We are so excited to announce our MOM (Motivating Mom of the Month) for August! Each month we have the honor to celebrate one of our local FIT4MOM Southeast Fairfield County Moms for her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle and for her dedication to FIT4MOM. This mama is truly a special one as she was our first mama of FOUR kiddos and has participated in several of our programs, most recently participating in our early morning Body Back Transformation program! She somehow has the ability to maintain her smile and grace in workouts as she digs deep and powers through even the most challenging moves in class and then goes home and gives 110% to each of her kiddos with the same smile and grace . As focused as she is on her own goals, she also always takes time to connect with others and offer words of motivation and also straight up mama bear talk. For all of those reasons and more, she's such a joy to have in class! This month we celebrate the strong, positive, outgoing, happy and fearless Jody Bello!

Here is what our instructor team has to say about Jody:

“How exciting for us to be spotlighting Jody this month!! Jody is one of our few moms of FOUR and her humorous, candid, and realistic approach to motherhood is just the right dose of perspective and fun that moms need! It has been a pleasure to watch Jody transform in mind and body throughout her fitness journey with us. Jody has been a regular at our Stroller Strides and Barre classes for several years, and then this Spring, added Body Back to her repertoire! Jody shows up to our 5:20am classes, on time, with a SMILE. As if that weren’t enough, Jody has now completed several mini and full Body Back sessions, has increased her strength by reaching for heavier weights, and is a champion in the kitchen, creating beautiful and nutritious masterpieces for her family. Apart from her time in class, Jody can be found at home doing crafts and activities with her kids, taking them on trips to see and learn new things, and making life fun for all four of her "little angels”, as she calls them. Jody loves her children and it shows! It seems nothing is too hard for Jody to tackle and this is all due to her ever-present positive attitude. In class, she works hard at each exercise, takes the options she needs, and pushes herself to work harder and longer on the goals she has set for herself. She is so motivating to be with, whether while working out next to her or just chatting with her while pushing a stroller. Jody, we recognize all of the amazing work you do for your family, your self, and our community of moms! Thank you, Congratulations and Love!”! – Instructor Sarah

“I am so excited that we are honoring Jody this month as our motivating mom! Jody and I were pregnant at the same time and gave birth within a week of each other last year and I loved being able to go through that journey alongside of her. During that time I was continually impressed with how she showed up for classes while pregnant and balancing the needs of three other children. She is truly a rockstar! Jody has continued to amaze and impress me as she tackled body back this year meeting new fitness and health goals! In classes Jody’s focus and drive shine through- all done with a smile and sense of humor. As well, her empathetic and friendly nature is an asset and a pleasure to have in any class as she chats with fellow moms and offers up stories and words of wisdom. Jody tackles the joys and challenges of parenting four children in a similar way- with humor, grace, dedication and always a big smile. Jody we love you and are so happy to have you as a part of our fit4mom village! Congratulations!“– Instructor Meg

“The evolution of this month’s Motivating Mom of the Month has been a privilege to be a part of and an inspiration to watch! When Jody joined Our Village as a mom of three, she was excited about getting her health and fitness back on track and eager to get started. She attended our classes with enthusiasm for exercise and pride in motherhood! Jody was active at Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre all throughout her *fourth* pregnancy and was the first mom of *four* in Our Village! When Jody returned to with baby Everly in tow, she was determined to shine in all parts of her life: being a new mom once again, balancing her toddler boys, and getting her mind and body strong! I’ll never forget the text she sent me on the night before her first Body Back class, wondering if she was ready - and was she ever. She has taken things to new heights with her early morning workouts and motivated us all in countless ways! Jody, you are a star! An outstanding mother, a woman with heart and hustle, and a friend with such love to share. You are one of the kindest, most supportive humans I’ve ever known and we are honored to celebrate you as our Motivating Mom. We love you!” – Instructor Lisa

“Over the last two years I have had the pleasure of getting to know Jody and can honestly say that I love her more and more as time goes on. I am so proud to be celebrating her as this month’s Motivating Mom.

Jody is the kind of person everyone wants to be around. She has a heart of gold, will make you laugh like crazy, and sure knows a thing or two about being a mom (to FOUR)!!!!vIt has been a beautiful thing watching Jody flourish during her time with Our Village. Her strength and determination have soared and so many of us look to her for our own #strengthinmotherhood. She recently took things to a new level when she signed up for Body Back and has been absolutely crushing it! I love watching her dedication and diligence to the program as well as what it’s done for her mind, body, and soul. Jody, thank you for being a wonderful woman in this mom world and inspiring all of us to follow in your footsteps. They are huge shoes to fill. Congratulations on this special honor!” – Instructor Kait

We asked Jody a few questions so we can all get to know her better, and here is what she had to say:

1.Who are the members of your family?

Myself, my husband Christian, Logan 6, Dylan 4 1/2, Lucas 3, Everly 15 months, Charlie (our bearded dragon age unknown :)

2. What is/was your career?

I worked as an infant/toddler teacher at Yale New Haven Hospital daycare center for 10 years. I had the privilege of having my 2 boys there with me, but after Lucas was born it just became too much. Currently (when I have the time) I enjoy making rustic furniture and cutting boards with my husband out of trees he cuts down and then we have the logs milled. I love creating pieces and making furniture out of recycled wood!

3. List 3 of your favorite things:

Arts and DIY craft projects with my kiddos.

Going to music concerts with my husband.

Baking and then eating what I bake :)

4. What would your partner say is your best quality?

He says that I am caring, compassionate, and I always have a positive attitude.

5. How long have you been a member of FIT4MOM Southeast Fairfield County, and what has it done for you?

I have been a member of Fit4Mom for 2 years. Fit4Mom has created a network of moms that supports one another. It makes me feel beautiful inside and out! I am so grateful that my mom was at the park while a class was going on and Lisa gave her a card. I came to the class the following day with an old sports bra, rugged sneakers, and an umbrella stroller and I never looked back, I kept pushing myself forward!! Fit4Mom has helped me physically and mentally succeed at being a better mom, while self improving myself. My grandma once said to me "you have to take care of the goose, in order for the goose to lay the egg," and boy was she right!!

6. What is your favorite class exercise?

I would definitely say our meditation after Body Back (if this counts:) It sets my intentions for the day, what I want to accomplish, reassures me that I am not alone on this journey and sets me up for an unpredictable day to come. I also love circuit days at Body Back!

7. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?

How much vacuuming, cleaning, cooking, laundry, driving around, playing, and snuggling I do in 1 day!

8. What is your proudest mommy moment so far?

How proud they are of the littlest things in life and how happy and excited they get when they show me something they have created or done! It makes me appreciate the little things in life.

9. Any advice for other moms out there?

If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back from the situation and just take a breath. These are all steps of motherhood that is just a phase. Enjoy the moment, sometimes unplanned events end up being the fondest memories! Our children are the reason we lose it, and the reason we hold it together!!

Jody - We love having you in our village and can't wait to see where your FIT4MOM journey takes you next!! Thank you for choosing us to help give you the Strength in Motherhood!! xo