As every mom of a young child understands, finding time to exercise once baby arrives is a challenge, and some days it can be impossible. At FIT4MOM Castle Rock (F4M), new franchise owner Stephanie Holzhauer understands this challenge. A mom herself, Stephanie finds joy in seeing moms bring their little ones to class, get a fantastic workout and foster strong mother-to-mother friendships. The F4M franchise caters to pregnant and postpartum women with classes that are designed to equip moms with proper pregnancy and post-pregnancy exercises.

Last month, F4M launched a new prenatal program, FIT4BABY, tailored for first time moms who work full time. Stephanie explained, “This prenatal fitness program is amazing! It allows moms to create a community within our village before they have their baby. The workouts are tailored to help train their bodies for a successful labor.”

Stephanie and her husband, Erik, moved to Colorado in October 2021. A mother of two and a former F4M San Diego member, she knew F4M would be a perfect place to make new friends. Stephanie wasted no time for the chance to make connections with other moms and took her first class a month later.

Unfortunately, at Stephanie’s first class, she discovered the owner was selling the franchise. Though F4M would soon become a great business opportunity for Stephanie, it initially appeared to her as a dilemma – F4M was supposed to be a lifeline of fitness and friendship for Stephanie in a new city, but that lifeline would soon be cut off if F4M closed its doors. Fast forward a short three months, and Stephanie became the proud owner of F4M Castle Rock and made it her mission to continue the network of fitness and friendship.

As a franchisee, Stephanie came to appreciate much more than mommy and me fitness. She came to understand the value of moms finding quality connections leading to friendship outside of class. To this end, Stephanie hosts a monthly mom’s night out with activities that range from pampering sessions at local nail salons to backyard barbecues.

Stephanie also hosts a weekly play group for kiddos, quarterly field trips and family days. “Many of our moms come for the workout, but it is the community that really keeps them here and the workout is just the bonus,” added Stephanie.

The monthly book club has become a social cornerstone. Stephanie finds that moms get so much out of gathering with like-minded women to intellectually discuss all matters of life. Communicating with other women who are on a similar emotional journey is a perk Stephanie proudly provides that most exercise groups do not.

Though F4M keeps Stephanie busy, she always finds time to go hiking with her family.  “We have lived here two years and are loving our new home state and all that there is to explore,” said Stephanie. Some of their favorite places for a quick getaway are Dawson’s Butte, Garden of the Gods, Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park.

“F4M is about building a village,” Stephanie concluded. “It is so important that moms know they have a community in us.”

Stephanie is extending the offer of one week of free classes with the mention of this article. During winter months, classes are held in Castle Rock at Thrive Cheer. During the summer, classes are held at Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines.

For more information visit https://castlerock.fit4mom.com/ or email stephanieholz@fit4mom.com.

 

By Grace Caroline Roubidoux; photos courtesy of Stephanie Holzhauer