Meet-a-Mom, Mariel Pain!
What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, LaGrange, Clarendon Hills Area ?
We really enjoy visiting the Morton Arboretum during every season of the year. We don’t let a Holiday season go by without seeing the Ilumination Tree Lights. You’ll find us running 5k races there…as well as the Daisy Dash in Clarendon Hills every June!
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have four boys: Everett (age 12); Emerson (age 11); Elliott (age 9); and Eagan (age 6). The older boys attend Clarendon Hills Middle School. The younger ones attend Prospect Elementary.
How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/LaGrange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
My husband, Lucas, and I moved to Clarendon Hills from Chicago in 2008 when I was 9 month pregnant with my second son. We made the decision to move to Clarendon Hills based on its close proximity to the Metra & the city, the fantastic public school system, but most importantly the warm, small town vibe.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/LaGrange/CH Area?
One of our favorite places to eat is The Little Creperie. Its a perfect spot to take my sons out for a one-on-one “date” with mom and I love to grab lunch there for a treat. Hands down favorite item on the menu? The California Crepe..absolutely delicious!
You’ll find me swinging by Vintage Charm several times per month for unique gifts or “a little something” to perk up my wardrobe. You can’t beat a boutique with a staff who is so welcoming and helpful, willing to help you find something that suits your style.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I love to combine my love for athletic challenges with the outdoors! In college, I thought I wanted to be a Wilderness Therapist so I spent 70 days in the back country of Wyoming, whitewater rafting and rock climbing in a semester with the National Outdoor Leadership School. While I didn’t go on to be a wilderness therapist—instead earning my MSW and practicing school social work—I still crave time in the mountains and our family makes several trips out West to hit the slopes.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband is a very busy guy, but has always done what it takes to support me and help keep the household running smoothly. He has been patient, loving, involved and my strong foundation since the day I told him I was pregnant.
Since I opened barre3 two years ago, he has stepped it up a notch in helping with the crazy sports/activities after school and on weekends. Lucas understands that ownership of barre3 is a passion of mine and believes its important for me to live a life that inspires joy in me and others: both within and beyond my family life.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am the studio owner of barre3 Clarendon Hills. I opened the studio in 2017 with the mission to bring a culture of good health and empowerment to my community. Barre3 is a full body, low impact workout that combines strength conditioning, cardio and mindfulness. Our classes are designed to help clients feel balanced in body and empowered from within. A barre3 practice will help reduce stress, build strength, restore balance, boost energy, and reduce pain. What I love best about barre3 is the fact that our style of movement is intended for EveryBody—we offer modifications for every posture so that clients can adapt the workout to their body’s needs on any given day.
Another aspect I love about owning a barre3 studio is creating opportunities for community outreach. I have taught many donation based classes to benefit charities such as Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare, Mend a Heart Foundation, Children’s Hospital, Himalayan Cataract Project, and Water for South Sudan. I believe that an important part of living a balanced life involves giving generously to others.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I’ve been a resident of this village for 12 years and understand firsthand that warmth and welcome is what makes this village outstanding. The people here have been so receptive and supportive of my mission to build a barre3 studio community. I taught over 100 community free and pop up classes before opening the studio and it was an amazing way to spread the good word about barre3 coming to Clarendon Hills!
Barre3 Clarendon Hills has some amazing deals for the new year, as seen in the fitness guide. Call the studio for full details, 630-819-5112, or check out the website.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Lawrence, @jenniferlawrencephoto