WellMom periodically celebrates clients through the Client Spotlight Column. These women have accomplished amazing things, including gaining confidence, preparing their bodies for labor, rehabilitating their bodies after delivery, recovering lost energy, building strength, and losing weight. Each woman has a unique story and insight that can help other women improve their own lives. To read about a specific client, just click on her name to be taken to her story on the page.
Ana
Kelly Miller
Jenn Chandler
Kara M
Megan
Brittany Y
Alissa G
Kristen D
Mom to J (18 months)
Ana is amazing beyond words. When we first began training this past summer, she struggled to perform a split squat (i.e. static lunge) even while holding herself up with the TRX. Just today she beautifully performed free standing dynamic lunges while holding 12 lb dumbbells at her sides! And speaking of 12 pounds, she doesn’t mention it below, but that’s how many pounds she is down since we started training together. She’s come so far already, and I can’t wait to see what else she accomplishes in the months ahead!
What motivated you to work with WellMom? What goals did you have?
I started working out with Chris when my son turned one. In my first year postpartum, I had been working with a pelvic floor physical therapist to strengthen my muscles post-delivery. My PT suggested the next step was for me to work out regularly to strengthen my core. My main goal was to become stronger. I was looking for a trainer who 1) was open to and welcoming to working with people of all sizes, 2) would meet me where I was fitness-wise and progress me gradually, and 3) was knowledgeable about proper form – the last thing I wanted to do was injure myself again. I am happy to say I found all three in Chris!
What are your accomplishments since working with WellMom?
I can tell I am stronger, and I am proud to have progressed to new variations / weights in our workouts. I feel my posture is improving. Most importantly, I feel better when I am lifting my son and doing our daily activities compared to a few months ago even as he’s growing and getting heavier.
To what do you attribute those accomplishments?
The improvements I have seen are a mixture of the consistency in our workouts, and the fact that Chris does a great job of motivating me and keeping me accountable. Some days I feel like I am doing great in the gym! Conversely, there are other days when the last thing I want to do is work out. Knowing that Chris is meeting me there and has a work out planned for me really helps me to show up, and that’s half the battle.
What goals do you have moving forward?
I want to keep showing up and keep getting stronger. Exercise does not come naturally for me, but I really want to keep making it a consistent part of my week.
What health and wellness advice do you have for other moms based on your personal journey?
I would suggest starting with a small, realistic change and then staying consistent. And if you can, get help from a professional. Since becoming a mom there are many more demands on my time. Working out with Chris has been an investment, but it’s also a really effective way to make the most of the limited time I have to dedicate to my fitness.
Kelly Miller
Mom to Avery (almost two!)
What motivated you to work with WellMom? What goals did you have?
I will never forget seeing a picture of myself 9 months after delivering Avery. Let’s just say I didn’t look like my old self. As a new mom I struggled to find any time to exercise, eat healthy, and to just take good care of myself – something I was used to doing. My goal when starting with Chris was to get back to my pre-baby weight, which was 7-8 pounds less.
What are your accomplishments since working with WellMom?I have far exceeded any weight loss goal I ever would have imagined! One year in, I’ve lost over 20 pounds. I would have been happy with just losing the initial 7-8! Chris pushes me hard every week. And she got me to focus on my diet. I have always been a healthy eater, but that fell off too once Avery arrived. Today I feel good about my commitment to diet and exercise and most importantly I feel good about myself again. People that haven’t seen me in a while tell me how great I look – and I have to agree 🙂To what do you attribute those accomplishments?Making the commitment to do this week in and week out. If this is something I was only doing here and there, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What goals do you have moving forward?
My goal going forward is to continue to maintain my current weight. Life is constantly busy and sometimes it’s exhausting to keep up, but this is the one thing I’ve done for myself this last year and it has paid dividends many times over. If I had to pinpoint one specific thing I’d like to get better at fitness-wise, it would be push-ups. Ugh – I hate push ups! But I have gotten better at them over the last year.
What health and wellness advice do you have for other moms based on your personal journey?
You have to make the time to focus on you. For me, having a weekly scheduled time with Chris has kept me on track. It’s on my calendar every week and for the most part I’m able to schedule work and personal commitments around it. If it’s important to you, you have to make it a priority.
Mom to Jack (4) and Max (6 months)
Jenn became a WellMom distance training client about halfway through her second pregnancy. Her workouts helped her mentally and physically during her pregnancy, and she believes exercise expedited her recovery after delivery. Way to go, Jenn!
What motivated you to work with WellMom? What goals did you have?
When Jack (baby #1) was a born, I remember thinking, “wow, I never realized how physically demanding having a newborn is.” My back, neck and arms were so 
sore from nursing, lifting him and carrying him (and his gear). For Max, (baby #2), I was nervous about being physically strong enough to keep up with a very active toddler AND carry around a newborn. Plus, I worked out regularly during my first pregnancy with Jack; with Max, I did little beyond chasing a toddler and walking the dog. I just felt sort of “blah” from not having a good exercise routine. I happened to see Chris’ interview on ARLNow and, on a whim, emailed her.
What are your accomplishments since working with WellMom?
