Creating an Uplifting and Empowering Space for Moms

July 18, 2024 FIT4MOM x JoAnna Zapata

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it’s not without its challenges. Many moms experience self-doubt, isolation, and struggle as they adjust to the demands of caring for their families. Finding support during these times can be life-changing, and for moms like JoAnna Zapata, it was nothing short of transformational.

JoAnna, a mother to 8-year-old Leo and wife to Manny, found herself navigating the complexities of postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) when she first stumbled upon FIT4MOM. It was an unlikely moment—during one of those middle-of-the-night nursing sessions, she saw a Facebook ad for a free Stroller Strides class. What happened next would alter the course of her life forever. "Something, pretty sure it was fate, pushed me to sign up for it. That single decision was completely out of my comfort zone, but it changed my entire life," she recalls.

JoAnna didn’t want to leave the house or her baby at the time, let alone try something as daunting as a fitness class. “I struggled with my weight my entire life, had ZERO confidence, and only ever felt defeated after a workout,” she says. But something about that free class gave her hope. By the end of it, she knew she had found not just a workout but a community of moms who understood her journey and struggles.

“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life,” JoAnna explains, quoting what has become a personal mantra. “SPOILER ALERT: It changed my life completely.”

The Power of Community

Within a year of joining FIT4MOM, JoAnna had gained a newfound sense of confidence. This confidence made her a certified instructor, helping other women feel strong and empowered through fitness. “Once I taught my first class, there was no looking back. I had found my passion—motivating women through empowering (AND FUN) workouts,” she says.

However, JoAnna’s journey wasn’t without its trials. Over the next five years, she faced infertility, miscarriages, the sudden passing of her mother, and PTSD. Yet, through it all, her FIT4MOM community—her village—remained a source of light. “Not only did they help me find my spark again, but they showed me that what we do is so incredibly important and that FIT4MOM is truly much more than just a workout,” she reflects.

FIT4MOM became a lifeline, providing JoAnna with the support she needed during her darkest times. The community wasn’t just about fitness but connection, resilience, and emotional strength. “My mission is to not only help women find their strength and their people but to make sure they know just how important and cared about they are,” she says.

Growing a Village

In 2022, JoAnna’s journey came full circle when she purchased the FIT4MOM Frankfort franchise where she had once been an instructor. “Owning FIT4MOM Frankfort is truly a gift and everything I could have imagined,” she says. Over the past two years, JoAnna and her team have built a thriving community, quadrupling in size and growing their impact across Frankfort. From collaborating with local businesses to hosting fun events, FIT4MOM Frankfort has become a cornerstone for moms seeking both fitness and friendship.

“It’s near impossible to describe just how inspiring the FIT4MOM Frankfort village is,” JoAnna says with pride. “It’s made up of Expecting Moms, First Time Moms, Moms of Littles, Moms of Big Kids, Moms of High Schoolers, Moms of Adult Kids, Fur-Moms, and Plant Moms! (All are welcome!) These women are the strongest, the kindest, the smartest, the coolest, the most resilient—the list goes on and on.”

JoAnna’s experience shows just how powerful a supportive community can be in shaping moms' lives. What started as a leap of faith during a vulnerable moment grew into something that gave her strength, joy, and purpose. Today, she leads by example, showing other moms that they, too, can find a community that uplifts and empowers them.

As JoAnna puts it, “Day in and day out, they come together with a shared goal of taking care of themselves while also lifting each other. They support one another through the highs and lows, with many laughs.”

Her advice to other moms? Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and seek out that supportive group. Because when you do, it truly can change your life.

FIT4MOM® is honored to be named to the Top Low-Cost Franchise List from Entrepreneur Magazine for 2024. This honor is a testament to our company’s unique business and the opportunity we provide moms to successfully and seamlessly combine entrepreneurship with the demands of motherhood.

If you want to become an entrepreneur and own a local business, we invite you to learn more about our franchise opportunities. Created by moms for moms, FIT4MOM is more than just a workout. We are a village of moms who build connections, empowerment, and strength in motherhood nationwide. Join our village of Franchise owners and create a community for moms in your neighborhood while building a successful business with your kids by your side.

Moms need a village, and it starts with you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STARTING YOUR OWN FRANCHISE

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