I have started a series reviewing different fitness programs, facilities and trends. You can check out two of my reviews here: Fit Your Fit: Orange Theory & Fit Your Fit: Beach Body. Today I wanted to give a little more info and my thoughts on FIT4MOM which is a nationwide program/franchise focusing on fitness and motherhood. There are multiple locations and classes that are offered across the United States which is great for creating connections and building relationships in new cities. They also provide opportunities outside of fitness to connect to other moms through play dates, moms night out, and more. Classes and price are determined by area/city and can be found on the local site. I was interested in trying it out since we recently moved and it was something I didn’t need childcare for.

Have you tried any of the classes? I would love to know your thoughts!

Overview 

Classes are geared to mothers or expectant mothers. Some classes are stroller/baby friendly while others are not. Each class is around 60 minutes and has a specific style or focus. All classes and descriptions can be found online (Fit4Mom) with the more specifics on the city website including any equipment needed, time, date and location.

Pros

• Community of moms
• Bring your child or children
• Different classes to choose from
• Different membership plans/options
• Opportunities to connect outside of fitness classes
• Multiple locations across country
• Online portal for payment, scheduling, etc.

Cons

• Prep of bringing everything for you and kids
• Kids will be kids (may not be having it some days)
• Certain times offered (not around the clock like a gym)
• Price variations per area/registration fee (one time payment)

Cost

Like mentioned before, cost will differ depending on location and membership plan. In my area the different membership plans include 3 month unlimited, monthly unlimited, twice a week, once a week, and 10 class pass. The 10 pass class for my location is $100 so that would be $10 per class which I think is very reasonable compared to other studio rates. All information on price can be found on the local page. I believer individual classes are around $15 without a membership/plan.

 

My son and I enjoyed going and have already become members to attend weekly. I think it is a great program for moms to get connected and can offer variety in your fitness routine. I would love to know if you attend anything like this with your children!

Blessings,

Jac

Last year I shared our biggest financial lessons we learned throughout our twenties. You can check out both posts here: Financial Lessons We Learned In Our Twenties  & Financial Lessons Part 2.  Money is such an interesting topic because we all need it but many people feel strange discussing it. I feel like it is one of those topics we tend to avoid in conversation because everyone has different feelings/circumstances surrounding finances. I know these past couple of months have been financially devastating to many families and I can only pray people begin to get back on their feet.

During this time I have thought and felt many things. Every day I have remained grateful for our finances and the safety net Mason and I have created for our family. I wanted to share what I have learned when it comes to saving money and being diligent in saving. I know it can be hard to continuously think “big picture” or “long term” with savings, but it is definitely worth it.

Taking ownership in your finances reminds me of creating a health and wellness routine. If you try to do everything at once it becomes completely overwhelming and hard to manage. However, if you take small steps and implement one thing at a time it turns into habits which generate results.

What has helped you save? I would love to know any tips or recommendations!

Savings Step One: Pay Off Debt

Look at what you owe or make payments on and come up with a plan. Write it down and hold yourself accountable. Cut back on other things and prioritize your finances. Start with what is manageable to tackle and go from there. Also be realistic with some debt, such as a house.

Savings Step Two: Don’t Spend What You Don’t Have

Really look at your finances and situation and assess where you are. Know what you bring in each month and on average what you spend with bills, food, etc. If you are constantly putting things on a card and unable to pay it off, think about if they are things you actually need. Look at ways to cut costs of certain things if applicable.  I am a huge believer in if we don’t have the money to pay for it, we are not purchasing it period. Credit cards can become a tricky game of constantly paying off/catching up…

Savings Step Three: Eliminate Multiple Credit Cards

If you are tempted to constantly put things on a card and worry about it later, try to eliminate having multiple accounts. Pay off any cards that are not primary and focus on having what you need. Those amounts on multiple accounts can add up fast and then accumulate into something difficult to manage.

Savings Step Four: Set An Amount

Set an amount from every paycheck that you are going to pay yourself. Write it down like it is another bill that has to be taken out each and every time…no exceptions. If you are able to, set it on auto draft so you eliminate any temptations of keeping it where you want to spend it. It does not have to be anything big, small amounts accumulate over time. Choose something reasonable that is not overwhelming and be consistent with it.

Savings Step Five: Create An Emergency Fund

Have a goal when you start saving. This will help you stay on track and motivated to be consistent. I have mentioned our emergency fund is 3 months of living plus what we think is a good amount for any house things that happen unexpectedly (ex: ac unit). This will become your safety net if anything happens and should be treated as that. It is not for vacations, pampering, material items, etc. Once we hit our goal, I didn’t even consider that amount as part of our “savings” anymore since it serves a completely different purpose.

Once you get to a comfortable point in your savings, consider doing other things such as investments, retirement accounts, stock, mutal funds, etc. You can read more about those in my previous posts!

Blessings,

Jac

 

 

 

I recently shared daily health habits I implement that you can read here:10 Daily Health Habits. I began thinking of my son and the healthy habits he is practicing and learning at two years old. He definitely is at the stage where he absorbs (and imitates) everything, so my husband and I try our best to stay intentional with our words and actions around him. I thought it would be fun to share what he practices or does on a day to day basis.

I would love to know anything your family or children implement!

1.Special Morning/Evening Routine

I think these times of the day are so important because they are the book ends to everything that happens in-between. It is a time of snuggles, no distractions, and connection with our son and provides that safety net to the day. You can check out more on why I value routines here: Why I Value Routines

2.Dinner At The Table

Connecting with family around the table is one of the greatest gifts. It is a place where every member is present and conversations can be held. We are big believers in sitting at the table and have done it with him ever since he began eating foods.

3.Prayer

There is nothing sweeter than listening to your child pray.

4.Affirmations

I started affirmations with my son right when he turned two that we go over every night. I think it is so beneficial for him to be speaking positive, uplifting words day in and day out.

Toddler/Child Affirmations

5.Sunshine

We try to play outside as much as possible. Nothing is better than sunshine and fresh air!

6.Limited Screens

Although I think screen time can be beneficial and necessary on “hot mess” days, we really try and stay intentional with limiting the amount he is allowed to have. He knows when he is allowed an episode or movie and is completely okay with not having it!

7.Reading

As an educator I am a huge believer and advocate for reading and early literacy. You can check out more info here: 5 Ways To Promote Early Literacy

8.Free Play

Our son loves to play with his toys and could spend hours imagining and creating. We encourage any and all play time!

9.Variety In Foods

We try to be as healthy as possible with our foods and meals as a family and strive to  continuously introduce different things while providing a balance.

10. Boundaries

I think it is important our son knows and learns his boundaries as he grows and develops. I am a big believer on following through with my word, giving choices, redirection/guidance, and acknowledgement. This can look different for each child and each family!

Blessings,

Jac