Meet our September Mama of the Month, Lily Starr!

Tell us about your family!

I am a mama to a wonderful (nearly) 4-year-old named Gus! He is confident, outgoing, and strong-willed, all traits I am sure will serve him well in life, but also make me want to pull my hair out on occasion. My husband and I just celebrated our twelfth wedding anniversary. As a family, we love exploring in nature, traveling, and snuggling up for movie nights.

Where is your hometown?

Sarasota, FL

What is/was your current/previous career?

I am a licensed social worker, and I worked as a therapist before having Gus. I plan to start seeing clients again soon and hope to focus on maternal mental health as well as the perinatal population.

How did you find FIT4MOM?

I saw a promotion for Burn Boot Camp and decided to give it a try. I hadn’t exercised since before my son was born (he was about 18 months at that point), and I was so sore afterward that I couldn’t lift him for a couple of days. I realized I needed something geared more towards my new body as a mom, and I found FIT4MOM.

How long have you been a member of FIT4MOM North Hills, and what has it done for you?

I joined about two and a half years ago. It has helped me to stay physically active and provided such a sense of community. I love chatting with the other moms during class and letting the kids play together afterward. I’ve made great friends and am so grateful to have found this community!

What is your favorite class?

I love it when the exercise includes my son, so any of the ones where we’re tickling and then running away, etc.

What classes do you currently attend, and why do you love them?

I really love the intentional movements of Stroller Barre, I enjoy the Body Boost classes for an intense workout, and I always enjoy the Stroller Strides classes.

What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?

The grief that comes along with it. For better or worse, every stage is so short-lived. You find yourself missing all of the different versions of your little one. It’s weird to miss a person even as they sit in your lap for a cuddle. But each and every stage brings with it new joys and excitement.

What is your proudest mommy moment so far?

When my son finally pooped on the potty. (Potty training is not for the faint of heart!)

What advice would you go back and tell yourself as a new mom?

There’s only so much you can control, and trying to control everything will (1) not actually help and (2) suck some of the joy out of things.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Don’t be afraid to attend a new class or an MNO, etc. Everyone is so welcoming!