Our Meet a Mom series continues with Dagmara Lometti, local Westchester mom and the woman behind Dagmara Lometti Fitness! This fit-minded mama made a name for herself at Barry’s Bootcamp and Rumble Boxing in NYC (with regularly sold out classes!) and now she runs her own successful personal training practice right here in the Sound Shore. Although she has a laundry list of certifications, notably she is a prenatal and postnatal fitness specialist. Dagmara had her first child, Blake, in 2019, so she knows first hand how much your body changes during pregnancy, labor and postpartum – and she can provide you with the tools and training to be your strongest self before, during and after baby. Read on to learn more about this inspirational mom, how her business did (or didn’t!) change during Covid, and what she loves about our corner of Westchester.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I’m originally from Germany but grew up in NJ. My husband and I moved to Mamaroneck 2 years ago.
How did you decide to settle in the Sound Shore?
My husband’s parents lived in Scarsdale so that’s originally where we settled when we moved out of the city. We knew that side of Westchester really well, but I had a number of clients who lived in the Sound Shore area so that’s how I started to become familiar with it. My husband and I are huge fans of the water and when I got pregnant knew this was the perfect place for us.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have an 18-month old daughter, Blake. She’s such a happy, bundle of energy.
What do you love about living in the Sound Shore?
There’s so much to love! Although I no longer commute into the city, the commute from Mamaroneck was always fantastic for my early mornings and late nights training clients and teaching at Rumble Boxing. There’s also so much to do here, I love being able to walk to the sound and sit at the beach. The parks in the area are fantastic for kids. There are tons of great restaurants as well, so it really feels like you have everything right at your fingertips.
What are your go-to restaurants and shops in the Sound Shore?
Our Sunday morning tradition is getting croissants from La Parisienne (Larchmont). We’re also big fans of Lusardi’s and Coriander in Larchmont. Pre-COVID we’d go out to Village Social (Rye) for casual date nights or La Panetiere (Rye) for nicer occasions. Our Mamaroneck go-to’s are Red Plum for their amazing sushi and Mister Chen for the best soup dumplings that I can’t seem to ever get enough of.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
We are a very outdoorsy family so any chance we get to be outside, we are. We really enjoy heading to the Marshlands Conservancy, Harbor Island and Manor Park on weekends or we drive further north for some more intense hiking.
How do you spend “me time”?
Oh this is a funny one. There hasn’t really been much “me time” since COVID started, we’re still very much social distancing. That being said, when I get time to myself I love to go out on runs, especially here in the Sound Shore where you have the water in the background. When all else fails a facemask and a good book usually do the trick.
How did you get into Fitness + Personal Training?
I had attended a medical high school, was pre-med in college and had always been drawn to helping people. After college, I abandoned the idea of medical school because I didn’t like the direction I saw the medical field moving in (rushing through clients, losing that personal feel, etc). I briefly worked as an analyst at a commercial real estate firm while trying to figure out my next move. Having been an athlete my whole life, I loved working out and building my own programs. Originally two of my girlfriends who were getting married had asked if they could workout with me to get ready for their weddings. I didn’t think much of it and designed fun programs for us to all sweat, have a good time, and get fit in the process. Both of my girlfriends ended up looking amazing at their weddings and were soon telling other friends how they got in shape. When those friends started to reach out I had an ah-ha moment that I could pair my athletic background and love for fitness with my pre-med knowledge and a personal training certification and actually make a difference in people’s lives. I haven’t looked back since and continue to pile on new certifications and specializations so I can provide the best possible service to my clients.
Do you specialize in a particular type of fitness or training?
I am a pre & postnatal fitness specialist focusing on improving core strength, mitigating common pregnancy pains and injuries, preparing for childbirth and then safely expediting postpartum recovery. I am also a Corrective Exercise Specialist, figuring out my clients movement compensations, strengths, and weaknesses and design my programs based on that information to make them most effective and efficient. Additionally, I offer a variety of personal training options from strength training, run coaching, and boxing.
What’s your favorite type of workout?
I love strength training and running. My ideal mix up is 2-3 days running and 3-4 days of strength training with 2 full days off.
How has your business been affected by COVID-19?
I have been very fortunate that COVID hasn’t really impacted my personal training business. During the last month of my pregnancy (August ’19) I switched all of my NYC clients to virtual training and only saw my Westchester clients in person. I had not gone back to in person training sessions in NYC yet so when COVID hit, I was already virtual training most of my client base and only had to switch over my Westchester clients. The only thing I have not gone back to due to COVID is group fitness at Rumble Boxing.
What’s your favorite part about owning your own business?
The unlimited possibilities for growth and pivoting directions as I see fit based on my clients needs. I also love that it allows me more flexibility with my schedule so I can still be a stay at home mom. Being in control of my personal training business also allows me to work more closely with my clients than I would in a traditional gym setting. For example, with my pregnant and postpartum clients, I like to work closely with their doctors to ensure that we are addressing any issues that might come up during pregnancy or after whereas the experience in a bigger setting is just building a fitness routine but not necessarily taking into account the numerous personal health factors that come into play.
How do you juggle motherhood, parenting and owning your own business? Any tips for keeping it all together?
It’s certainly been a challenge! Prior to becoming a mom, scheduling and rescheduling was much easier. Now I obviously have a little one to factor into the equation. Luckily Blake is so easy going and loves to watch me train my clients. She’ll sometimes come over and watch the session and chime in with “bupees” (burpees) or “good” and “go”.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
You don’t have to give up your identity to be a good mom. You can still be a woman with a career and be a good mom. It’s something I worried about before Blake was born but I’ve come to realize that you make it work and you learn how to balance the difference aspects of your life so that you feel like yourself but with this beautiful addition to your life.
Learn more about Dagmara and Dagmara Lometti Fitness. Follow her on IG @dagmaralometti