Stephanie Grant
We have a celebrity in our midst here at goPerformance. Stephanie Grant was recently featured on Disney Junior for making history. I had the chance to sit down and talk with her about her family, working out, being a working mom and how she manages to juggle it all.
Stephanie Grant started at goPerformance in January 2017.
Tell me about your journey to a healthier lifestyle?
The first half of my life I was on a diet and worried so much about my physical appearance. I am in my forties now and I have had two kids. I know it’s important to be in good health but the number on the scale doesn’t stress me out. I want to be healthy and active so I can be a good mom to my kids. I want to be able to travel with them and show them the world.
How old are your kids?
My son, Mason, is 5. I have a daughter, Morgan and she’s 21 months old.
You work full-time with two small kids. Tell me about your job?
I have been a pilot for twelve years and I’ve been with Delta Connections for nine years.
You recently appeared on Disney Junior. How did that happen?
Disney actually found me through my website and blog. Back in February of 2009, I was part of the first all African American female flight crew – meaning the pilot and co-pilot were both African American females going from point A to B. As part of Black History Month, Disney reached out to ask if I could come out and shoot a piece about it. They involved my son, Mason. Everything was first-class and a really cool experience.
You work full-time, have two kids, a job that requires travel and an odd schedule? How does it all happen?
Being a working mom, you have to learn that you cannot do it all. I tell people that my name starts with “S” but I don’t have an “S” on my chest. I am not Superwoman. I am okay with leaving some stuff undone to make sure the “right” things happen. Dishes can wait so I can spend time with my kids or take care of someone who doesn’t feel well.
What about the gym? When do you squeeze in time for you?
Well, I try to make coming to goPerformance a priority for me. It is so important for me to take good care of myself. The community at goPerformance helps me to stay motivated and manage my stress. I wish I had a career that allowed me to keep a regular workout schedule but I don’t. I simply make it a priority when I can.
So what are your goals at the gym in the next few years?
I want to be unapologetic in a two-piece. I want to be “fit-curvy”. I do not want to be ashamed of anything that God has created on me. I have had two kids. I am not out of whack – I just need a little work. I want to put on a bathing suit, some shorts and rock it. It’s important for me to keep my blood pressure down. I want to put on some more muscle. And I want someone to look at me one day and say, “You look like you must workout.”
I hear you talking about priorities and managing what is important – career, being a wife, kids and time for yourself. How on earth do you determine what is important when everything seems to be important?
Because I travel, 3-4 days per week, I first make sure that my kids are fed (my husband doesn’t cook). When I am off, my priority is to get them to school and workout. Sometimes, I come home from dropping them at school and just watch a little television – I need a re-charge. It’s important to me that my husband and kids are cared for. Sometimes that is all that I have time for in one day – and that’s enough.
What advice would you give a mom who is on the fence about working-out? As you know moms manage lots of things and so what would you tell her?
Schedule it like you would a hair appointment if you need to. Just go. Take the first step. Make it a priority. There are other things I am giving up to have time at the gym. You have to start somewhere. You have to be willing to just start. Consistency is the key. Getting started is hard but you will make friends. You will meet people with stories like yours. Working out at goPerformance it like having a built-in support system that wants to see you win.
Do you have any “life-hacks” or mom tricks that you are withholding from us?
Well, I have a housekeeper come in every few months and help me get caught up. I take one girls’ trip every year. And wine. I do like a glass of wine.
What’s your favorite cheat meal?
I cannot pass up a good dish of homemade macaroni and cheese.
What do you want moms to know?
You brought a human or humans into this world. That’s a miracle alone. It is okay for you to carve out some happiness, leave things undone and take care of yourself. Most moms don’t get enough credit for what they do at home.
If you are a working mom, we would love to hear from you.
How do you juggle your own fitness and health while keeping a house and career running?
Visit our Facebook Page or Instagram account comment and let us know how you juggle it all.
