A few weeks after I took over this Macaroni Kid site I ran into the owner of our local Fit4Mom franchise, Jaclyn, and we immediately starting chatting about potential opportunities for us to work together. I’ve known Jaclyn for many years, we live in the same town and I had taken a few classes with her 3.5 years ago while I was on maternity leave with my youngest daughter. Jaclyn mentioned an upcoming Body Transformation session and I was intrigued. I work out a fair amount and try to eat right. Could this be an opportunity to find something that I see faster, better results with??
First Steps...
The first step was chatting with Lauren, Jaclyn’s right hand woman, and after a brief description of the program I only had one word for her: YES! Lauren described a program full of nutritional support and accountability, a Facebook group, weekly emails to keep you in line, recipe books and so much more! I couldn’t wait to get started!
My session started at the end of November (can we just stop and say, OMG, you did this at holiday time!?!) and ran until December 24th. The first week we prepared for the 4 week body transformation session (so really you get 5 weeks worth of information). Jeanine (a class instructor and leader for the group) and Lauren got us ready with helpful hints, tips, recipes, and files to read over to prepare for Week 1. There were over 40 people in my group, spread out through the Fit4Mom Falls Church-Vienna-Fairfax franchise. While we never met face to face, the facebook group and weekly email was extremely helpful in sharing information and asking questions, even before we started our official 4 weeks.
What to Expect...
Here is a quick rundown of what to expect from a transformation session:
- Each session runs for one month and is offered four times a year
- The focus is on real food, real fuel and real results
- Weekly email from Lauren with fresh topics for the week, things to think about
- Endless amounts of support (weekly log reviews, meal suggestions, helpful kitchen gadgets)
- Online accountability group
- No restricting or counting; tons of manageable meal prep and ideas
- Unlimited Fit4Mom classes during the transformation session
- Unlimited access to a certified nutritionist
- A Body Back Nutrition Guide and Recipe Book
- End of Session Celebration (ours was a yoga class at Athleta and everyone got a gift card!)
Throughout the 4 weeks I took two different types of classes - Body Back and Body Ignite. Since my kids are a bit older and in school I was able to take the classes for moms only, no kids. You may associate Fit4Moms with the Stroller Strides franchise which they do still offer, but it is SO MUCH MORE now! Body Ignite targets each and every muscle with specifically designed strength sequences using a weighted bar. This strength-based program also focuses on core strength and flexibility. I took this class at 5:45am on Mondays and Fridays and let me just say I am NOT a great morning person. Jeanine told me the night before my first class to remember that there is no cardio so it’s easier to get up. She was totally right! I was actually excited about it after that and it was lovely to have my workout done for the day before 7am. The Body Back classes I took were at 9:30am (perfect for me after dropping my youngest) and they are a mix of cardio and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts designed to challenge, empower and recharge you. Check out their full class schedule below.
I asked Lauren what she wants moms to know about the program and here is what she said:
We want Moms to walk away from our program realizing that a healthy lifestyle isn’t restrictive but is about balance and fueling your body with what makes it feel good. Everyone is different so there is no one meal plan fits all and what works for you one year might not work for you the next year. This is why we provide you with the learning to lead this lifestyle instead of a predetermined meal plan. We want you to feel good and successful for life, not for a few months.
My big takeaways (and a giveaway)...
I lost around 1-2 lbs, but more importantly I didn’t gain weight over the holidays. Let me repeat that: I did not gain over the holidays! Using the tips and tricks from Jeanine and Lauren I was able to get through some tricky parties and days of limited meal planning using some of their key strategies and on-hand meal ideas, minimal cooking required! Instead of starting the year with a new workout regimen, I was lucky enough to END the year with one!
The most important takeaway I have from doing the transformation actually has nothing to do with the workouts or recipes…you think I sound crazy, right? What I found was the most invaluable tool these women gave me was each other! The community that Jaclyn and her crew has built is truly something special. The monthly Mom’s Nights Out, the parenting advice, the coffee dates, sharing of kid gadgets, strollers, airplane bags, clothes, travel ideas…the friendship and love in this community is nothing short of amazing. Whether you start with a newborn at Stroller Strides or with a 10 year old at Body Back, everyone is welcome at Fit4Mom! Like Lauren told me “We are so much more than a place to get in a good workout, we are a village that supports Moms no matter what stage of motherhood they are in. Moms come for the workout, but stay for the village, the community and the support.” Those words couldn't be more true and it's what every Mom needs, a supportive and healthy village! Join and see for yourself!
Are you a new client and want to try the program for yourself?? The next transformation session starts February 1st and we want you to be a part of it! Enter here to win a FREE BODY TRANSFORMATION SESSION!
Contest ends 1/26! Stay tuned for more exciting news about the franchise, including a new studio opening this Spring in Falls Church!
I was provided with product and/or compensation in exchange for my review. As always, opinions are 100% my own.