Compared to my first pregnancy with Jack, I was not nearly as sore right after Max’s birth or the first few months after he was born. Even towards the end of my pregnancy, I always felt strong and energized after my workouts. They were a great mental and physical boost. I can now do 20 real push ups on my toes, and I’ve moved from 8 lb weights to 15 lb weights for some exercises! Overall, I feel stronger and just more fit.
To what do you attribute those accomplishments?
I really attribute those to having a good relationship with Chris and staying consistent. I do distance training with her where she emails me a full workout, with links to video clips for new moves, every Friday morning. As I’ve told her, I always get a little excited AND a little terrified to open that email every week and see what she’s cooked up for me. I can do the workout whenever is convenient for me and then report back to her. Chris knows how to push me without overdoing it and has always been great about offering modifications, especially towards the end of my pregnancy.
What goals do you have moving forward?
(1) Be able to consistently do 25 push ups on my toes; (2) Be able to crow pose in yoga (a move I’ve never been able to get); and (3) Get back into running shorter races and eventually run another marathon before I turn 40.
What health and wellness advice do you have for other moms based on your personal journey?
Figure out an exercise routine that works for you. And then stick with it, even when it’s hard or not super convenient. I look forward to my hour workout from Chris every week. And even when I’ve had to start and stop the workout because of a fussy baby, I’ve always felt great after powering through.
~Mom of Simon (4) and Alden (1)
Since becoming a WellMom client, Kara has lost 40 pounds and drastically increased her energy levels, and she did it in one of the best ways possible: incremental improvements that over time built to sustained lifestyle change. Her story is nothing less than inspiring.
What motivated you to work with WellMom? What goals did you have?
I saw a photo of myself at a work event in May while waiting to board a plane home 
and couldn’t believe how heavy and unhealthy I looked. I was also feeling really tired and sluggish, but the photo is what really prompted action. I sent Chris an email from the airport to see if she was accepting new clients.
My original goals were to simply gain strength and energy and to be a better example for my sons. I wasn’t necessarily looking for huge weight loss or diet changes. I honestly didn’t realize how much nutrition and healthy eating choices played into Chris’s one-on-one services. But I am so glad that they do!
What are your accomplishments since working with WellMom?
I have dropped about 25 pounds and gained strength, cardiovascular fitness, and energy.
To what do you attribute those accomplishments?
I largely attribute my accomplishments to having someone to hold me accountable. I also think that making some realistic, small dietary changes at the beginning and then gradually adding other changes was very helpful.
What goals do you have moving forward?
I would like to carve out time in my schedule to work out at least twice a week (once with Chris and once on my own). On the nutrition front, I want to have a plan for healthy weeknight dinners ahead of time every night to avoid scrambling for something quick (and likely less healthy) when crunched for time.
What health and wellness advice do you have for other moms based on your personal journey?
Take it one step at a time and don’t beat yourself up if you slip every so often. Old habits diet hard, and it can take time to make lasting changes. Be mindful about whatever you eat and notice your mental state when you eat it. Stop and listen to what your body is telling you. Are you actually hungry or just snacking because food is there? It’s hard to be mindful when we are constantly juggling the competing demands of work and family life, but it really helps.
Mom to Ellie (7) and Jake (4)
Within in her first six months as a WellMom client, Megan increased her self-esteem, energy, and strength. Oh and I did mention she also shed 25 pounds? Nice work, Megan!
What motivated you to work with WellMom? What goals did you have?
I started working with WellMom because Iwanted to get back to being the person I used to be. I wanted more energy and to be able to play with my kids without feeling winded or injuring myself. Some recent medical issues scared me and made me think about my long term health. I want to live a full and vibrant life but knew that I would need to feel more comfortable in my own skin in order to do this.
Two realizations marked a turning point and caused me to reach out to WellMom.
- I discovered just how bad my self image had gotten when my daughter asked if I knew how to swim. She had never seen me in the pool or ocean even though I actually love swimming.
- I realized that I avoid being photographed and that this might affect my kids someday. Would they wish they had more photos of me with them when they were young?
What are your accomplishments since working with WellMom?
Since working with WellMom, I have more energy, have lost weight and can run around with my kids more easily. My health has improved and I feel strong and proud of myself.
To what do you attribute those accomplishments?
I attribute my accomplishments to how hard I have worked and how committed I have been to training. Chris made me feel comfortable when I couldn’t do any of the exercises. She listens to me complain the entire workout but never gives up on me. She has been my non-judgmental cheerleader and has gotten me to a place where I look forward to exercise.
What goals do you have moving forward?
Moving forward, I would like to get even stronger and master some of the more difficult moves Chris has introduced. I would like to lose more weight and would also like to be able to do more push-ups.
What health and wellness advice do you have for other moms based on your personal journey?
I understand just how hard it can be to set aside time for oneself and commit to self-care. I can always think of something else I need to do instead of exercising. I have had to actively ignore that nagging voice and remind myself that this inner chatter is moving me away from my goals. Once I started to see and feel the benefits, the voice has quieted down a bit and I find that I don’t dread exercise as much.
