UpSpring Baby: Kristen, what do you think is the biggest challenge a new mom has to overcome when she’s starting a postpartum fitness routine?

Kristen Horler: The biggest challenges a new mom has to overcome when she’s attempting to start a postpartum fitness routine is:

1. lack of sleep/fatigue
2. your new baby’s schedule (or lack of)

UpSpring Baby: What role does support and teamwork have in a new mom’s fitness plan?

Kristen Horler: As a new mom, you may feel isolated and alone. It is normal to feel that no one understands what you are going through. Postpartum hormones can often make you feel like you are losing your mind. Having the support of your family and a group of other new moms, such as at Baby Boot Camp, can help calm your nerves, ease your mind and help you improve your figure after only one class.

UpSpring Baby: What was your biggest challenge as you’ve established Baby Boot Camp?

Kristen Horler: My greatest challenge when establishing Baby Boot Camp was trying to meet the health and fitness needs of moms all over the country. I truly had no idea, when I developed Baby Boot Camp in San Francisco in 2001, that there would be such a huge demand from new moms across the country to bring Baby Boot Camp to their community. After 10 years, we are still trying to reach thousands of moms who hungry for our program to be offered in their city.

UpSpring Baby: What has been your biggest reward as you’ve established Baby Boot Camp?

Kristen Horler: The greatest reward for me as I’ve established Baby Boot Camp has been the opportunity to work with such amazing and inspiring women. From our Corporate Team to our Franchise Owners & Instructors, to our Clients nationwide. It is so rewarding to be a very small part of each and every woman achieving something she never thought she could do before being a part of Baby Boot Camp.

UpSpring Baby: What has been the most meaningful testimonial you’ve received from a Baby Boot Camp participant?

Kristen Horler: The most meaningful testimonial came from a Baby Boot Camp participant who later purchased a Baby Boot Camp franchise. She stated that, “Baby Boot Camp has touched her life and inspired her in ways she never imagined. My one desire is that hundreds of other women have the opportunity to experience Baby Boot Camp as a franchise owner to fully realize the joy it has brought to my life.”

UpSpring Baby: If you could give any new mom one piece of fitness advice, what would it be?

Kristen Horler: The one piece of advice I can provide to new moms is to schedule time for you–with or without your baby. Schedule time to take care of your mind and your body and leave the guilt at the door.

UpSpring Baby: If you could give any mom one piece of advice about starting up her own business, what would it be?

Kristen Horler: The best advice I can give a mom about starting her own business is to form a network of other mom business owners. Ask questions and learn from other owners so that you don’t struggle through all alone. The support can make or break the success of your business.

UpSpring Baby: What do you see for the future of Baby Boot Camp as a company?

Kristen Horler: Baby Boot Camp celebrates it’s 10 year anniversary this year and we are excited to roll out a second franchise brand, Karna Fitness. Our sister program targets women who are ready to exercise without their children with small group training classes including Karna Camp: high-intensity interval training, Restore the Core: mat-based pilates and our 12-Week Half Marathon Training Program, which has grown out of Baby Boot Camp’s wildly popular 5K Training Program. We are excited to continue expansion of Baby Boot Camp nationwide and support moms through the transition to motherhood.