Mom Fitness Meets Community
FIT4MOM x Christina Maril x Ophelia Gilstrap
When Ophelia Gilstrap became a mom, she didn’t expect her career path — and her heart — to take such a powerful new direction.
Just six weeks postpartum with her oldest son, Liam, life threw her a curveball. “The company I worked for closed, marking the official start of my stay-at-home mom journey,” she remembers. “I knew I needed to get out and find connection, because spacing out my errands each day just wasn’t cutting it.”
So she searched for something local and stumbled upon FIT4MOM Irvine in Orange County, California.
“I was honestly so nervous to try a class,” Ophelia says. “The owner at the time had to be pretty persistent to get me there! I totally assumed the moms would be like the Real Housewives of Orange County and that I wouldn’t fit in.”
But what she found was something entirely different.
“I found real women, in all seasons of motherhood, all looking for the same thing: community. It instantly felt like home. I drank the Kool-Aid and was all in.”
From Nervous New Mom to Inspiring Instructor
A few months later, Ophelia took her love for FIT4MOM a step further — she became an instructor.
“I loved every minute of creating classes, leading moms, and helping build a space where everyone felt they belonged,” she says. “That’s where my passion really ignited.”
In 2020, her family — husband Jimbo and sons Liam (8) and Grady (6) — moved to Colorado, leaving behind the community that had shaped her motherhood journey. “It was hard,” she admits. “But in 2021, I took the leap and opened my own FIT4MOM franchise.”
Now leading FIT4MOM St. Vrain Valley, Ophelia has created a thriving community rooted in connection, movement, and strength. “It’s been incredible to watch not only my own growth but also the growth of a community that truly needed this kind of support.”
What She Loves Most About FIT4MOM
For Ophelia, it’s impossible to choose just one thing.
“There isn’t one singular thing I love about FIT4MOM — I love it all. From the workouts to the community and everything in between, it’s the perfect blend of strength and support. What makes us truly special is what we represent: empowerment, connection, and the reminder that every mom is stronger than she knows.”
Ophelia's Favorite Dumbbell Combo Moves
When it comes to her workouts, Ophelia loves moves that deliver big results — especially for busy moms short on time.
Here are her go-to Best Dumbbell Combo Moves:
Squat + Overhead Press
A total-body powerhouse. The squat strengthens your lower body — glutes, quads, and hamstrings — while the press challenges your shoulders and core. Together, they mimic everyday movements like lifting a child or carrying groceries, helping moms move through daily life with more ease and power.
Reverse Lunge + Bicep Curl
This combo fires up your legs, glutes, and biceps while improving balance and stability.
Deadlift + Reverse Fly
A beautiful blend of posterior chain and upper-back strength. The deadlift strengthens your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, while the reverse fly opens up the chest and targets postural muscles — essential for anyone spending hours nursing, holding, or carrying littles.
Curtsy Lunge + Lateral Raise
This combo challenges balance and hip stability while sculpting the shoulders. The curtsy lunge tones the glutes from new angles, while the lateral raise builds shoulder strength and posture support.
Renegade Row
A single move that checks all the boxes — upper body, core, and stability. Holding a plank position while rowing each arm builds serious back and arm strength while firing up the deep core muscles.
Front Lunge + Upright Row
This movement combo connects lower and upper body power. As you lunge forward, your legs and glutes engage; as you rise, the upright row strengthens your shoulders and traps.
Sumo Squat + Goblet Press
The wide stance of the sumo squat targets the inner thighs and glutes, while the goblet press adds a core and upper-body challenge.
“I love these moves because they’re efficient, functional, and empowering,” she explains. “Combo moves give you more impact in less time — perfect for busy moms who want a full-body challenge. They build strength, coordination, and confidence all at once.”
Leading with Purpose
Today, Ophelia not only leads her local village but also serves on FIT4MOM’s Pro Team and Franchise Advisory Council, helping shape the future of a company that has meant so much to her.
“FIT4MOM has truly changed my life,” she says. “It’s not just about fitness — it’s about connection, purpose, and helping moms rediscover their strength in every season of motherhood. Leading this village has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life, and I’m grateful every day to pour into something that builds women up from the inside out.”
Want to Try It for Yourself?
FIT4MOM offers classes for every stage of motherhood, led by instructors who truly get it—because they’ve been there. If you’re curious about how good movement can feel when it’s built for your body and your life, we’d love to meet you.
Find your local FIT4MOM village and get moving with us.
We’ll bring the workout. You bring your beautiful, messy, real mom self.
KEEP MOVING WITH US!
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