Finding Community and Purpose: One Mom's Journey to Empowerment

Finding Community and Purpose Through FIT4MOM: One Mom's Journey to Empowerment

January 16, 2025 FIT4MOM x Mindy Hayward-Hauck x Mary Pust

Motherhood is one of life's most rewarding, challenging, and transformative experiences. But for many moms, it can feel like a part of themselves gets lost along the way. Between diaper changes, school runs, endless laundry, and the occasional meltdown (from both the kids and themselves), it’s easy to forget who they were before they became “Mom.”

One mom can relate. When Mary Pust, owner of FIT4MOM Billings, originally moved with her husband and baby to Raleigh, NC, she had no family nearby. She felt an overwhelming need to build a community, but wasn’t sure where to start. She knew that if she didn’t find a way to connect with others, she might just lose her mind.

That’s when she found FIT4MOM.

From Feeling Stuck to Finding Purpose

When Mary first became a mom, she wasn’t just craving movement; she was searching for connection. She needed something to break up the monotony of her days with her baby. So, Mary decided to check out a Stroller Strides class in Raleigh. Her son was eight-months-old at the time, and she was looking for more than just a workout. She was looking for a sense of belonging.

And that’s exactly what she found. The moms in that class weren’t just going through the motions; they were vibrant, welcoming, and genuinely supportive. It didn’t take long for Mary to form a tight-knit group of friends, all navigating the same ups and downs of new motherhood. She quickly realized that FIT4MOM wasn’t just about exercise—it was about creating a space where moms could come together, support each other, and prioritize both their mental and physical health, with their little ones right beside them.

Before she knew it, Mary was teaching classes herself. As she did, she started to realize something that surprised her: she was reconnecting with a version of herself that had been lost somewhere along the way. She was doing something she loved and helping others. She was filling a cup that had been buried under the weight of daily life and motherhood. But little did she know, this was just the beginning of an even bigger journey.

Taking the Leap to Franchise Ownership

A few months later, Mary and her family moved again, this time to Billings, Montana. Once again, they found themselves without family nearby, and once again, she realized how important it was to have a strong support system. She wasn’t the only one feeling isolated—she was seeing more and more posts in local Facebook groups from moms looking for connections, workout classes, and ways to bond with other mothers. That’s when the idea struck her: she could bring the magic of FIT4MOM to Billings.

With a background in Sports Medicine and a newfound passion for supporting prenatal and postpartum women, it felt like the perfect fit and Mary decided to take the plunge and open her own FIT4MOM franchise. She was 25 weeks pregnant with baby #2 when she held her Grand Opening. She had no idea what she was doing, but one thing was for sure: she was ready to create something special—not just for her family, but for all the moms in her community.

Building a Community That Supports and Empowers

Now, five years into owning FIT4MOM Billings, Mary can honestly say it’s been one of the most fulfilling things she’s ever done. But what truly makes it special isn’t just the fitness classes—it’s the people she’s met along the way.

Mary says, “What makes FIT4MOM stand out for me is the sense of community we’ve built. It’s not a typical gym environment. It’s not about competition or perfection; it’s about support, friendship, and feeling good about ourselves even on the toughest days. The moms at FIT4MOM Billings have become a family. They lift each other up, celebrate each other’s victories, and are there when anyone needs a helping hand or just a little encouragement.”

She always tells the women in her classes to “embrace the awkward” because, let’s be real, trying something new as a mom—whether it’s working out, finding a new job, or just carving out time for themselves—can feel uncomfortable. But it’s part of the process. And the women at FIT4MOM Billings? They’re not afraid to push themselves. They embrace the discomfort, they grow, and then want to help others do the same. Their group may be eclectic, but they’re as united as they come.

It’s incredible to see how many of these moms have gone from feeling unsure of themselves to becoming stronger, both physically and mentally. And it’s not just about the moms. The kids see their moms working hard, laughing, and prioritizing their health. And in doing so, Mary hopes they’re setting a positive example for the next generation.

Why Choose FIT4MOM Over a 9-5

Mary never set out to run a business. In fact, she didn’t have any business background whatsoever. But what she did know was that she didn’t want to go back to her old career. She wanted to be the one raising her kids and show them that hard work and passion could make a real difference in the world. Most of all, she wanted them to see her living her life with purpose—not just going through the motions of a typical 9-5 job.

Owning a FIT4MOM franchise allows Mary to live the life she’s always wanted. She gets to work from home, be present with her kids, and make a positive impact on her community. It’s not always easy to balance family and business, but she can honestly say she feels more fulfilled than ever before.

The Power of “Our Village”

One of the things Mary loves most about being a FIT4MOM franchise owner is the incredible network of support she has from other franchisees. They come from all walks of life and all corners of the country, but their core values are the same: helping moms thrive, building community, and living with intention.

Having that kind of support system has been invaluable. She’s always able to vent, celebrate wins, ask questions, or get advice from others who truly understand what she’s going through. Mary says it’s like having a built-in cheer squad made up of some of the most inspiring, hardworking, and resilient women she’s ever met. “It’s a giant sorority of badass mamas, all lifting each other up to make a positive impact on the world.”

Encouragement for Moms Looking to Reclaim Their Identity

If a mom is feeling disconnected from her pre-mom self or is looking for her next passion project, Mary can’t recommend FIT4MOM enough. It’s not just a business—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of other women.

Mary encourages any mom considering it to take that leap. “Follow your passion, lead with your heart, and know that good things will follow. Don’t stay on the sidelines of your life. Be the main character in your own story. Reclaim your sense of self, find your community, and go after the life you deserve.

“Being a mom is one of the most important roles anyone will ever have. But that doesn’t mean they have to lose themselves in the process. By prioritizing themselves—whether through fitness, community, or a new passion project—they can show up as their best selves for their kids and for the world. If you’re a mom and you’re ready, you should take that step. Reclaim the woman you were always meant to be!”

It's Time to Find Your Village

Mary's journey shows just how powerful the right support and community can be for a mom. FIT4MOM isn’t just about fitness—it’s about connection, empowerment, and creating a life that works for you. If you’ve been looking for that sense of belonging, whether through a prenatal fitness class, mommy and me classes, or just connecting with other moms, FIT4MOM offers a welcoming space to do just that.

If you want to become an entrepreneur and own a local business, we invite you to learn more about our franchise opportunities. Created by moms for moms, FIT4MOM is more than just a workout. We are a village of moms who build connections, empowerment, and strength in motherhood nationwide. Join our village of Franchise owners and create a community for moms in your neighborhood while building a successful business with your kids by your side.

Moms need a village, and it starts with you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OWNING A FRANCHISE