Where Moms Go To Exercise

Well it’s the start of a new year and that means people everywhere are making resolutions, most of which have something to do with exercising more. I’m not big on making resolutions, but I do generally make it a focus to eat healthier and exercise more after a gluttonous Christmas season. So, I figured this would be a good time to share my list of the best places moms (and dads) can go to get a workout…kids in tow.

Nothing like trying to exercise at home with the munchkins

Mom and Baby Bootcamp

First and foremost I have to talk about Kate Laird and her ‘Mom and Baby Bootcamp’. I really can’t say enough good things about this woman and her class. This January marks exactly one year since I started working out with Kate, who is a personal trainer and yoga instructor. I started going twice a week when my second child was 9 months old, and I’m only sorry I didn’t hear of Kate’s class sooner.

Some of the awesome moms working out at Kate Laird’s class

What first attracted me to Kate’s class was the fact you can bring children of any age. Some of the other classes I was finding and attending seemed aimed at moms and young infants, but I had a crawling baby and a toddler on my hands. Kids of all ages are welcome at Kate’s bootcamp. The young babies can stay in a stroller, car seat, on a blanket, or in mom’s arms if need be.  Older kids are welcome to crawl or run around playing with toys or joining in the exercise.

My daughter Rowan loves to join us on the rowing machine
Kate taking care of the babies while kicking our butts

I also like that you can do drop in with this class. I go to every class, so I have no problem signing up for them all but I totally understand how hard it is for a new mom to commit to a same time every week.

Most importantly, I love how challenging Kate’s class is. I’m an athlete (at least a former athlete), and I am looking for something that pushes me. Kate’s class is exactly that. The class is a combination of strength and cardio, and it never fails to leave me in a sweat. With two young kids, and a husband doing his medical residency, I don’t get a ton of time to exercise (other than chasing the kids). So when I get a chance to work out, I want to work! This class has also given me an opportunity to meet so many other wonderful moms, who I can now call friends.

Kate’s class runs Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30-10:30 at Crossfit 1855, on Lapierre near the Canadian Tire on Carling.

For more info check out Kate’s Facebook page

Dovercourt Mom and Baby Programs

Dovercourt Recreation Centre in Westboro is another wonderful place for postnatal fitness. There are so many different options for classes including aqua fitness with your baby, TRX and core conditioning with baby, spin and core conditioning with baby and Anna’s Extra Special Mom and Baby Variety class.

Anna’s class is the one I have attended and enjoyed. Anna is Dovercourt’s Fitness Coordinator and Prenatal and Postnatal Expert. She is fun, vivacious and supportive with two kids of her own. Her variety class incorporates TRX, Bosu, Weights, Cardio, Dance, and Circuits.  Moms and babies of any age and ability are welcome, although I did find most of the children were on the younger side. I would usually put my son in the ‘kindercare’ child minding Dovercourt offers while going to class with my infant daughter. Depending on the day, I didn’t find Anna’s class to always be the toughest workout, but it is a lot of fun and especially great for moms just getting back into exercise post birth.

For more info on Anna’s class and the other postnatal fitness options offered, visit the Dovercourt page

Fitness With Jules

Jules Hilliker of ‘Fitness with Jules’ is probably the best known postnatal fitness instructor in Ottawa. When I first moved to Ottawa and I was pregnant with Rowan, my family doctor highly recommended her classes. I, unfortunately have yet to make it to one of Jules’ classes. Her times and locations have just never quite worked out for my current schedule. However, I have a number of mom friends who swear by her. Jules is a passionate trainer, who inspires me through her social media posts!

Fitness with Jules offers ‘mom and baby gym’ classes in Orleans and the Glebe. In the spring and summer she runs a free parent and baby stroller class. And there’s also a free indoor stroller class offered throughout the winter months on Tuesday mornings at St.Laurent shopping centre. I am determined to try one of Jules Hilliker’s classes in 2017.

For information on all the classes she offers visit http://www.fitnesswithjules.com

Fitmom Ottawa

Fitmom is a popular exercise franchise, with operations across Canada. The Ottawa chapter is run by Susan McDonald. Sue offers both prenatal and postnatal indoor fitness classes, as well as an outdoor stroller fitness class in the warmer spring and summer months. The indoor locations are in New Edinburgh, Old Ottawa South and Ottawa West. There is one class a week offered at each location.

For more information check out the website for Fitmom Ottawa

Barre Fitness

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you could try barre fitness with baby! This fun baby wearing class is offered at Inside Out barre studio on Wellington, near Island Park. The class works to incorporate as much of a regular studio barre class as possible in 60 mins while you wear your infant in a carrier. To learn more visit http://insideoutstudios.ca/baby-wearing-barre-ottawa/

If you like the idea of a barre class, but your child is to big for ‘baby wearing’, then you can also try The Dailey Method Barre and Cycle on fifth avenue . They offer child minding while parents can take part in a class that combines Pilates, yoga, and ballet barre training.

You can find their website at http://www.thedaileymethod.com

3 COMMENTS

  1. Olivia Burke | 14th Sep 18

    hello dear,

    thanks for this important topic. it will help me.

    • emilycordonier@gmail.com | 15th Sep 18

      You’re very welcome!

  2. Ms. Laura Impey | 17th Sep 18

    Hi, thanks for your nice article. I am a yoga mom and trying to get my toddler yoga too. There’s lots of easy mom and baby yoga classes and poses but it is hard to do that yoga practices when you have to deal with your newborn baby. So, practising yoga with your baby you might need few things to make your yoga time flexible and enjoyable. please keep sharing articles like this in future. Thanks

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