Exploring Life & Business with Dana Palko of FIT4MOM Southwest Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Palko.

Hi Dana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We are Dana and Emily, the proud owners of FIT4MOM Southwest Denver. Our stories started much like many new moms — we were looking for connection, support, and a way to move our bodies during what can be a very isolating time. We both joined our first Stroller Strides class in 2020 after our sons were born (fun fact: they’re nearly the same age). It took just one class to realize how special FIT4MOM is.

FIT4MOM became more than just fitness — it became a lifeline. A source of strength. A community that helped us heal, grow, and thrive in motherhood. And now, it’s our honor to share that same love, fun, and support with the moms of Southwest Denver as owners.

Dana was active in FIT4MOM through her second pregnancy and became a Stroller Strides instructor in 2023. Teaching gave her the chance to pour back into the community that once lifted her up, and when the opportunity arose to become an owner, it felt like the perfect next step. She’s passionate about helping women feel strong, seen, and supported. She is dedicated to ensuring FIT4MOM classes are safe, effective, and designed to support the uniqueness of motherhood. When she’s not leading class or wrangling her two busy boys, Dana loves running, hiking, snowboarding, and planning her family’s next big adventure.

Emily joined FIT4MOM in the thick of postpartum — seeking support in the midst of an extremely difficult time in her life (isolation from being a new mom in the pandemic, along with struggles with postpartum depression/anxiety and exacerbated symptoms with PTSD). What she found was more than just a workout… she found healing, community, and a renewed sense of self. As a therapist, Emily brings a unique perspective to supporting moms through both fitness and emotional wellness. Her favorite things include hiking, skiing, solo outdoor yoga, paintball with her husband, hot wheels and LEGOs with her son, and snuggling with her pup.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We are just eight months into our journey as the owners of FIT4MOM Southwest Denver, and like any new adventure, it comes with its share of learning curves. As our community grows, so do we. We are continually learning, adapting, and discovering the best ways to support our community. While we may still be finding our rhythm, one thing is certain… we are deeply passionate and wholeheartedly committed to providing every mom with the best experience possible. Our hope is that every mom finds her village, a place to feel strong, empowered, and reminded just how important it is to care for herself, too.

We’ve been impressed with FIT4MOM Southwest Denver, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading prenatal and postnatal fitness program, providing fitness classes and a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy, through postpartum and beyond, our fitness and wellness programs help make moms strong in body, mind, and spirit.

Our classes are created by moms, for moms and are led by certified prenatal and postnatal fitness instructors. Every class is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of motherhood, no matter where you are in your journey.

Here are some of the class formats we offer:

– FIT4BABY – A prenatal fitness class for expecting mamas who want to stay strong, feel empowered throughout pregnancy, and connect with other moms-to-be before baby arrives.

– Stroller Strides & Strides 360 – No childcare? No problem! These stroller-friendly classes provide a safe, effective workout while keeping your little one close and engaged. They’re perfect for moms looking for self-care and community, all in one place.

– Body Boost & Body Ignite – These high-intensity, kid-free workouts give you time to focus on YOU. Re-energize your body and mind while deepening your connection with other moms on a similar journey.

– Body Well – Empowers moms to grow past what you thought was possible. Our 8-week mom-only program includes weekly workouts, group accountability, nutritional guidance, recipes, and weekly challenges to help improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This transformational program is customized for moms by setting your goals, tracking habits, and working with a dedicated coach.

Beyond fitness, our FIT4MOM community offers a range of special events, including:

– Playgroups and kid-friendly outings
– Mom’s Night Out events
– Meet the Expert sessions featuring local businesses and resources that support families

At FIT4MOM, you’ll find so much more than a workout… you’ll find your village.

Pricing:

• Your first class is free — so why not give it a try? You’ve got nothing to lose and so much community, love, and support to gain!
• Monthly Membership (starting at $69/month)
• Class Pass Pack (starting at $28)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://southwestdenver.fit4mom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit4momsouthwestdenver/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fit4momsouthwestdenver

Image Credits
Provided by Jo Marie Photography

Dana Palko & Emily Camp