, I missed my stroller strides classes so much- the workouts, the time with my babies, the friendships. But I love that a few years later, I’m back in a new routine with F4M MOCO + FREDERICK and have been able to push myself at mom-only classes while reconnecting with friends and meeting new women in this incredible community!

January Extras:

New Year Resolution: Any fitness or F4M-related goals for the year?

I cannot wait to start my fourth session of Body Well!

What is your coziest item of winter clothing?

Oversized sweater and leggings

Read by the fireplace or watch a movie under a blanket?

Ohh, tough choice. Probably read by the fire (if I’m not being interrupted by kids), otherwise movie under a blanket with the entire fam.

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Thank you so much, Alison 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 February!