Your Lines: Hilary of U Go Baby Fitness

I feel like today’s Your Lines is a special treat-an incredible mom who started an incredible business to help busy moms stay healthy and save on childcare. Meet Hilary of U Go Baby Fitness! I could definitely use a few tips from her…

Tell us the story of your “two lines”:
I was 29 and dating my now husband, George, for all of 4 months, maybe 5. I wasn’t on the pill because we hadn’t been dating too long and I really didn’t care for it as I often forgot to take it anyway. Our main form of contraception were condoms. I guess we weren’t the best about using them once or twice. 🙂 I have always been irregular so when I missed my period I wasn’t too concerned. Until one day when my boobs looked particularly large. I’m normally pretty flat so that struck me as odd and I got a test. Still thinking I wasn’t, but just wanted to be sure.

I picked up a test right before work (bad idea). I used the newer tests, the ones that actually say “PREGNANT” when the 2 minutes are up. So when I saw those big letters popping out at me it was particularly shocking. I was dumbfounded but pulled it together and went off to work calling my mother on the way. She was very supportive and helped calm me down. Here’s a funny piece of the story, I worked with George. Not everyone knew we were dating as we tried to keep it from being office gossip. You can imagine the reaction that we were going to get when we finally told everyone that we were not only engaged, but having a baby together!

I tried not to tell George until after work, but was so anxious about it I couldn’t wait. I asked him to get coffee with me and told him right away. I still remember his immediate reaction, he smiled and said “I was gonna marry you anyway.” And the rest is history.

What’s a typical day in your life look like?
Like most moms, nonstop! But I have come to enjoy every minute of it. I have not always been this way, I used to dread the everyday hassles but now realize, that’s life take it or leave it.

Typical schedule:

-I try to get up a little before my kids to update my U Go Baby Fitness blog.

-Then breakfast with the boys and we’re off to stroller fitness class. This class is great for me and my kids, as I get exercise and my oldest son generally gets to play with the friends he’s made in the class afterward.

- In the afternoon I generally try to plan something to get us out of the house and that’s somewhat educational each day. Whether it’s a library story hour or a museum trip we’re always on the go. Partially because I’m admittedly not the best at creating in home activities for the boys. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 🙂

- Later in the day we wind down with bath time and then stories. After stories we snuggle, my son Georgie loves a good snuggle as do I.

What’s the story behind U Go Baby Fitness?
I saw a segment on Regis and Kelly about “Strollercize” a little after my first son was born and thought it was a great idea. A group of women are lead by a trainer in a stroller based workout, so they can bring their children with them and get some exercise at the same time. No gym memberships or babysitters required and no guilt about leaving your child with a daycare, especially if they are still really young. I contacted the creator of this program, Elizabeth Trinidad, and was on my way to starting my own business. I got the certification long before I actually started doing classes, I was working full time for a while and got laid off which ended up being a blessing in disguise. I got to spend more time with my son and at that point I had no excuse not to get my classes going. So U Go Baby Fitness was born and I have been running my classes ever since. It’s been a really fun and exciting road.

As a mom definitely struggling with losing the baby weight, what’s your #1 piece of fitness advice?
Find a fitness buddy. I see it all the time in my classes, when people have a friend come with them and know that they’re both going to be in the class once or twice a week it motivates them to get there. It’s much easier to bail on working out when no one else is relying on you to be there. I do it constantly, I plan on going to the gym and then for whatever reason just don’t go. If I plan on meeting someone there for a class or just to ride the elliptical together I don’t want to let them down so I go even if I’m not in the mood.

What should moms do who don’t have a U Go Baby class in their area?
Join a gym with daycare, I know it can be pricey but it’s worth it. You get a workout in and time to yourself, plus the kids get to play with other children and have a good time themselves. It’s a win win.

What’s next for you and your family?
I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing, focus on building my business and the U Go Baby Fitness brand in general, and most importantly, taking care of my family and trying to be a good example for my children. As far as children go, we just had our second son four months ago, Robert David. He’s amazing and I love both my children dearly but I think that’s it for us in the kids department. But you never know… those tiny blue lines could be in my future again. 🙂