Each month, we're celebrating a member of FIT4MOM Las Cruces for her commitment to a healthy lifestyle and dedication to FIT4MOM.
This month, we're spotlighting a mom who is discovering her strength at our classes, at Body Well, and at Run Club+! Meet our Mom of the Month for July: Sang Rich.
Tell us about who is in your family!
Naomi (3), David (1), and my husband Dan.
Where is your hometown?
Fishers, Indiana
How did you find FIT4MOM?
I won a giveaway when I was pregnant shopping at Rhea Lana’s consignment when it was still in town. Tori (founder of FIT4MOM Las Cruces) dropped off a gift certificate for a free month of classes on my doorsteps. Turns out one of my bridesmaids had went through FIT4MOM years prior when she had a baby and another mom on our street during their little years! The first time I really got out of the house postpartum (besides pediatrician and doctor appointments) was a FIT4MOM class with my daughter for a mommy/daughter day at Young Park.
What is/was your career?
As a first generation college student growing up with two cultures and parents learning alongside with me, little did I know, I’d stay in higher education supporting other students for over a decade in student support services (think outside the classroom such as: housing & residence life, financial aid, student activities, recreation services, orientation/admissions, academic advising, etc.). I was an Academic & Career Advisor for a majority of it before layoffs came across many universities, transitioned to an Interim Development Director Role at a local women’s non-profit, and now a full-time mom and wife in this season of life.
How long have you been a member of FIT4MOM Las Cruces, and what has it done for you?
A little over 3 years. It’s been on and off with busy schedules but whenever the kids and I had work/school off, FIT4MOM was a blessing! It has given me accountability with my health, community, and so much joy in my life through motherhood! (I wish this was a standard for all moms postpartum.) The built-in activities/workouts/moms night out events/field trips has been incredible for my mental load. My daughter now looks forward to the annual fire station and pumpkin patch field trips with “my mommy’s sporty friends” every year now! There’s something special about being around other moms who authentically show up right where they are, no judgement, and who genuinely love being moms even through the hard stuff - and want to encourage and support those around them.
What is your favorite class? And your favorite exercise move?
This is a hard one! Is Run Club+ considered a class? 🤣 Who else wakes up early Saturday morning with you before your kids and husband is up to run?! Freshly postpartum, Strides 360 was my favorite. Right now, I’m really enjoying Body Well and Body Boost for strength training because it’s an area I have so much to grow in. Exercise move - maybe there’s another name for it but my favorite exercise move is Lateral Heisman Touchdown and Sprint - some of the agility based exercises are so fun!
What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
How much I’d be growing alongside my kids and how much more I’d appreciate my mom. Both my husband and I came from divorced/separated parents and grandparents in some capacity. Two very imperfect and messy people, two very different upbringings, trying to figure it out together. I never knew how much I’d love my kids to fight for them by working through my own inner struggles, and fight for our marriage to try to break some generational chains with hopes it stops right here for a long, healthy marriage.
What are three of your favorite things?
Quality time with my kids, food, going for a drive and listening to my favorite songs.
What is your proudest mommy moment so far?
For awhile, my daughter would not share anything with her brother adjusting as siblings. One day on a car ride, I look in the rearview mirror and see her reaching as hard as she can to try share a little goldfish with her brother. Both little hands reaching in the backseat. Now they both try to share their snacks with each other. Not always but the consideration for each other and the cute little “David! Do you want one? Can I have one? Thank you baby brother!” makes me so proud.
What advice would you give to a new mother?
God has a plan for you and your kids, and you are the best mom for them. He picked you to be their mama for a reason. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, He knew you’d have hard days. Lean on Him. Let people pour into you and pour into others. Have faith. I can’t say it gets “easier”. Each stage has its challenges, but you do get stronger - little by little even when you don’t see the big picture. There’s wisdom and learning in everything you do. The key is to remember to take care of yourself along the way. Like littles needing sleep, food/good nourishment, hydration. When life feels heavy, go back to the basics for you to refuel too. Have grace for yourself. Everyone has a different walk and yours is so unique. Role model for your kids the best you can and enjoy life the best you can with them. You got this mama! We pour out so much as moms (I grew up seeing how much my mom, grandma, and now MIL pour so much out to the expense of their health because it seemed “selfish” when in reality, how you show up for yourself creates a ripple for your kids!) This is why I love FIT4MOM so much! I want to be healthy enough to show up every day for my kids and husband, my friends and family, our community - and if I do a good enough job, hopefully I’ll have as much energy as my grandkids someday to pour into my kids when they become parents too (if they let me of course!) =)
Anything else you'd like to add?
This is by far the BEST investment I’ve done for my health and family. Some of the most incredible women I admire and love being around is right here in this village. I’ve made so many memories I know I’ll look back on with so much joy. SO grateful for FIT4MOM here in Las Cruces!
We are so lucky to have Sang in our village. It wouldn't be the same without her!
