You probably already know this, but we have an amazing, dedicated and talented team of instructors and playgroup captains here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County, and I thought it would be nice if we could get to know a little more about each one of them. I'm excited to continue our spotlight this month with....Katie Henry!
I'm so excited to spotlight Katie this month! Getting to know Katie better over the past few years has been such a fun experience for me. Since the very first time I met her (back in those BounceU class days....do any of you remember classes there?!), Katie had that spark. That energy and charisma that a truly fantastic instructor has. And she hasn't lost it! Katie's a phenomenal instructor, who gives her all in every class and integrates such creativity into her plans. If you've taken one of her classes before, you probably walked away from that hour feeling like you not only got a great workout but that your instructor truly cares about you too. And that's because she does! In addition to being an instructor, bringing Katie onto our management team has been such a dream come true. She's a great sport dealing with me on (almost) a daily basis, and our Body Back program is flourishing because of her dedication to this program.
Katie, you're such a joy to have on this team, and I'm truly grateful for your hard-work, commitment and dedication to FIT4MOM! We all benefit from what you do, and I'm excited to continue this journey forward! xo, Heather
Now....read on to learn more about this incredible mama, and then go register for one of her classes on Pike13!
1. Who are the members of your family?
The members of my family are my husband, Brad, and my son, Austin who will be 3 in July.
2. Where can people find you? What is your role within FIT4MOMMOCO?
People can mostly find me teaching Stroller Strides in Clarksburg and Body Back at Lakelands Park Middle School. I'm known to make appearances at Rio, although it seems to be few and far between these days since classes have grown in the northern part of the county. I do love a great outdoor Rio class though so be on the lookout for me now that spring is here (hopefully!!!) and we are back outside.
3. Tell us your FIT4MOM story!
A friend of mine told me about Stroller Strides when Austin was 6 months old. I had always loved working out and been a member of a gym but after having Austin I found it difficult to get to the gym due to a harder schedule and lack of motivation. When I attended my first Stroller Strides class with Jessica in January 2016 I knew immediately this was where I wanted to be. In fact, I loved it so much that I e-mailed Heather that exact day inquiring about an opening for an instructor. Thankfully she took a chance on me, not knowing me very well, and in February I became certified. After 8 months as a Stroller Strides instructor, I became a Body Back instructor in the fall of 2016. And then finally, in the beginning of 2017 I took on the role of Body Back manager, helping Heather organize, plan, and run the Body Back program. I absolutely LOVE all of the hats I now wear here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County. Being able to work with such amazing women, form new friendships and see Austin form friendships is priceless to me.
4. What is your favorite thing to teach in class?
I love anything where I can incorporate the environment. Whether it be a great hill run, loaded lunges on a curb, or anchoring tubes on the ballet bar in the Lakelands Park MS gym, I think incorporating the environment is what makes our classes unique to others out there and keeps things fresh.
5. What is the BEST thing about being an instructor?
At Stroller Strides knowing that I can help entertain a little one so Mom can get an hour of time to take care of herself makes me happy. As for Body Back, I love seeing moms achieve goals they didn't even know were possible and when I say goals I don't just mean pounds or inches lost. Seeing these moms do their first push up or put on their wedding ring for the first time in years...these are the things that I love most!
6. What is your WHY? Why do you keep doing what you do?
Selfishly, being able to work part-time while staying home with Austin has filled a void that I had since leaving my profession as an elementary school teacher. I like having a purpose outside of the home where people are counting on me. But also, Austin and all of YOU are my why. I want Austin to grow up knowing that an active healthy lifestyle is the norm and connecting on a deeper level with all of you keeps me going.
7. What is a fun fact that many may not know about you?
My husband Brad and I first met and dated in middle school, dated again throughout college, and then after a couple years of adulthood we found our way back to one another and got married in 2012. #thirdtimeisacharm
8. Anything else you'd like Our Village to know?
I think it's important for all of our moms to know that we all struggle. While we as instructors often have our smiles and high energy flowing at class, we also have sleepless nights, many moments of mom-guilt and that piece of cake we didn't really need. We're far from perfect and that is OK! We're all in this together and together we can do great things as moms and women!