{Photo credit: John Haynes Photography}
Continuing our I Am A Twin Cities Mom series, we’re welcoming Erica Hoese, a wife, mother of three, Fitness & Wellness Coach, Natural Figure Competitor, author, and speaker. Erica’s been in the health and fitness industry for six years, and it was four years ago that she had her third child and realized she’d lost a piece of herself to motherhood. “I was at a point where I didn’t even recognize who I was anymore.”
In 2015, Erica wrote an eBook of her journey. She just recently launched it to be picked up by a publisher with plans on naming it after her tagline (as of now) Lift, Love, Mom, Repeat. The eBook features a 30-day fitness and nutrition guide and self-love practices, where she shares her journey, interviews other moms on their journeys, and includes some family-friendly recipes.
If we peeked in your purse right now, what would we find?
I actually don’t carry a purse… I used to put so much extra stuff in it that I downsized to a passport wallet (my gym bag, however, is another story). So I only carry the necessities. Two things that I carry in there besides the “typical things” are a little paper heart and a fake dollar with the saying, “Thank you for everything that I have received in my life.” Both things remind me to give daily gratitude every time I open it.
Why do you call the Twin Cities home?
I grew up in South Dakota and attended college in Minnesota. I had intentions to move to the east coast because I love the ocean, however, I met my husband in college and he owns a dairy farm… so I didn’t get too far, ha! I’ve been here now for 14 years and I absolutely love it. I guess the state of 10,000 lakes will do 😉
What’s been the greatest joy of motherhood?
Watching my kids grow and being a present mom. They’re nine, seven, and four, and each one has their own personality and interests, which is fun to see them change as they get older. I would also say that my oldest son is in soccer and I love being “the soccer mom” and cheering him on at his games.
What’s been the greatest challenge of motherhood?
Honestly, getting my kids to do chores around the house (my husband says I let them off the hook too easily, but maybe it’s because I’m a little bit of a control freak). I would say creating boundaries around screen time as well.
How do you hope your life influences and/or inspires other women?
Women are powerful– helping them know how valuable they are and helping them appreciate themselves. We are the cornerstone of our families, whether you stay at home or work out of the home, we are powerhouses and we don’t give ourselves enough credit for all that we do. More times than not we tend to put our family’s needs first, which leaves us putting ourselves last. My hope is to encourage and equip women to care for themselves in all aspects– mind, body, and spirit and live life according to their terms. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary. Being a mom is only a piece of what we do and I want to help others recreate that connection with ourselves that we may have lost.
{Photo credit: Adrianna Marie Photography}
Twin Cities Favorites
Date Night: bowling, concerts, Twins games, anything outdoors. For us, it’s making an effort to connect and be present with each other no matter what we end up doing.
Entertainment: I love movies and I don’t watch a lot of TV, so it’s a real treat when I can do that.
Shopping (for YOU!): My wardrobe consists mostly of workout clothes, and I order a lot of things online. I like Athleta and Flabletics.
Relaxation: massages, nature walks, or sprints on the treadmill (yeah, I’m the weird one that likes running indoors), and of course my fave, which is lifting.
We love having the opportunity to share the personal sides of local Moms of the Twin Cities! If you would like to recommend another local Mom you think should be featured in our I Am a Twin Cities Mom series, please email us at info@twincitiesmomsblog.com.
