Meet Melissa Arcos | Personal Trainer for Moms

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Arcos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I became a mom, I quickly realized that the balance between working and mom life was going to be a challenge. My number one priority was my babies, but I also love to work. How could I strike that balance?

Fitness has alway been a huge part of my life. I played sports growing up and through high school. I went to the gym and ran all through college and my young adult life, personal training from the age of 22. It was just something I always loved! Entering into motherhood, fitness was my recharge, my sanity, and my therapy. Once I had my second baby, I quickly realized that getting my workout in was going to be a challenge! I was early postpartum with my second, and I was looking for ways to incorporate my kids in to my fitness routine. I also was one of the first people in my friend group to have kids. So here I was trying to find a balance between working and mom life, working out, and meeting mom friends! I met a few moms that were facing those very same challenges and decided – why not?! I’ve been a personal trainer for years and it’s truly what I love to do. I want to bring a way to workout and empower moms and meet them right where they’re at in a way that they can bring their kids along! I decided to turn my passion for motherhood and fitness in to a business! And I went for it!

What should our readers know about your business?
STRONG MOM CLUB is a fitness club, that is made up of kind, relatable women that come together to workout and support each other. I started this business for the mom who wants to live a joyful, empowered and strong motherhood.
I wanted to give women a safe place to embrace motherhood while also being able to throw weights around. I want to support moms who aren’t sure how to begin but know they want to get moving + workout. I want the muscle mommies to have a place to train in an environment that embraces moms and their kids. I wanted to take out the intimidating factor of the traditional gym and provide a place that builds confidence, gives freedom, and provides peace. I want every mom to know that showing up for themselves, means showing up for their family.

The journey of this business was chapters of excitement, challenges, setbacks and perseverance. It was trial and error. Like with any business, there were times when I’ve felt that overwhelm of never doing enough and having imposter syndrome. But in every hard spot, there was a mom that would share how Strong Mom helped them. How in the darkest moments of motherhood – Strong Mom was the light. And that was enough to push through the tough seasons. Through the trials that came. If it all was just to help one mom, that was enough!

I’ve learned so much through the years! Running a business while being a wife and mom has enormous challenges. I’ve learned to protect my family time as well as my business productivity. I’ve learned that juggling all the things means sometimes you have to let other things go. I’ve learned that Strong Mom may not be for everyone and that’s okay. My biggest lesson has been one in understanding that setbacks are not failures, but an opportunity to reflect and emerge stronger and smarter.

If there was one thing I want people to know about Strong Mom Club it’s this: Motherhood is the best thing you’ll ever do while being the hardest thing you’ll ever do. Strong Mom is where you can bring both those parts of yourself and just be. You can feel like your best self one day and show up half yourself the next. We’ll be there for you with open arms, open ears, a workout, and playlist to lift your spirits! This is your safe space in motherhood.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh I love this question! If I was showing my best friend around we would absolutely go to Seal Beach and spend an entire day on the sand. I love the calm atmosphere off this beach town and it’s somewhere in always go to relax and play. Beach days all day! Then we would head to 2nd & PCH for some dinner at really any of the amazing spots there! I love good fish, sushi, or Mexican food! The following days would be filled with more beach towns, Laguna, Corona Del Mar. I love to go to different areas and look up what’s new and fun to eat or the best coffee. Making a last minute decision makes it more of an adventure! We would definitely do a beach run at some point I’m also kind of a homebody now (never thought I would say such a thing) but a movie night in or a game night would absolutely be one of the evenings.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I thank God for giving me the opportunity to do what I do every day and giving me this passion! My husband Tony who believed in me before I believed in myself. My three kids who are my biggest cheerleaders and the reason behind Strong Mom Club. To my parents for teaching me that there are no limits to what I can do! My sister, who always supports me and helps me with all the things. My dear friends who have cheered me on, picked me up, and supported every step of the way. My Strong Mom Club instructors who are the dream team and have my back always! And to my clients, past & present, who have trusted me to be part of their motherhood journey and guide them through all stages of their fitness journey.

Instagram: @strongmomclub