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KAREN MCMILLIN OF FIT4MOM MARIN

By Stephanie Christopher   |   May 1, 2023

Karen McMillin is the owner of Fit4Mom Marin. She is an advocate for moms to be able to engage in physical fitness and enjoy the camaraderie of other moms.  In order to do this, she believes that moms should have the option to have their children with them at their workout if they choose. Whether a mom needs to workout at a gym or go outside for a run, Karen understands the need for a workout community that allows for kids to also be present. Read on to learn about Karen’s discovery of Fit4Mom and her enthusiasm for women’s health and fitness.

 

Karen, share with other SMMC members your discovery of how to bring fitness and caring for your children together, when you wanted to be able to workout outside the home: 

I have participated in various types of physical fitness my entire life.  When I found out I was pregnant, I was determined to have a healthy and active pregnancy. Throughout my pregnancy, I regularly participated in running, hiking, and daily power yoga classes. After the birth of my first child, I was able to go back to my workouts without much difficulty. However, after the birth of my second child, EVERYTHING changed!  My daughter could not tolerate being apart from me. This prompted me to search out gyms with on-site childcare—but then that only led to my being called out 10 minutes into my classes. I knew I had to find something that worked for me and my little ones and after a little research, I discovered Fit4Mom Marin. I am so thankful, every single day, that I did! 

 

With Fit4Mom Marin, suddenly I was able to work out with 2 small kids and no one was judging me if my kids were yelling, crying, shrieking…or anything else! The workouts were amazing and best of all, I was setting a great example for my kids. They could see that exercise is important and Mommy's health and happiness is a priority. I discovered that Fit4Mom Marin is so much more than just the workout. It is a community, a village of moms that “get it” and know how hard it is to balance personal needs and the job of being a mom. With Fit4Mom Marin, I found a group of women who are there for one another through this crazy and amazing journey we call motherhood.

 

Karen, in 2014 you became certified as a Fit4Mom instructor, leading Fit4Mom Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, and Body Well classes. In 2018, you became motivated to then become the franchise owner and primary instructor for Fit4Mom of Marin. Tell us about your journey from workout aficionado, to Fit4Mom participant, to Fit4Mom entrepreneur:

As the owner of Fit4Mom Marin, I am often asked the following question: “Why would anyone want to work out with their kids?” This is the exact question that brought me to where I am today.  

 

From becoming an instructor for Fit4Mom Marin, to becoming the franchise owner, I can say with certainty that being a part of Fit4Mom has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! As a mom, you want to be with your kids as much as possible, but that shouldn't mean sacrificing your own needs. Fit4Mom is the exercise community that allows you to do both.  I love being able to welcome new moms into this fantastic tribe of strong women and let them know they aren't alone. I LOVE helping moms gain the “strength for motherhood” and offer them a place of health and peace of mind.

 

When I discovered Stroller Strides almost 10 years ago, I had a 20 month old in the stroller and an often screaming 3 month old on my body. I won't say any of that was easy, but I made it work. I got through those early days with the support of all the amazing moms in the Fit4Mom Marin village who shared their toys, snacks, tips, laughter, and tears with me -- on a daily basis. I discovered that I was not alone in this crazy journey called motherhood.  Motherhood is the most amazing, rewarding, and possibly hardest journey we will ever take. But, if we can find our village, motherhood can be filled with so much more joy. When you are surrounded by the support of other fantastic moms, you realize you are not alone. 

 

My kids may be older now, but I still love leading classes and seeing all the moms build their own support systems. The faces may be different, but the laughter, tears, struggles, support, bubbles and songs -- they go on and on!

In addition to daily workouts, Fit4Mom Marin offers weekly free playgroups and monthly mom's nights out. It is truly a village for mom at all stages of motherhood. 

When Karen is not working out and spending time with her village mom’s at Fit4Mom Marin, you can find her hiking, biking, wine tasting and enjoying all the Bay Area has to offer.  She resides in Corte Madera with her husband Markus and their son Liam (11) and daughter Molly (10).

 

All SMMC members receive 10% off all class packages. For more information and to sign up for your free class go to www.marin.fit4mom.com or email Karen at karenmcmillin@fit4mom.com.

 

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