I have tried to set realistic and tangible goals related to something other than the numbers on the scale. If I only focused on my weight, I would have stopped a long time ago. But seeing my strength increase from week to week has kept me going when the weight loss was uninspiring.
~Mom of Isabelle (5), Sophie (4), and Ernest (19 months)
Brittany Y became a WellMom client in December 2015, soon after the birth of her third child. Over a year and a half, Brittany made AMAZING strides on both physical and emotional levels. Physically she improved the shape of her body and gained strength and energy. Emotionally she experienced boosts to her self confidence and improved her body image. Brittany’s story offers great insight for others, so read on! And make sure you read all the way to the end – it has the best part!
What motivated you to start working with WellMom? What goals did you have?
- December 2015: 38 sec plank; 15 push-ups
- May 2017: 3 min plank; 27 pushups!
I met Chris at Clarendon Day. I remember she had Lily (her youngest daughter) with her and she was engaging people as they walked by her booth. I was not looking for a personal trainer at the time, but after talking with her I felt she had some interesting ideas of how to help me meet my fitness goals. Her website was comprehensive and it was clear she was knowledgeable and passionate about health and wellness, plus her flexibly to do in-home training convinced me to try WellMom. Originally my goals were to strengthen my back, help improve running endurance, close my stomach muscle split after my third baby, lose 10 pounds, and increase muscle tone.
What are your accomplishments since working with WellMom?
I am so much stronger! It has been empowering seeing myself meeting and exceeding specific weight training and strength training targets. My back is so much stronger; I don’t ache as much as I did picking up my kids. My endurance and energy levels are higher. The muscle split in my stomach is gone. While losing 10 pounds was originally part of the goal, and while I did lose some weight, as I saw my body shape change for the better and my clothes fit more comfortably for the first time ever I didn’t really care about the scale numbers. I think if you have ever struggled with body image being able to embrace strength and health regardless of your ideal weight can sometimes be a difficult and uphill mental battle. I felt like Chris helped me so much with this piece of my overall health and wellness.
To what do you attribute those accomplishments?
Regular training, defining specific goals, having someone who knows how to coach you to meet those goals.
What goals do you have moving forward?
Maintaining my current strength level and finding other areas of my life that could be made healthier, nothing radical just improvements like reducing (not eliminating) my daily sugar intake. Perhaps aiming for a 4-minute plank, just kidding, well kind of :).
What insights have you gained on this journey that might help other moms?
If you find time to take care of yourself physically and emotionally you will value yourself and your time more and that will make you a stronger, happier individual and Mom. Sometimes this requires asking a spouse, friend, or family member for help or may mean hiring a babysitter or a trainer like Chris. If your kids see you taking a little time each week to take care of your health they will value their own health more and it helps to give you individuality in their eyes beyond being Mom.
~ Mom of two, ages 6 and 4
Alissa G became a WellMom client in late October 2016, and she dropped 10 pounds by the new year.Read on and learn more about Alissa and her accomplishments. Awesome job, Alissa!
What motivated you to start working with WellMom? What goals did you have?
I was motivated to start working with WellMom because I couldn’t seem to lose that last 10 pounds after having my youngest. I also noticed that with age it was getting more difficult to lose the weight. My goal was to feel better about my body and increase my energy level.
What are your accomplishments since working with WellMom?
I am close to my weight loss goal while doing so during Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was proud that I could refrain from indulging in my favorite holiday goodies. I have also noticed I have more tone to my muscles and problem areas.
To what do you attribute those accomplishments?
I have become more conscious of what I am eating based on the meal plan and tracking program that Chris and I developed for my journey. I have also increased my workouts per week.
What goals do you have moving forward?
My future goals are to continue building strength, muscle and positive energy.
What insights have you gained on this journey that might help other moms?
My personal experience through this journey has made me realize how much I missed working out, which not only keeps my body fit but my mind fit as well. I am happier overall because I carved out an hour of time to myself 3-4 times a week to exercise.
~ Mom to Dominic, 3 years, and Damien, 10 months
Kristen started working with me in July 2016 and lost 10 pounds in just 8 weeks! Her weight continued to fall as she simultaneously gained strength. Keep reading to learn more about Kristen and her accomplishments. She also has some great advice for other moms there.
I could not have reached these goals without Chris’s support! Every week I knew that we would meet and discuss my weight loss. This accountability helped me reach for healthy food choices and get in my workouts. I also really appreciate that she tailored workouts to my needs. I can do the circuits that she designs for me at home or at the gym, so I really have no excuse not to work out. The exercises are also both challenging and fun!
What goals do you have moving forward?
I have set a new weight loss goal, with a continued emphasis on core strength, glute shaping (!), and overall fat loss. I also hope to continue building on the good eating habits I’ve established.
What health and wellness advice do you have for other moms based on your personal journey?
My best advice is to make time for yourself. I am a much better mom, wife, and friend when I feel good about myself. Part of that is physical fitness and a healthy weight. I am so glad that I sought out personal training to jump start a new health journey as the mom of two young kids. I would also say to be kind to yourself. Perfection is not the goal! Rather, feeling strong and energetic are the best rewards. Well, that, and fitting into your old jeans 🙂
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