Those first few months—okay, maybe years—of motherhood can be a bit of a blur and getting your workout on sometimes falls to the bottom of the pile, right behind date night. But we moms need to make time for our health and these mom-friendly fitness programs are just what the doctor ordered. The best part? You’ll be able to fit back into that LBD (little black dress) when you finally find time for that ever-elusive date night.
photo: FIT4MOM West Seattle
FIT4MOM Stroller Strides
Nationally certified teachers (who are all moms too) lead hour-long sweat sessions through circuit training, lunges, push-ups and squats, often using strollers (with your bambino in it) for balance and support. And whenever the weather’s good, you’ll be moving the party outside! The FIT4MOM programs also offers Stroller Barre, Body Back and Fit4Baby programs—four rockin’ and totally mom-friendly ways to say bye-bye to that baby weight. There are multiple locations offering classes throughout Seattle and the Eastside including the West Seattle location which was a Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Awards finalist and 2016 winner! For complete information including costs, class times and calendars, visit FIT4MOM and type in your zip code.
Bonus: All first classes are free—no better way to check it out before you check into better health!
photo: FIT4MOM West Seattle
Running Evolution
Voted Most Awesome Mom Fitness Program by Red Tricycle Readers in the Totally Awesome Awards, Running Evolution offers moms a place to make time for themselves while getting a kick-butt workout. Beth Baker, founder and coach at Running Evolution and a mom, understands the importance of community and camaraderie (and comedy) when it comes to balancing fitness regimens with the demands of motherhood. Her four-week Couch to 5K program is a favorite for Seattle moms who want to start running or get back into running shape (and you can bring your tots in strollers!), and her Boot Camps and Half Marathon Training programs will have you on your way to Super Mom status in no time—Wonder Woman socks optional. For more info on classes and schedules, visit Running Evolution and click on the “classes” tab.
Bonus: Coach Beth’s Couch to 5K classes (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) start at Green Lake on Jan. 9, 2018 and is only $175. Psst…take advantage of the $25 early bird savings by signing up before Dec. 31, 2017. Starting in February, you can begin a 16-week half-marathon training class aimed at finishing a spring 13.1-mile race. Psst…a Couch to 5K class has been added in Redmond. But these classes fill up fast, so sign up today!
photo: Running Evolution Facebook page
Sync Fitness
Mom and owner Sara Dean has spent countless hours developing her Sync Fitness Boot Camp to give moms the best results physically, mentally and emotionally. Her Boot Camp offers Seattle’s most effective and efficient workouts for moms, combining strength training and high calorie burning cardio into every workout. Sara’s programs have been recognized nationally for their effectiveness and amazing results, and Seattle moms love her too—she is a previous Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Awards winner and finalist! For everyday tips and ideas for the fitness-friendly (or curious) mom, check out her Fit Healthy Moms Facebook page.
Bonus: Major Savings Alert! Sync Fitness offers a free first class! You really have no excuse not to sign up.
photo: Sara Dean/Sync Fitness
8 Limbs Yoga Centers
With locations on Phinney Ridge and Capitol Hill as well as Wedgwood and West Seattle, 8 Limbs Yoga’s Postnatal Yoga classes offer Seattle moms the opportunity to start or continue their yoga practice with their little ones (and partners) in tow. Classes focus on regaining abdominal strength and addressing pain in the back, shoulders and pelvis, all while your tot sits, rolls around or sleeps right next to you. Need to stop for a snack? Breastfeeding is welcomed and encouraged. And guess what? It’s OK if baby cries or needs a diaper change mid-class. Postnatal Yoga is also a great way to connect with other moms in a calm, caring and totally mom-friendly environment. Happy baby, happy mom!
Bonus: The littlest yogi is welcome in this class—babies from birth to one year (pre-walkers are ideal) as well as dads. And the whole fam is welcome in the Family Yoga Workshops. For more info, visit 8 Limbs Yoga Center.
photo: 8 Limbs Yoga Centers Facebook page
YogaMomma
Director and Yoga Mom instructor Jen Keeler has an intense connection to helping moms through her own experience as a mother, teacher and yoga enthusiast. Her popular YogaMoms classes encourage moms of all stripes, from brand-new mamas to experienced teen-wranglers and beyond, to become part of a nurturing and invigorating mommy-friendly yoga community. Her classes, held at the Sunset Hill Community Center, integrate movement, breath work and meditation, focusing on mom-specific issues like core strength, softening the neck and shoulders and alleviating back tension. Psst! Yoga Momma has been a Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Award finalist in the Mom Friendly Fitness category. Classes fill up fast, so enroll now or get on the winter wait list for classes that start the first week of January.
