I was so nervous when I finally attended my first Fit4Mom class. But from my second class I knew that I had found exactly what I needed: sunshine, exercise, and a group of wonderful women who just understood. Fit4Mom Burleson-Crowley has been our family here, and I couldn’t imagine going through this past year without them. I’m so thankful for the lifelong friends that it’s given to our family, and the great workouts that I probably wouldn’t have completed otherwise! This group will forever have a big part of my heart, and I'm going to miss them!

Where are you originally from?

I had the coolest childhood. My father worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife so I grew up in Inks Lake State Park in Burnet and then we moved to Eisenhower State Park in Denison.

Tell us about your little workout buddy!

Our daughter, Ansel, will be two soon. She loves to “go workout and see our friends” every day. Little Henry is arriving in October, and I already have our double stroller ready to go!

How did you meet your husband?

I had just started a new job driving transit buses at A&M. I was parking my old grey 03 Honda Accord, and parked beside another old grey 03 Honda Accord (they were identical). As I was getting out of my car this handsome boy was getting into the other Accord. I was feeling spunky, so I said “hey man, nice car”. Turns out he was also a bus driver so we kept bumping into each other. I knew from our first real conversation that Frank was incredibly special, and I’m so glad to share life with him.

What’s your favorite family activity?

We love to be outside. Either exploring parks, digging in the dirt, hiking, or just wandering around plant nurseries looking at native plants.

Tell us a little about your career—pre or post baby.

After graduating from A&M I worked for a large agricultural firm. I worked between our operations team and the supply chain team as a production scheduler. It was my constant game of “meat Tetris”. I told every department what to make while dealing with changing constraints, all while managing our inventories and order fulfillments. Eventually I was burnt out from working every day, and we knew we would move, so I took some time off, and now I’m happy staying at home with our daughter since Frank travels a lot.

How did you find out about FIT4MOM?

When my daughter was 2 months old my husband started traveling again. I asked a local moms group about which gym had a good childcare. So many women suggested Fit4Mom, but I just wanted somebody else to hold my child for just 30 minutes, you know? After COVID began we couldn’t use the gym and I felt so isolated. Neighborhood walks and hiking with my daughter in a pack felt good, but lonely. After a bit, I decided to try Fit4Mom, incredibly nervous. In hindsight, I wish I had joined Fit4Mom from the beginning, but we all live and learn.

What is your favorite part about FIT4MOM?

One, I love being outside. There’s just something about working out outside that you can’t get from working out in a gym or a studio. Plus, you’re working out outside with your child in front of you, and your friends beside you!

I love that the women I’ve met from Fit4Mom aren’t trying to sell you a certain body shape or happiness. They don’t care what kind of car you drive or what brand of clothes you’re wearing. You don’t need anything special to love this group! If you could benefit from daily smiles, and at least one friend, then you would love Fit4Mom.

What has inspired you the most since being a part of FIT4MOM?

I have loved getting to know other moms, and their children, that we would not have met otherwise. People who have lived here all of their lives, or Texas transplants, we all have so many things in common. This group is made up of spectacular women, people who actually are about what’s going on in your life. We are all there together to support one another, whether it’s getting through one workout or through a really rough part of life. It is truly a group like none other.

Do you have any big plans this month?

Hot dog it will be a month for the Horaks. We are in the process of moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hopefully by the end of July we will have settled into temporary housing, while searching for a new house, and jumping into our new community (first step is to join the Fit4Mom of Chattanooga)!

What is your proudest moment as a mom?

I love seeing our daughter figure things out on her own. She has such a fun, exploratory exploratory spirit that I love watching! She loves to be outside so I hope that’s one family trait that will forever be part of her.

Have you ever thought, gosh I can’t do this, and what brings you to see the good?

All of the time! Honestly, I’m a super fan of the show Survivor. When I have a hard time seeing the finish line I pretend I’m on Survivor competing for individual immunity. It really helps!

But also, I know how far this body has taken me, and I know what it has to give. July 2017 I was in a motorcycle accident and had to relearn how to walk with a broken pelvis and a cane. July 2018 I backpacked the entire John Muir Trail. July 2019 my imperfect pelvis went through natural childbirth for Ansel. Life takes you through rough patches, but there’s always more good to come.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I think motherhood has really helped me be less frustrated. Even though it can be ridiculously challenging, it all goes so quickly so I try to remember to just enjoy it.

What advice would you give a new mom?

Find out what can make your life just a little bit easier, and do it. For me, that was always having my baby’s bedtime stuff together after her last nap (I was always anxious around bedtime so that calmed me down when I was home alone). And always having the coffee pot ready to go before bed.