Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Girardin.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was little, I always told my mom when I grow up I want to be a “mommy” and “teach all the kids.” Well that’s exactly what I did, but now I’m teaching moms and kiddos!
Growing up, I was always involved in sports and physical activities. I would go to my basketball game and then come home and go babysit the neighbors kids. I never sat still and I always involved myself in activities where I could be active and surround myself with children. In college, I received my degree in Early Childhood Education. From there, I became a Kindergarten Teacher at Kolmar Elementary School and have been there for the past 8 years. Throughout my adult life, I always stayed physically active. I played intramural sports, went to the gym 5-6 times per week and took fitness classes at local studios.
Once I became a mom, I knew that something more was calling for me. Last year while I was on maternity leave, I would take my son each day in the stroller down to the gym in my building. He napped and I worked out, it was great, but I did not have other new moms to meet and talk to. Living in the south loop of Chicago I knew there were new moms out there I just did not know where to find them. I googled for mommy and me classes or fitness groups with moms and even during my pregnancy I searched for prenatal fitness, but all I could find where classes twenty minutes north of me. Living in the city most moms want something local, that they can walk to or only have to drive/UBER 5-10 minutes.
So, one day while I was on the treadmill, I saw my friends post about a stroller class where she taught a total body workout, had her kids with her, and was surrounded by a bunch of new moms. I reached out to her and asked her about the company. She knew how much I loved working out, teaching kids, and being at home with my son. She told me that this opportunity was a once in a lifetime because the south loop was growing so much and so quickly. After talking with her, I reached out to FIT4MOM for more information and that’s where my journey began.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing in life is every “easy.” I’m just so grateful for my supportive husband and family, without them, I wouldn’t have been able to open FIT4MOM Chicago Loop! Our company is different than most fitness companies because we do not have a “store front” or building with our name on it. I have to go out and physically meet with different facilities to see if they have available space for our programs. I work out partnership agreements so that we can use their spaces for our different classes. It took over 3 months to find the perfect outdoor location for our stroller strides class. Each month I go out and search for more spaces throughout the loop areas of Chicago. My family comes in to watch my son while I have these meetings, which I’m so grateful for. My husband also has been my biggest supporter and helped with all the fiancees and behind the scenes location difficulties during the start up of FIT4MOM Chicago Loop.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the FIT4MOM Chicago Loop story. Tell us more about the business.
FIT4MOM Chicago Loop is a fitness program for moms offering pre and post-natal fitness classes for every stage of motherhood. Currently our three programs are Stroller strides, Fit4baby and Body Back.
Stroller Strides® is a stroller-based fitness program designed for moms with little ones. Each 60-minute, total body workout incorporates cardio, strength, toning, songs and activities. Certified fitness instructors offer a variety of fun class formats both indoors and outdoors. All locations also offer a free playgroup with Our Village so moms can form lasting friendships with other moms through organized playdates, moms’ nights out, and activities for the whole family.
FIT4BABY® is a prenatal fitness program that teaches women how to exercise safely and effectively throughout their pregnancy. The 60-minute Fit4Baby class is interval based, combining elements of strength training, cardiovascular exercises and stretching/balancing exercises. We train and certify our Fit4Baby instructors so they are fully equipped to lead a pregnant woman in exercises that are safe and appropriate for her changing body. The class is for all stages of pregnancy.
Body Back® Transformation is a results based workout program for moms of any age. Classes offer high intensity, interval workouts along with before and after fitness assessments, a meal plan and food journal, coaching and support in a motivating and inspirational program. This class is for moms-only and is offered in 8-week sessions.
Our Values:
* We will help moms achieve their ultimate potential, both physically and emotionally.
* We will offer support and education for moms.
* We will inspire moms to reach optimal health and well being.
* We will inspire children to emulate their moms and make fitness a part of their lives.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see our industry growing immensely! There are so many more moms now living a healthier lifestyle after babies. They value working out, eating healthy and taking time for themselves. They are motivated to teach their children the value of a healthy lifestyle as well. I can assure you there will be many more FIT4MOM franchises opening all over the United States in the future years!
Pricing:
- Stroller Strides Unlimited Monthly Membership- $79/month
- Stroller Strides 1 Day Per Week Membership- $55/month
- Stroller Strides 10 Class Pass Pack- $150
- Stroller Strides 6 Week Unlimited Maternity Pass- $149
- Fit4baby (Prenatal) 8 Week Session- $150
- Body Back Transformation Program 8 week Session- $399
Contact Info:
- Website: chicagoloop.fit4mom.com
- Phone: 708-829-2473
- Email: Laurengirardin@fit4mom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit4mom_chicagoloop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fit4MomChicagoLoop/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
