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Motivating Mom of the Month-August 2022: Alison Block Martinez

"Alison’s dedication to self-care is awe inspiring. She been to almost every program we offer - stroller or solo! (I think Run Club is still on the horizon). And I love it when we arrive to class wearing the same shoes same great taste! Alison, it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you over the last few years. Thank you for your continued participation and eagerness to connect in our community." -Shannon Slayer, Fit4Mom Franchise Owner

"Alison is so positive and the ultimate mama- color coordinated and when her kids aren't with her in class she still turns out with the toy trucks & planes to share with others. Her grace in inspiring and I enjoy her uplifting energetic smile" -Genevieve, Fit4Mom Instructor

"Alison is ALWAYS so cheerful! It doesn't matter what else is going on - she has a smile on her face & a positive attitude I always look forward to seeing her at Stroller Strides because she helps me be in a better mood just by being around her!" -Jessica K., Playgroup Captain

Who are the members of your family and where are you originally from?

It's me, my husband Ernesto, daughter Juliette (February 2013) and son Alessandro (July 2019). Ernesto and I are from Miami, Florida (Ernesto originally from Cuba) and we moved to Northern Virginia about 15 years ago.

When was your first Fit4Mom class and what do you remember about it?

My first class was in September 2019 at Springfield Towne Center (STC) when Alessandro was just 5 or 6 weeks old! I was eager to get out of the house and exercise with my new baby. He did great and slept through the whole class!

Where can we find you? What is your Fit4Mom routine these days?

I still go to the same Stroller Strides / Stroller Barre class where it all started at STC! Other days I'll do a virtual or in-person Boost class at Lorton Station. If the weather cooperates, I also love the Strides class at Burke Lake Park! Finally, once in a while I'll pack up both kids and we'll go to the Saturday morning class at STC!

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

Up until last year I was doing web, marketing, and project management for an association in Old Town.

What are 3 of your favorite things?

My kids, crafting, going to the park on a beautiful day!

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

Get a hair cut and color, take a nap, maybe go shopping. Can I do all that in 4 hours??!!

What has being a mom taught you?

Pick your battles!

What is your funniest or most embarrassing mommy moment so far?

I can think of a few! First one that comes to mind was when Juliette was maybe 11 months old. We had taken her shopping with us and were getting ready to leave. We took her out of the stroller and she had diarrhea all up and down her back! We carried her back in the store to change her and she was screaming at the top of her lungs. I was desperately trying to change her quickly and a very kind older lady came over and started jingling her keys to try to entertain and distract her! Turns out, Juliette had a HORRIBLE stomach bug and we got it too. It was probably the sickest she's ever been! We still talk about it to this day. There's also the time that I fell down stairs at her 3rd birthday party and cracked a bone in my toe! I was in a boot for 6 weeks.

Any words of wisdom for other moms?

Something my dad used to tell me - "Don't wish your life away". Meaning, enjoy and make the best of what you have and focus on today. Because time flys by too quickly!

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM? What would you tell someone thinking about joining?

I have done FIT4MOM in all stages - on maternity leave, while working, while not working, with 1 kid on tow, and with 2 kids in tow! There's something for everyone! I always have the On Demand library and virtual options to pick from if I can't make it to a class in person. I love that It's not about the numbers - moms come in all shapes and sizes, and you can move at your own pace and comfort level and still get a great workout that works for YOU! I also love the fact that Alessandro has been able to make friends, learn how to share (he and his buddy Benny are famous for their truck exchanges!) and learn his colors and some counting!