Do we have a couple hours?! ? I’m a 31 year old personal trainer, life coach, mom, wife and constant work in progress. I started You First Fitness in 2010 because I believe that self care is the first step in taking care of others. But, it wasn’t (and it’s not) always easy. In 2007, after being away from sports and getting sidelined with a back injury, I was out of shape, eating garbage, and constantly sick. My path to health was rocky, but I’ve learned that fitness isn’t a punishment, it’s a blessing. Nutrition isn’t restrictive, it’s healing. Through the years, I’ve not only grown as a personal trainer, but as a person and business owner. In 2015, I gained not only a husband, Alan, but also a huge life lesson: Cannon Cobb. Having the postpartum experience has completely revolutionized my health philosophy, with a new understanding of priorities and time limitations. I was humbled through my journey of getting back in shape, and while it wasn’t easy, it’s made me a better wife, mom, friend, and coach.

Tell us a little bit about your family and your Boss Mom journey.

My husband and I have been together for 7 years. He’s been one of my biggest supporters, and as an entrepreneur himself he is not afraid of the unknowns that come with owning and running your own business. In perfect timing I found out I was pregnant and left the world of gym training, knowing that I wanted something better for my son and family. The leap of faith was hard and when I considered giving up my business (hello hormones) and going back to a corporate position my husband told me he knew I could do this. It was his faith and me that redirected my path. Now, my son is nearing 18 months old and I’ve been so grateful for the leap of faith and support of my family that’s brought me here: with a 100% online business, my own app and the ability to work from home, with a flexible schedule and time with my son who is teaching me more about life than I may teach him. It’s not been easy but it’s been so worth it.

What are some of your favorite go to meals when time is tight and dinner MUST get on the table?

Huevos Rancheros! Dump a can of salsa, a can of black beans in a pan, bring them to a simmer and create pockets to crack eggs in. Cover until eggs are poached, top with cilantro and bam! Dinner in 15 minutes. In fact, I try to keep all of my cooking to thirty minutes or less and provide my clients with a recipe library to do the same! As mom’s our brains are running 120mph as is so I like to keep that aspect of life as simple as possible!

Where do you go for inspiration?

Boss Mom’s, Brene Brown, Marie Forleo, my spirit tribe, my husband and my meditation mat!

What are you currently reading or listening to (podcasts, books, blogs etc)?

Last month I finished The Universe Has Your Back, You Can Heal Your Life, and The Four Agreements (which made itself to the top of my favorites); This month I’ve read Mindfulness in Plain English and I just started Give and Take (and I’m loving it). I was doing great with podcasts while I was walking but lately I’ve enjoyed the quiet of nature. I read as many of the blogs that the boss mom’s post as possible and LOVE learning from all of you!

What is one piece of business advice that you’d give to a mom just starting out?

Listen to your intuition. As mom’s we are prone to second guessing ourselves, lacking confidence and in general not feeling enough. There is so much power inside each of us we need to spend more time trusting our gifts, our instincts and our intuition. Don’t second guess yourself, reach out to others, be vulnerable, authentic and true to you!

In one word, sum up your life as a Boss Mom.

Abundant!

What are three core values of your business and how do those values relate to your motherhood?

Love, compassion and connection. I not only think they relate to motherhood but they are the soul of it. I want to show my child love and compassion while teaching him to be loving and compassionate towards himself and others! I value my connection with my son and I’m often inspired by how much he teaches me while I’m teaching him. This all translates perfectly to my business because I want to show my clients love and compassion and teach them to be loving and compassionate towards themselves. I’m just as often inspired by what I learn from my clients as they are from me!!

Connect with Melissa Robbins. 

Website / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn 

I have a workbook I created based off of the data I’ve collected through the years about the roadblocks that usually prevent people from living better, happier and healthier and provide readers with ways to overcome them with the tools and resources they already have… inside of them! Grab it for free here.