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!
December's featured Mom of the Month is Ashley Arnold!
Congrats, Ashley!
Ashley started taking Stroller Strides classes this spring, and joined as a monthly member this summer. She has been a regular attendee, particularly at our Streets of Southpoint location, where she and her daughter Gracie bring smiles and great attitudes to the weekly workouts and playgroup activities. We are so glad to have them as part of our Stroller Strides 'family'! Thanks for setting a great example and inspiring other moms with fitting in regular exercise and working hard at your workouts, Ashley.
Join us in congratulating Ashley, and read on to get to know her better!
Hometown: Oak Ridge, NC
Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Morrisville
Education: B.S Biology, B.S Nursing
Stroller Strides Member since: Officially June 2013, but I used those 10 class
passes like they were going out of style
Members of your Family: My husband, Matt, and daughter, Gracie.
Tell us about your child: Gracie is very easy going 2 year old. She is a
happy, sweet, generous, and intelligent child. It seems like we laugh most of
the day!
Current/previous Career: Currently, I am a SAHM. I used to work as an
RN in drug safety at PPD.
What was your childhood ambition? I think I probably wanted to be an Olympic
swimmer or a stunt woman.
What does motherhood mean to you? It means putting someone’s needs before your
own. This job I can say is definitely the hardest, but also the most rewarding
job I have ever done. I believe I am a better person because of my daughter.
What is the furthest you have been from home? Hawaii
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller strides has
gotten me back in great shape. It has also introduced me and my daughter to some
many great and beautiful people. I’m so lucky to have my Stroller Strides
family.
What is your favorite exercise? Jumping lunges, jack squats, and plank.
What is your proudest moment? Definitely giving birth to my daughter. I didn’t
realize how strong of a person I could be. Especially after coming home and not
sleeping for 6 months!
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Aerobics
classes/ exercising, T.V and traveling
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.
When my husband and I first got married, we traveled together across the
country while I worked as a travel nurse. We lived for 3 months each in Austin,
TX, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, and then 6 months in Maui.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would
they say? I asked him and he said, “good looks, intelligence, kindness.”
What advice would you give to moms looking to start a healthier lifestyle? If
you don’t have much time, start with a 30 minute exercise video during nap time
or morning/ night. Also I think it’s important to keep challenging yourself. If
you always do the same thing, your body will eventually adapt to it and not
burn as many calories. Remember to switch things up, cross-train, add weights,
reps, or time to keep yourself from plateauing. And most of all, make it fun!
