Happy October Moms!!

I’m Emma! I’m so honored to be this month’s “mom of the month,” which feels fitting given that I became a mom in October of last year!

I began attending FIT4MOM classes when my son Ibrahim (Ibby) was 3 months old. Having moved to San Diego from NYC while 7 months pregnant, I was craving socialization and a sense of “belonging.” I found FIT4MOM while walking my dog at Liberty Station and have been a regular ever since! I have never felt more welcomed and accepted in a group; surrounded by so many nurturing and caring moms, I knew I had found my tribe. The ups and downs of being a first time mom were tough, but the ability to feel validated in my struggles and celebrated in my joys have kept me coming back week after week. Oh, and the work out! I am consistently drawn to exercise as a way to stay active and feel strong; I love the mix of classes offered within FIT4MOM and the endorphin rush after each class!

Before motherhood I was an emergency room nurse, and following some additional schooling, a nurse practitioner. I met my husband Mo while working in the emergency department in DC, as he was finishing his medical residency. We connected while caring for a patient, went on a first date, and have been together ever since! We have lived in DC, LA, NYC, and now San Diego together, though welcoming Ibby into our lives has been our greatest journey.

If I’m not at stroller strides, I enjoy walking our dog, hiking, traveling, going to the beach, practicing yoga, or hanging with family. My husband, along with Ibby and our fur baby Ruthie, make it a point to walk each night after dinner as a way to decompress and connect. Being active outdoors keeps us sane!

I am so grateful to have found FIT4MOM and for all the moms I have met at class. Thank you for all the recommendations, support, advice, and of course, the laughs!