111: The Empowered Mama: Lisa Druxman

What are the most important needs of women during pregnancy, postpartum, and the days of new motherhood? You might guess that nutrition, healthy habits, physical fitness, and emotional support are some of the most important needs---and they are! Wouldn’t it be ideal if there was a way to wrap up all of these AND a sense of connection and community with other moms? Join me for today’s show and find out how my guest has found the perfect intersection in meeting the needs of women embarking on their journeys to motherhood---and it just might be available in your hometown.    Lisa Druxman is the Chief Founding Mom of FIT4MOM, the parent company to Fit4Baby, Stroller Strides, and Body Back. With nearly 2000 class locations nationwide, FIT4MOM is one of the fastest growing franchises in the country. Lisa is the author of The Empowered Mama and the host of The Empowered Mama podcast. She has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and more. Lisa is a speaker, writer, and thought leader with a passion for helping moms get out of overwhelm and into a healthy and happy life. We connected through the podcasting network, Parenting on Demand, where we both have our podcasts.   Show Highlights:   How Lisa felt “lost” 17 years ago on maternity leave with many questions, no confidence, and a loss of identity  Why she started a stroller workout to help moms get back in shape as they helped her learn about motherhood The growth of Stroller Strides from 2001 until now, through word-of-mouth advertising; now, it’s a nationwide program that provides a sense of community and much more than just a workout for moms The programs offered now: Fit4Baby (prenatal), Body Back (transformational, high-intensity), and the new brand, FIT4MOM, with 300 franchises and 2000 class locations across the US Our Village, the play group and Mom’s Night Out program as part of Stroller Strides How the positive support leads to success with many motherhood issues How they provide fitness classes and provide education for moms to understand fitness and exercise science The instructors are not therapists, but are trained to be aware of signs of postpartum depression and recommend needed resources How the classes are benefitting new moms and creating amazing success stories of life-changing reconnection and rebuilding relationships and confidence How the classes teach moms to treat themselves the way they hope their kids will someday treat themselves A main point is the focus on inclusivity and that every mom is welcome Lisa’s podcast and book: helping moms reclaim their time, their selves, and their health The podcast format: solo episodes where Lisa shares personal experiences and body image issues, and interviews with amazing moms about their expertise and how they balance their lives Mama Well, the new digital program with 42 weeks of exercise videos, birth preparations, and nutritional guidance---and it includes a private Facebook group Why this holistic program works for general health and wellness for moms---and is different from anything else in the country The new programs coming later this year Lisa’s #1 takeaway: “Every single minute of every single day, you are writing the story to your only life.” ---Katherine Center   Resources: www.fit4mom.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisadruxman Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisadruxman Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lisadruxman   The Empowered Mama by Lisa Druxman