Inspiring Conversations with Ophelia Gilstrap of FIT4MOM St. Vrain Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ophelia Gilstrap.

Hi Ophelia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
When my first was born in January 2017 it was both an exciting time and slightly terrifying. being a new mom comes with so many challenges that are often discussed. I was the first of my friends to have kids, so there were some very lonely times. I knew I needed to make so mom friends, people that I could relate to. I started searching for “mommy and me” workout groups and there was FIT4MOM.

It took a few times for me to gain the confidence to attend a class but once I did, I never looked back. I joined right away. Here I found moms with babies the same age, I found friends that were judgement free and encouraging, I was able to be active and still bond with my baby. It was amazing.

After a few months I became an instructor, and within that, I found a passion. I wanted to be there for other moms as best I could. I wanted to provide a safe environment for them, I wanted to help them find their confidence and strength again.

After my second was born we moved to Colorado and my postpartum depression kicked in a full force. It was so hard being away from my community, I felt so alone, plus trying to make friends in the thick of a pandemic was impossible. Then one day I started thinking about opening my own FIT4MOM franchise. I knew this area was lacking in mommy world, there just wasn’t much to do, a serious lack of community. After months of back and forth, I took the leap.

I am so glad that I did because I can see the community in motherhood unfolding. I can see friendships being built , moms are smiling, babies and toddlers are happy, that sense of camaraderie that people look for in a group is happening, and it’s beautiful.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No it hasn’t been. It hasn’t been too rough but trying to get people to come to class is generally tough. We a new franchise in this area, and its a huge area when looking at distance. Many of the moms prefer to stay in their particular city making it a challenge for me scheduling wise. But slowly I am realizing, and becoming ok with the idea, that those who want to be there will be there. The others will come if and when they are ready. I know what this business can do for mothers because I went through it all first hand.

As you know, we’re big fans of FIT4MOM St. Vrain Valley. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
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.

We other a multitude of classes as a nationwide brand but at St. Vrain Valley we are currently offering three types of classes, Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre and Strides 360.

Stroller Strides® is a functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. Each 60-minute workout is comprised of strength training, cardio and core restoration, all while entertaining the little ones with songs, activities and fun! Each Stroller Strides instructor is skilled to meet you where you are mentally & physically. You’ll leave class feeling connected, successful & energized. No more mama guilt! This class is all about self care in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Stroller Barre® is a 60-minute cardio and strength interval class designed to improve posture, stability, and mobility. This workout combines moves inspired by barre, ballet, Pilates, fitness, and yoga to help you regain posture and alignment while strengthening your body from the inside out.

Stroller Barre® will help you reconnect with your body, increase flexibility and develop the core strength needed for motherhood

Strides 360 promises a heart­-pumping workout designed to increase your endurance while also developing speed, agility, and quickness to help you sprint through mom life. Bodyweight conditioning is strategically placed to provide recovery, strength and round out your workout. It’s for any mom interested in a workout that can be as hard as you need it to be on your good days or scaled back on days you’re not sure how you made it out the door! Bring your kiddos with you in the stroller or leave the kiddo at home and come play with your mom friends. Either way, the hour will fly by and leave you energized for the rest of your day!

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I feel that luck has been on my side with my business. Even when things don’t seem to be going the way I had hoped, things always fall into place at the right time. With that I try not to stress too much over the small things.

Pricing:

• $69 a month for unlimited classes

Contact Info:

• Email: opheliagilstrap@fit4mom.com
• Website: https://stvrainvalley.fit4mom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit4mom_st.vrainvalley/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIT4MOM-ST-VRAIN-VALLEY-106037558278372
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fit4mom-st-vrain-valley-erie?osq=fit4mom

Image Credits
All photos are from Pura Vision