Meet Lia Montelongo

We were lucky to catch up with Lia Montelongo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

Where I Get My Work Ethic From

Even though I was raised in a single-parent household, I was surrounded by a family of hardworking, blue-collar, middle-class people. My mother would wake up every morning at 5 a.m., catch the train by 7, work all day, and return home around 7 p.m.—day after day, with unwavering consistency and strength.

Though my father was absent, I was always aware of his own dedication and discipline. He served bravely in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart, and later built an impressive career—from working within the IRS to putting himself through law school while working full-time. He went on to become a defense attorney who fought hard and won many cases.

My grandfather also served, in World War II, and afterward spent his life as a proud steel man in Union 710. My grandmother raised their children and even worked as a crossing guard for many years. My aunt and uncle Altman both carried that same drive—my uncle following in his father’s footsteps as a steel man, and my aunt as a talented baker who made the most incredible pastries every Christmas. Her daughters, my cousins, continued that legacy, working in the same bakery for years.

There were never stories in my family about not making ends meet—only stories of perseverance, pride, and progress. Everyone worked hard, built something, and took care of their own.

I am so proud of the work ethic I was exposed to from such a young age. It shaped who I am and continues to fuel the drive and discipline I carry today.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hi, I’m Lia Montelongo, Mrs. Midwest 2026! This June, I’ll be stepping onto the stage at Petite USA in pursuit of the national crown — and with hopes of advancing to compete for Mrs. Universal.

My platform, Mother to Mother Collective, is a heartfelt initiative created to empower mothers across America by promoting the importance of self-care, sisterhood, and support. It’s an extension of both my personal journey and my professional life’s work.

For more than three decades, I’ve dedicated my career to inspiring movement through Barre, Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation. As a lifelong fitness professional, my mission has always been simple: to inspire people to MOVE — not just for physical health, but for emotional strength, clarity, and confidence.

My passion for wellness was born out of personal experience. As a once-struggling single mother, I leaned on movement, yoga, and meditation to navigate some of life’s hardest and darkest moments. Through that process, I discovered my purpose — helping others find healing and empowerment through mindful movement.

Today, I’m proud to continue that mission as part of the Life Time team in Romeoville, Illinois, where I teach and connect with an incredible community. I’m also in the process of expanding my presence online, making my classes and coaching accessible to anyone, anywhere, who’s ready to feel stronger and more connected to their body.

When people ask me, “What’s your niche?” my answer is always the same:
Anyone who wants to move to feel better.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Discipline and Consistency
No matter what stage of life I’ve been in — from being a young fitness instructor to a single mom rebuilding her life — discipline has always been my anchor. There’s something powerful about showing up for yourself every day, even when motivation fades. It’s in those moments of quiet consistency that transformation truly happens.
Advice: Start small and stay steady. Create daily habits that align with your goals, and honor them like appointments with your future self. Consistency will take you places motivation can’t.

2. Resilience and Adaptability
Life rarely unfolds as we plan. My journey has been full of unexpected turns, and resilience allowed me to bend without breaking. Every challenge — personal, professional, or emotional — became an opportunity to rebuild stronger and wiser.
Advice: When setbacks come, don’t rush to “fix” them. Sit with the lesson. Ask what it’s teaching you about who you are becoming. Growth often disguises itself as difficulty.

3. Emotional Intelligence and Connection
In fitness and in life, success comes down to connection — understanding people, meeting them where they are, and helping them feel seen and capable. Emotional intelligence has helped me lead classes, coach clients, and build community in ways that go far beyond the physical workout.
Advice: Practice listening more than you speak. Stay curious about others. Whether you’re leading a team, teaching a class, or raising a family, empathy will always be your greatest strength.

Looking back, these three qualities have not only shaped my career — they’ve shaped the woman I’ve become. And the beautiful part? They’re all skills anyone can build, one mindful choice at a time.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! Collaboration and community are at the heart of everything I do. I’m always looking to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations who share a passion for wellness, empowerment, and authentic connection — especially those who believe in the importance of movement, mindfulness, and supporting women and mothers on their personal journeys.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:
• Wellness brands that align with holistic health, self-care, and sustainable living.
• Fellow fitness professionals and coaches who are passionate about making movement accessible and inspiring for all.
• Women-led organizations and initiatives focused on empowerment, mentorship, and community building.
• Media and event partners who want to feature or host conversations around wellness, resilience, and self-discovery.

As I continue to expand my Mother to Mother Collective and grow my online presence, I’m open to partnerships that amplify the message of movement, mindfulness, and mutual support.

Anyone interested in collaborating can connect with me directly through Instagram @LiaMontelongo or via email at [email protected]. Let’s create something meaningful together that inspires others to move — in body, mind, and spirit.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @LiaMontelongo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiaMontelongo

Image Credits

Self images