RRP: Working at Pike Road Group Fitness and with Plexus, how has your professional background shaped the way you approach exercise and wellness as a mom?
Abby: I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to work in several wonderful environments, including the Montgomery YMCA, Montgomery Country Club, Pike Road Group Fitness, and five years of online training through Beachbody. I now work from home as a personal trainer. Over time, my focus has expanded beyond exercise to include nutrition, gut health, and the importance of supplementing our diets, which ultimately led me to Plexus.
Because I understand the importance of nutrition and movement for overall health, I try to lead by example for my girls. As females, it’s easy to develop negative views of our bodies, so I’m very intentional about keeping negative self-talk out of our home. We live in a culture that constantly tells us we’re not enough or should look a certain way. As a mom of four girls, I’m deeply aware that my words and actions shape how they see themselves. I want them to understand that exercise is a gift; nutrition is fuel, and taking care of their bodies is about strength and health—not appearance.
RRP: Nutrition can be one of the biggest challenges for families. How do you prioritize healthy eating at home?
Abby: I try to start by limiting the amount of junk food that comes into our home. I keep healthier options like bananas, apples, cheese sticks, and yogurt available—though they’d usually choose chips if given the option! With four girls involved in different activities, life is busy, so we don’t eat out often. I cook most of our meals at home and try to make enough for leftovers, especially on busy nights.
RRP: What parenting lessons have surprised you most while raising four preteens and teenagers?
Abby: What continues to surprise me most is how different all four girls are. They’ve grown up in the same home with the same parents, yet each one needs a different approach to discipline, encouragement, and affection. One may crave physical affection, while another needs verbal affirmation. We’ve learned—and are still learning—how to lead each daughter in a way that best fits her personality. Each one is uniquely made, and our goal is to guide them according to how they learn and respond best.
RRP: What values are most important to you and your husband as you raise your girls?
Abby: Our top priority is showing our girls the love of God and leading them to Him. We value time in God’s Word together as a family, often around the dinner table. When questions or situations arise, we try to point them back to scripture. During conflict, we guide them based on how God calls us to treat others—with love, grace, and forgiveness. Faith is woven into our daily life through intentional conversations, worship music in the car, and doing our best to lead by example. And when we fall short, we ask for forgiveness—often.
RRP: How do you encourage your girls to stay physically active through extracurriculars?
Abby: Because they’re all so different, their activities reflect that. Between the four girls, they’re involved in theatre, marching band, cheerleading, show choir, volleyball, and even woodworking. Each activity requires both physical and mental engagement. We talk openly about how nutrition and movement support their passions and how neglecting those things can have a negative impact. Our goal isn’t to force healthy habits, but to teach them why those habits matter, hoping they’ll develop a desire to care for their bodies on their own.
RRP: When parenting feels overwhelming, what helps you reset?
Abby: Parenting is the hardest—and most rewarding—thing I’ve ever done. I make mistakes and apologize often. I rely on a strong community of friends who truly feel like my village. One of the most powerful practices we’ve adopted is stopping in the middle of a hard moment, holding my child’s hand, and praying out loud together. Asking God to help us reset has been a gamechanger for our family.
Rapid Fire Questions
Healthy snack you always keep on hand? Bananas and yogurt
One word to describe motherhood? Sanctifying
Favorite family activities? Camping and hiking
One self-care habit you won’t skip? Drinking enough water throughout my day!
One lesson you hope your kids will always remember? That they are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image.
Abby Ireland and her husband, Chris, have been married for 18 years. They’ve lived in Pike Road for the past 10 years and are proud parents of four daughters: Avery (15), Kinsley (13), Lilly (12), and Cassidy (9).
