I had the awesome privilege this week to work out with some awesome mamas and babes. Chelsea Sarcone with Fit4Mom is a mom with a vision for Des Moines: to unite moms and babies in fitness and community.
Chelsea’s Story:
“With my daughter, Olive, I gained over 100 pounds. My health took the backseat, and I took advantage of my body and used pregnancy as an excuse to lie around all day and eat ice cream. I was the stereotypical pregnant woman. After Olive was born, I expected the weight to just drop off because, of course, “all the weight gain was water weight, placenta, and baby.” WRONG! I walked out of the hospital down 5 pounds – not even matching my 8.8 pound baby! With my rapid weight gain, I ended up with a C-section, had a knee injury, a blood clot in my leg, and difficulty being a new mom. I did not have the strength for motherhood. I ended up with postpartum depression. I didn’t want to leave the house because I still looked pregnant and was scared I couldn’t carry the car seat into the grocery store because I was so weak. I shut myself in and off to everyone. When I finally did have the chance to work out, I went to a group fitness class and felt lost. I left my baby with a stranger, and I could barely do a quarter of the workout offered because I was so out of shape. I felt judged. I just wanted to shout out that I just had a baby and needed help!!!!
“So, after that experience I took charge myself and bought a pedometer. I walked 10,000 steps a day with baby Olive strapped to my chest. Within five months I was down 60 pounds! I still was shut in my house, so that’s when I started researching Fit4Mom. I wanted to meet other moms, work out, and get outside! On a whim, I told my husband, “I’m doing this!” and within two weeks I was signing papers to own my Fit4Mom franchise in Des Moines. I don’t want any mom to go through what I went through. I needed Fit4Mom, and so did Des Moines. So here I am, meeting new moms, gaining strength with every class I teach, and building a mommy village. I am still 40 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, but at this point that doesn’t even matter to me because I feel great! I work out every day, meet other moms, have play dates, and have the strength for motherhood. I want to be a role model for my daughter. My workouts are her chance to see me as a healthy example, and they also get her outdoors and engaging with other babies. She loves it, and I love it!”
Our Experience:
With Chelsea’s story fresh in mind, Eli (4) and I ventured out on a drizzly morning to meet up with these girls out at Water Works Park. We met under a park shelter and began our workout. Chelsea had games and toys for the kids and workout equipment for the mamas. Kids were involved throughout the workout. We sang songs and we pushed them in strollers. At one point I thought, This is fun, but I don’t think I’m working out too hard. And then the next day, my “abs” (lack thereof) were plenty sore, and my thighs were feeling it, too! It turns out, having fun while working out makes you not notice the hard work you are doing!
Eli had a lot of fun, too. He met new friends, worked out with us, rocked our “wheels on the bus” workout, and especially loved the parachute we did at the end.
I wish I had something like this when my big girls were little. Being a new mom is tough. Maintaining health when all your attention goes to the littles is even tougher. It seems like Fit4Mom gives moms of any age, size, or ability the opportunity to improve their health while meeting new friends and enjoying time with their kids. What more could you ask for in a workout?
Fit4Mom Grand Opening on July 1st + Giveaways
Fit4Mom is having a Grand Opening for one of its programs, Stroller Strides, on July 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Valley Community Center.
This is going to be an awesome event with West Des Moines Police giving away FOUR high back booster car seats to FOUR lucky moms. They will also be on site offering FREE car seat installation and car seat checks. The first 30 in the door will get goodie bags, and during this event, there will be a raffle with tons of awesome prizes from a whole list of amazing sponsors.
Find the complete list of raffle/prizes and program pricing details, including the “Founding Mothers” Promotion, on the Fit4Mom Facebook page.
Connect with Fit4Mom Des Moines
Facebook: facebook.com/fit4momdesmoines
So there you have it, moms of Des Moines. Have fun making new friends and getting fit! You AND your kids will benefit!
