Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!
Our May Mom of the Month is: Melanie Jacobs! Congrats Melanie!
Melanie has been a member of Stroller Strides for almost a full year now, and her positive attitude and bright smile bring a great energy to our classes. She is always laughing and smiling, even when working out hard, and no doubt Oliver gets his great smiles and attitude from his mommy. Melanie is a very talented mommy who manages to keep up her work as an Occupational Therapist, teaching yoga, instruction on car seat safety, Stroller Strides, and of course motherhood! And let's not forget her other interesting skills in areas such as belly dancing, cake decorating ;), costume creation (she won first place at our Halloween class for Oliver's frog costume she created!). Recently Melanie participated in our Running Mamas 5k training and completed her first 5k at the end of April, making amazing progress during the program and finishing with a great time. Join us in congratulating Melanie and read on to learn more about her!
Hometown: Uniontown, OH but moved to Charlotte, NC when I was 13
Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Holly Springs
Stroller Strides Member since: June 2010
Members of your Family: My husband Jim and my son Oliver
Tell us about your child: Oliver is a passionate 13 month old who is full of love, humor, and independence. He never ceases to amaze me with his abilities and colorful personality.
Current/previous Career: I am a stay at home mom by day and 3 times a week I work as an
Occupational Therapist for 2 hours and teach yoga on Thursdays
What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a marine biologist and here is the funny one – I wanted 6 kids (ha ha!)
What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood means the world to me. It is the most important, challenging, and rewarding job I will/have ever had.
What is the furthest you have been from home? Cozumel
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has given me an outlet that empowers me to become not only healthier but also a better mother. I have learned to push my exercise limits a bit and the benefits of being distracted by good conversation or songs for the kids. By exercising with Oliver, I am proud to know that I am setting a good example for him while showing him that exercise is fun.
What is your favorite exercise? I really like sit ups and most leg exercises but I am beginning to appreciate that I really need the upper body work.
What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment would most definitely be the birth of Oliver.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? painting, yoga, and the beach
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I took belly dancing classes for 5 years and I am a car seat technician/inspector.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I asked my husband and he said: strength, energy, passionate, and caring
What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Success begins with a program that easily fits into your schedule, includes other moms as motivation, and includes your child (so you don’t have to worry about child care). Sticking with a wellness program in the long term will allow you to become healthy mentally and physically with weight loss being an added bonus.
