Superhero of the Month – Janice Loboda
Congratulations Janice Loboda! You are definitely a superhero!
Team Mo and I chose our SUPER HERO OF THE MONTH based on several important factors that we believe reflect the values on which the Mo-Mentum Fitness world-class culture has been built upon.
Mo-Mentum’s Core Values include:
- Mindset for Growth, constant never ending learning….if you’re not growing you’re shrinking
- Over deliveron all we do
- Tribewe all need an incredible tribe!We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.
- TransparencyWe believe in honesty and being transparent
- Vitality- we believe in living vibrantly and all out!
I met Janice Laboda a little more than a year ago. Team Mo and I chose Janice out of several other applicants for our 2017 Summersational Challenge. We could “hear” Janice’s determination to start making time for her own body, mind and spirit through the words on her application.
Janice took on the Summersational Challenge and made incredible changes. She continued to get stronger, to clean up her eating, to lose fat, gain muscle and to become even more incredibly VIBRANT.
If you knew Janice before AND after she joined Mo-Mentum for over a year, you would definitely notice how much more tone she is today. You would see the fat loss, muscle gain and the strength gains she’s worked hard for. What you might not be able to “see” in Janice’s “before and after” is that Janice is now as happy and fulfilled on the inside as she was on the outside when she joined Mo-Mentum.
Janice is a high performing human. Just like the rest of Mo-Tribe. High performing women and men are people who perform their best in all areas of their lives whether they are CEO’s, stay at home mom’s, community volunteers and beyond.
Wonder women like Janice, continue to produce and show up for all of their responsibilities. They take care of their children and work hard at their jobs. High performers continue to perform at high levels even though on the inside they are exhausted, frustrated, feel less confident in their own bodies and their abilities and they are no longer fully enjoying their lives. High performers, when they are struggling inside, continue to smile on the outside.
A VERY common problem for high performing people is that they can defer their own self-care by not “having enough time” to exercise, to eat clean, to sleep the appropriate amount of hours their bodies need and to just take time to rest and enjoy their lives.
It takes courage to ask for help and that’s exactly what Janice did. Today Janice is vibrant and happy from the inside out. She is one of the most welcoming, positive and gentle spirits at Mo-Mentum Fitness. Her energy is both contagious and calming. She is a source of strength and inspiration at Mo-Mentum and we are so grateful she is part of Mo-Tribe! Janice you are a true Wonder Woman, super hero! Thank you for being you!
Amanda Mittleman, Owner Mo-Mentum Fitness
Q & A
Meet Janice, Mo-Mentum Fitness’s Superhero of June! She definitely is a superhero!
Describe what your life (and your health) was like before fitness
“I began competitive skating when I was around 7, and competed until I was 15. I wasn’t passionate or even excited about skating in the beginning; it began as physical therapy for my left leg, which turned in when I walked and I tripped myself when I ran. Yes…I was “that kid” who was picked last for sports and dreaded field day. I skated every day after school and every weekend. During the summers, I was there bright and early for hours. My leg got stronger, I became better, and by the time I stopped, at age 15th, I was a regional champion and 4th in the nation. After skating ended, I would exercise, but not consistently. I joined gyms, off and on, over the years, but didn’t really know what I was doing when I was there. I have consistently walked throughout the years for exercise and stress relief, but never really pushed myself.”
Was there ever a low point or an experience that made your priorities change?
“Yes. Some back story…I am married to an incredibly supportive husband and we have 2 great kids; both kids have their own set of unique challenges and we have worked hard as a family to help them achieve their potential. However, I spent so much time/energy/focus on helping them overcome obstacles, that I failed to recognize that they were becoming stronger and more capable, and that my efforts were inhibiting their growth. I spent so much time focused on them, that I failed to recognize my own need to grow, change, and thrive.
“In February 2017, one child got sick (and I missed a week of work), then the other one got sick (and I missed a week of work) and then I got sick and missed a week of work. I was feeling very frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted. I realized that I needed to make a change and to take better care of myself. “
How did fitness come into your life (back into your life)?
“I came across the posting by Mo-Mentum Fitness for a chance to win a spot in the Summer Sensational Challenge. I remember furiously typing away on my phone about all the reasons I deserved to win that spot in the challenge. I honestly do even remember what I wrote that day, only that it was raw, honest, and a HUGE step for me to actually acknowledge that I have needs and that I needed help. The team at Mo-Mentum chose me…and this has been the start of something beautiful, often disguised as a sweaty mess.”
What kind of results have you seen since starting a regular fitness program?
“I didn’t seek out fitness to lose weight, improve blood work, or fit into a smaller size (although all of these things have happened). I needed to learn that putting my needs onto the list of important things that need to get done each day is not selfish, but necessary.
Amanda’s positive message has replaced the negative self-talk in my head. It is easier for me now to “get out of my head and into my vision”, and when I started to create a vision, the things that I wanted for myself grew. I now have a career when I am inspired and respired. I am able to enjoy the time with my family more, but I have taken care of myself. My children see me as strong and focused with my own needs and interests.”
Why do you make fitness a priority in your life?
“I make fitness a priority in my life to ensure that I stay strong and healthy so that I can live my best life. Exercising also helps with my mental health and lets me put my anxiety and worries aside and counteract any negative self-talk with evidence that I am indeed strong. The culture at Mo-Mentum is so encouraging that I stay motivated even on rough days.”
How do you feel compared to 1 year ago?
“I feel truly happy and at peace after I have worked out with my tribe. I feel relaxed and calm and am more present with the people in my life.”
SPECIFICS? JOB? AGE? CHILDREN?
Age: 48 ½ (but forever 27 on birthday burpee day)
Spouse and kids:
Married to Greg, children Nicky (13), Katie (10)