Motivational Mom of the Month - Jess Benade

Motivational Mom of the Month - Jess Benade

Megan Ford

It's February and you know what that means?! It's the month of L ❤️ V E! We see no better way to start the month off then showcasing something we love...our Mamas! And something we love even more? Our Instructor Mamas!

Please join us in getting to know our newest member of the team and new Strides 360 Instructor, Jess!

How did you find FIT4MOM Richmond and how long have you been a part of our village?

I joined after my daughter Aria was born July 2021. I then took a small break and returned to fit4baby when I was pregnant with my son Eli. I realized why I love the village and have been attending classes regularly.

What do you love most about being part of this community?

Class is a great way to connect - I love how everyone is motivating, encouraging and supportive. I always leave class feeling better than I did before starting.

Who are you a mom to?

I am mom to Aria, 20 months, and Eli, four months.

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

I love watching them learn new things and to see how proud they are when they master a new skill. The smiles and giggles melt my heart.

What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where all your food and water needs were taken care of?

A pair of running sneakers and some music.

If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?

I would travel back to the past. I would spend more time with my great-grandmother, my mèmè. She had the biggest heart and the best recipes.

How do you practice self-care?

Fit4mom is a large part of my self-care. I also love getting pedicures done regularly.

Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Richmond?

I grew up in Portland, Maine. I moved to Richmond for a guy, which didn’t workout, but Richmond is where I met my husband so I am thankful for that.

How did becoming a mother change you?

I would say it has made me more patient, although with a toddler, that is constantly being tested.

What is the last great book or television series you've read/watched?

I always get hooked on Netflix’s top ten shows. I just finished Wednesday and Ginny & Georgia.

How did you meet your partner?

I met my husband, Leo, through a roommate. She threw a New Year’s Eve party and Leo showed up just after everyone had left. We played poker and stayed up late talking. We’ve been together ever since!

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a math teacher. Although I didn’t become one, I am excited to be joining the fit4mom team as a strides 360 instructor.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

I would play Fighter by Christina Aguilera. I love to listen to this while running or working out. It always makes me push a little bit harder.

If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would they do first?

I would probably just play Barbies and eat lots of candy.

Jess, I'd be right there with you playing Barbies and eating all the candy! I also loved Wednesday and can't wait for season 2!

We are so excited to have you join the team and we know Our Village is going to love your classes!

- megan