We are so excited to announce our MOM (Motivating Mom of the Month) for September! Each month we will take a moment to honor one of our local FIT4MOM Montgomery County Moms for her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle and for her dedication to the program. This month we honor....Stephanie Chin!

I always look forward to seeing Stephanie, Chris and their three adorable kids roll into the family Stroller Strides class on Saturday mornings. They rarely miss a Saturday and always work hard during class.~ Instructor Jessica

Stephanie comes to class with a smile and always has a positive attitude! I love that she makes Saturday morning workouts a family affair (one stroller for mom and one stroller for dad)! They are setting a great example for their kids of how fitness is fun and motivating other families to do the same.~Instructor Claire

We asked Stephanie 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, Chris, and our 3 kids. Jordan will turn 7 at the end of September, Ian is 4, and Leah is 13 months.

What is/was your career?

Up until a few months ago, I was a part-time IT Consultant/Systems Requirements Analyst for Booz Allen Hamilton, but in June, I finally decided to leave my corporate job to become a full-time stay-at-home mom so that I can focus on my 3 kids while they are all still young.

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

My first class was in November 2017 when Leah was 4 months old and I was still on maternity leave. Jen Fiorentino introduced me to Stroller Strides. She and I met for the first time the week prior at a Kindergarten Moms event. We hit it off immediately because we are both moms of 3 similar aged kids. She told me all about Stroller Strides that evening and we made plans to attend a class together the next week. I’m so glad Jen introduced me to Stroller Strides. I remember feeling very welcomed, having the best workout in years, and being very sore the following day!

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

Stroller Strides on Tuesdays or Thursdays at Montgomery Mall and Family Stroller Strides on Saturdays (all 5 of us attend!). Now that I stay at home, I hope to attend class more often.

What is your favorite strides exercise?

I like wall sits, planks, and cardio exercises. I never liked running before, but it is growing on me.

What has being a mom taught you?

To try my best to enjoy every moment of parenting, the good ones and even the difficult/hard ones because every stage does not last forever and kids change and grow up too fast. I have also learned to be more flexible and patient.

List 3 of your favorite things.

1. Penguins

2. Green Tea Lattes

3. Pistachio Ice Cream

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

When my oldest, Jordan, was 3 years old, I accidentally locked him inside my car. I was buckling him into his car seat when I decided to reach over to the front and turn the car on to get the A/C going since it was hot summer day. I forgot that my car doors automatically lock when the car is turned on. When I finished buckling Jordan up and closed the door behind me, I realized that I had locked him inside. Thankfully the A/C was running so he was not in danger of overheating, but the fire department and police had to come to my rescue to unlock the door. It was embarrassing and something I never thought I would do to my kid! Now Jordan sometimes jokes with me and says, “Mommy, remember to not lock me inside the car.”

Any advice for other moms out there?

It’s okay to have help; be consistent; and enjoy every moment.

What would you tell someone who is considering attending their first #fit4mommoco class?

Definitely sign up! It is such a great way to fit a workout into your busy mom schedule. Before kids, I danced regularly, but after kids I struggled to find time to take dance classes and not feel guilty about leaving my husband with the kids. Fit4Mom and Stroller Strides has been the perfect solution for me. I only wish I had discovered it 6 years ago when my oldest was a baby, but I’m so glad I have the opportunity to do it now with Leah.

Thank you, Stephanie for being such a valuable part of Our Village here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County! We truly appreciate you & the positive energy you bring to class and Our Village!

Check back to see who our MOM will be in October!