Building Strength, Friendships, and a Business with FIT4MOM

Building Strength, Friendships, and a Business with FIT4MOM

August 21, 2025 FIT4MOM x Leslie Russell

Motherhood changes everything, doesn’t it? One minute you’re rocking a newborn at 2 a.m., wondering if you’ll ever sleep again, and the next you’re chasing a toddler around the zoo while thinking, Wait, where are all the other moms hanging out? How do I find my people?

For one mom, the answer came unexpectedly during a Memorial Day parade. As the floats rolled by, Leslie Russell noticed a group of moms walking together, strollers in tow, looking strong, happy, and—most importantly—together. That group was FIT4MOM, and what started as curiosity eventually blossomed into a life-changing journey.

Today, Leslie’s not just a participant—she’s the owner of FIT4MOM Columbus North, building the same kind of supportive mom fitness community that once welcomed her in. Here’s her story.

Finding FIT4MOM (and Taking That First Step)

Like so many of us, Leslie didn’t jump right in right away. After spotting the FIT4MOM group in the parade, she admits she did what most of us would do: she looked them up online!

“I stalked them on social media and their website for a month before I tried my first class,” she laughs.

When she finally took the plunge, Leslie’s daughter was 22 months old. The first class wasn’t picture-perfect—her daughter cried off and on, and she wasn’t sure how it would go. But something clicked. She kept showing up two to three times a week, and before long, both Leslie and her baby were hooked.

FIT4MOM quickly became more than just workouts—it became a routine, a social outlet, and a safe space. It was fitness for moms with kids, designed for both her body and her stage of motherhood.

A Healthier, Happier Mom

Before she joined FIT4MOM, like many moms, Leslie struggled with the shift from working full-time to staying home full-time. The isolation was real. She remembers going to the zoo and feeling a pang of jealousy watching groups of moms walking together.

FIT4MOM changed that.

“I became the healthiest and strongest I had ever been once I started attending classes. My husband noticed, too. I was happier getting out of the house, talking to adults I didn’t live with, and moving my body. My daughter was happy and making new friends.”

That’s the magic of FIT4MOM—it’s not just about postnatal fitness. It’s about rediscovering yourself while your kids learn, play, and grow alongside you.

From Member to Mom Boss

When the previous franchisee decided to move and sell the franchise, Leslie was already interviewing to become an instructor. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

“I knew I wanted to do something to contribute to my family financially and was in love with the community and classes, so we bought it.”

For her, owning a FIT4MOM business was the perfect blend of purpose, flexibility, and family.

Finding Purpose Outside of Motherhood

When asked what drove her to take the leap into ownership, Leslie didn’t hesitate: community and purpose.

“Going from working full-time to staying home full-time was jarring. I felt so isolated and alone. FIT4MOM gave me that community AND a sense of purpose outside of motherhood.”

That resonates with so many moms. Yes, we love being moms, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only identity we want—or need. Having something that’s just yours, that makes you excited, that fills your cup—that’s priceless. FIT4MOM offers moms the chance to find purpose beyond motherhood while still being present for their families.

The Power of Support

One of the best parts about being a franchise owner? She’s not doing it alone.

Leslie has been part of cohort groups, had business coaches, and is now in a peer performance group with other franchisees across the country. “We talk daily about life, business, and so much more. It’s been so beneficial to have a group of people who get it and can bounce ideas back and forth.”

Just like moms need community, franchisees do, too. That’s what makes FIT4MOM different—support at every level, whether you’re attending prenatal and postpartum workouts or running your own mom fitness community.

Flexibility > 9 to 5

So why choose FIT4MOM ownership over a traditional job? For her, it came down to flexibility.

With no family nearby to help with childcare or sick days, the ability to set her own schedule was essential. With FIT4MOM, Leslie can prioritize her family while also running a thriving business.

“It also allows me to lead by example for my kids—showing them how fun fitness can be, how we show up for others, and what it’s like to be part of Our Village.”

That kind of flexibility in a career is rare—and she’s grateful every day she found it.

What She Loves Most

When asked about her favorite part of being a FIT4MOM franchise owner, Leslie’s face lights up. It’s not the workouts or the business side of things—it’s the connections.

“I love seeing the ripple and connection. Getting a video of a kid exercising with their stroller at home. Watching two moms connect and their friendship bloom. Celebrating milestones like going to kindergarten. Connecting moms who are going through something similar or with a mom who has walked those steps before.”

It’s about more than classes. It’s about building a village where moms and kids feel like they belong.

What She Loves About Her Village

Leslie’s description of the FIT4MOM Columbus North community is enough to make any mom want to join immediately:

Moms show up exactly as they are—tired, happy, sad, frustrated, or celebrating.
Forget a diaper? Someone’s got your back.
Need to share your birth story (again)? Totally normal.
Want to vent about postpartum struggles? Absolutely safe here.
Need to go to the bathroom alone? Zone parenting to the rescue.

“We’ve got each others’ backs,” she says. “Our Village treats every mama like they belong, even if they’ve never met before.”

It’s the definition of a true mom fitness community—one built on connection, support, and love.

A Word for New Moms

Her biggest piece of advice to moms considering FIT4MOM? Don’t be intimidated.

“I was so far from in shape when I first started. Our instructors are pre- and postnatal certified and will give you all the options to meet you where you are. The hardest part is taking the first step and getting to class. Once you get there, you will be welcomed with open arms.”

And isn’t that what every mom needs—a place where you’re welcomed exactly as you are, with your stroller, your messy bun, your half-full coffee cup, and your whole heart?

For this mom, FIT4MOM was more than just fitness. It was the community she had been craving, the purpose she had been missing, and eventually, the career she didn’t know she was looking for.

From spotting a group of strong, happy moms in a parade to now leading her own village of moms, Leslie’s story shows what’s possible when you take that first (sometimes scary!) step.

Because sometimes, all it takes is showing up—whether it’s to a class, a playdate, or a big new opportunity. You never know where it might lead.

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