THIS MONTH, THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON....
We have such a crazy amazing, dedicated and talented team here at FIT4MOM Montgomery County. I love giving everyone the opportunity to get to know a little more about each one of them, and this month we're going to continue our team spotlight with.....Aria Gray!
Aria is an amazing instructor, teammate , mom and all around person. She brings tons of positive energy to class, whether she is instructing or attending. She can also come up with a killer playlist in a matter of minutes. We are so very lucky to have Aria as a part of this #dreamteam!
Now it's your turn to learn a bit more about Aria! And then if you haven't gotten to know her well, check out one of her Boost or Ignite classes. You will not regret it.
xo, Jessie
Who are the members of your family?
Myself, my husband Greg, my daughter Margot (3 years), and our Schnauzer mix Winston
Where can people find you, i.e. what’s your role within FIT4MOM Montgomery County?
You can find me teaching express Ignite on Tuesday nights at The Little Gym - Gaithersburg and Body Boost every other Saturday morning at Rio. I also attend as many classes as I can!
Tell us your FIT4MOM story!
Let’s rewind all the way back to March 2020 when the entire world shut down a week after I learned I was pregnant with Margot. Everything about how I expected my pregnancy to go changed instantly. Prenatal yoga - canceled, the FIT4BABY classes I *may* have already bookmarked - canceled, the ability to see friends and family - a big question mark. Luckily a virtual FIT4BABY session was starting at the beginning of my second trimester. This was such an essential connection to other pregnant moms and I learned about so many prenatal & postpartum resources including an incredible Baby Registry Checklist and a porch pickup of maternity clothes (Thanks Andrea Kenny!).
After taking a break from FIT4MOM during my maternity leave (baby sleep struggles + COVID), my FIT4MOM story officially began in spring 2021. I had recently returned to work full time from home and was feeling even more isolated than during my maternity leave. I felt comfortable attending outdoor classes and challenged myself to attend at least one class per week. I remember feeling so revitalized after a great workout and also from interacting with someone other than my spouse or baby after my first class. I gradually started attending more classes and also started attending Saturday Stroller strides classes with Margot.
What is your favorite exercise/activity to teach?
I love teaching any and all strength moves. I particularly love deadlifts - they make me feel powerful and confident.
How has FIT4MOM or this village helped you?
I definitely wouldn’t be the person or the mom that I am today without FIT4MOM. This village has given me so much support, knowledge, and friendship over the past four years. After a very isolated pregnancy and postpartum period, I learned essentially everything about leaving the house with a baby (and eventually toddler) from other FIT4MOM moms (and I’m still learning from all the other amazing moms in this village!). Attending classes with FIT4MOM also helped me ease back into the world and to feel comfortable leaving my house after the height of the pandemic.
Ultimately, the most important thing that I have gained from being a part of this wonderful community is learning how to prioritize myself (both physically and mentally) separately from my role/identity as a mom.
What is a fun fact that our village may not already know about you?
This is not a surprise (at all) - but I LOVE making themed playlists for my classes. I love a high-energy and LOUD playlist while working out that helps to take my mind completely off of any external stressors. I’m always looking for new workout songs and themes (feel free to send them my way!).
Is there anything else you’d like our village to know?
Your journey with FIT4MOM can absolutely extend beyond your maternity leave or your kids stroller phase! There is such a wide range of classes (and class times) for a wide variety of stages of life and motherhood. Teaching class at night and on the weekends is an immediate energizer and mood boost for me. I love teaching and working out alongside all of the strong moms in my classes. I work full-time (and mostly work from home). The social interaction from attending and teaching classes is what keeps me sane! There are definitely nights where the last thing I want to do is leave my house, but I am always glad that I did.
---------------
March extras:
What do you do to refill your own cup and get some “me” time?
I love to knit and crochet. To recharge I love listening to an audiobook and making something with my hands. I just finished a sweater and now am learning how to make socks!
I also love taking long walks outside (preferably alone).
What are you most excited about with the arrival of spring?
I am excited about more sunlight hours and the ability to spend more time outside. However, I am hoping for a long spring and for the hot weather to take its time arriving.
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, what is your favorite green food? And are you a beer fan? Feel free to elaborate!
Cucumbers, avocados, and any leafy green!
I am a beer fan - especially at one of the many farm breweries that are in or near Montgomery County!