Bonus: Because classes are for moms only, you’ll get at least an hour every day that is kid-free! Breathe in…and out….
photo: YogaMoms Facebook page/Charina Pitzel
EvoFit
Owners, instructors and moms Kylie Kirkland and Sue Austin met over five years ago when Sue, who had cabin fever on her second maternity leave, attended one of Kylie’s fitness classes. Having a similar work ethic, a passion for health and fitness and the drive to make their lives positive examples for their children and the people around them, they made an instant connection and EvoFit was born. EvoFit offers more than your typical bootcamp—it’s a village of like-minded women, welcoming and challenging each other, from the woman who has never worked out a day in her life to the hardcore athlete. Each member uplifts, motivates, and supports one another, so you can evolve into the healthiest, fittest you!
Bonus: EvoFit offers complimentary childcare with their plans and passes. Sounds like a win-win to us!
STRENGTHstudio
Owner and mom Susan Slater-Cotter’s goal at STRENGTHstudio isn’t to open a chain of gyms featuring rows of supermodels on treadmills. Instead, she wants the classes at her Portage Bay studio to be a place where moms (and dads) can gather, network, make friends and get strong while doing it. Her classes are never larger than 20 people (usually more like 2-12 people) and she prides herself on repeat customers who love that no two classes (combining strength, agility and cardio training) are ever the same. We love her infectious energy and personality that makes fitness comfortable and a total blast. Two things every mom wants to hear.
Bonus: STRENGTHstudio was a previous winner of Red Tricycle’s Most Awesome Mom-Run Business and was featured in Daily Candy’s Best Workouts in Seattle.
photo: STRENGTHstudio Facebook page
Fuerte Fitness
For those mamas looking to get noticed, try the Hot Mom Program classes at Fuerte Fitness. The upbeat instructors know when mamas are happy, so are their families. And who can argue with that? Their classes, designed to make you sweat, are taught in a fun and motivating atmosphere by certified personal trainers and they’re never intimidating. Group class sizes are no greater than 10 people (it’s like a group training session!) where as the Hot Mom program consists of three 30-minute private sessions per week for four weeks. Plus, if you just can’t find a babysitter, the family-friendly location in Fremont tells us kiddos are welcome to hang out in the gym while you work towards your hot mama status.
Bonus: There are two convenient locations to get your hot mama status on—Fremont and Beacon Hill. Visit Fuerte Fitness for more information.
photo: Fuerte Fitness website
Mommy’s Fit Zone
This Eastside program designed for moms and tots takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Issaquah Community Center and is taught by owner, Thearany Khy, an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Therapeutic Exercise Specialist. In addition to helping moms boost their energy levels, Khy helps moms get back into their pre-pregnancy shape with their little ones in tow. The interval training system combines strength, cardio and abs and each class incorporates efficient and challenging workouts designed to boost metabolism, burn fat and strengthen muscles. A win-win in our book! The workout program is designed to include parents and tots, so it’s the perfect way to engage with your future athlete. Monthly passes are available along with $12 drop in classes and packages. To view their class schedule, visit Mommy’s Fit Zone website.
Bonus: Your first Mommy’s Fit Zone class is free, so you have no more excuses! RSVP online.
photo: Mommy’s Fit Zone
Other places with a mom-friendly vibe include Barre3, offering classes in Capitol Hill, Roosevelt, Bellevue, Issaquah Highlands, Kirkland, Mill Creek, Ballard, Bellingham and West Seattle; the YMCA (aka the epitome of family-friendly fitness) with its convenient locations throughout Seattle and the Eastside; and Limber Yoga & Wellness in West Seattle which offers a wide variety of classes for all levels and abilities including prenatal and family yoga and beginner and intermediate classes for more advanced yogis.
What’s your favorite mom-friendly workout space or class? Share it with us in the comments below!
— Erin Cranston & Kristina Moy
