Meet Michelle Martinez, M.A. | Owner of FIT4MOM Foothills

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Martinez, M.A. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been my team. My team is filled with moms who all share one common goal – to stand alongside other moms and help create a village that demonstrates a healthy, loving atmosphere to raise our babies. FIT4MOM Foothills is more than just a workout because of our strong team. When you come to a FIT4MOM Foothills class, you’re always welcomed by a team member who has been in that moms shoes before. Each of them carries such kindness and passion for what they do.

FIT4MOM Foothills was created by moms, for moms to empower and uplift those in some of the toughest seasons of their life. Postpartum is a journey that some face alone unfortunately; however, with our village, we face things together. My team is the heart of FIT4MOM. Because of their yes, FIT4MOM Foothills has a pulse again. Because of their dedication, FIT4MOM Foothills is now finding new moms and growing our community more than I could have ever imagined. This is not my success, but ours.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began my journey as an owner of FIT4MOM Foothills because of my passion for mental health. My journey in mental health started in college where I studied to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. I got my Bachelors and Masters degree with Azusa Pacific University where I graduated with an emphasis on families and children. Through my work in my masters program, I was able to work as a therapist trainee in a jail and in a church setting. I ran groups with perpetrators of domestic violence, worked with those struggling with addiction, and families fighting to stay together. Working full time and going to school at night wasn’t easy. Being raised by a single mom and being the first generation in my family to go to college was such a milestone that quitting was not an option.

I worked full time to pay for my education out of pocket and did my first two years of college at Pasadena City College. I remember sleeping in my truck between classes because the school was so impacted, I could only get certain class times, but I was determined to finish quickly. I did complete all my classes needed and when it was time to go into my masters program, I found a job in the financial aid office that assisted in paying for my education.

I worked diligently in the office during the day where I met my two best friends and future sister-in-law. My day job paved the way for my personal life while night school helped me succeed academically. I got married to love of my life within two weeks of graduating and was offered an outstanding position for the University of California where I became the Human Resources Trainer for the entire UC system. I trained in payroll, benefits, and reporting – which little did I know at the time would propel my business in so many ways.

While in that position, I had my first son and was ready to become a stay at home mom. My husband and my son became my whole world. Like some stay at home moms, I became lonely and searched for a mom group in my area. I found FIT4MOM Foothills.

I found healthier habits for myself, I spent time with my son at the park weekly, and met some of my best mom friends. After about a year of becoming a member, I wanted to do something for myself and learn something new – so I started instructing and teaching classes. FIT4MOM brought so much more than losing my baby weight in classes. I found a village. I found a safe space. I found a place where I could be myself and bond with other moms while also creating healthy habits for my son.

When I was approached to become the owner, I realized at that moment that my passion for helping moms struggling in postpartum, my knowledge of human resources, and my education all aligned. FIT4MOM gives me the ability to chase my dreams while also chasing my two boys. FIT4MOM helped me grow as a person and I will be forever grateful. It makes me a better mom to my boys. I hope one day my sons will see the journey and know that they can chase any dream they have no matter the obstacles they might face.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love where I live because the beach, mountains, downtown, Disneyland are all just a drive away. I think I’d take them on a tour of all these places. We’d try the best fish tacos by the beach, eat some churros from Disneyland, and eat at some of the best restaurants in downtown. One of my favorite restaurants in Shogun and I love mexican food so we’d definitely try that as well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout-out to my sons Abraham and Alexander Martinez who are the reason why I googled “mom group near me” and became a member of FIT4MOM Foothills. They have been the greatest joy of my life and are my why.
I joined when my oldest was 6 months old and FIT4MOM saved me from going through motherhood alone. FIT4MOM saved me again when my youngest was born and I struggled greatly through postpartum.

To my boys, May you always carry yourself with dignity and humility and know that you can always follow your dreams wherever life takes you. I hope in your darkest times that you find community, love, and support and know that nothing in life will come easy. Work hard, be honest, and kind and the sweetest apple is at the top of the tree. I will always be there on the journey with you. Love, Mom

Website: https://foothills.fit4mom.com/

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