At five weeks postpartum, I was desperate to get out of the house with Luke. I scoured the internet in search of a new mama group. Maybe these mamas would open up about their struggles with their first born? I longed to get some burning questions answered from women who had been there, done that.
In order to safely exercise, I would need to wait until I was six weeks postpartum. I respected this rule, but thought to myself - “What if I just go to watch or socialize?” When I submitted an inquiry to Fit4Mom, I received a response right away. An instructor who would become a friend, encouraged me to come to the end of the Stroller Strides class to socialize with the mamas. When I arrived at the end of class, the babies and toddlers were out of their strollers playing in the grassy area. Straight away, the mamas welcomed me and wanted to meet Luke.
I made an instant connection with the instructor and a few mamas. I couldn’t wait to go to my first Stroller Strides class the next week as a new member. For the first time since Luke was born, I felt like I belonged somewhere. These mamas “got it.” My body and mind were still recovering, but being outside in the fresh air with like-minded women made me feel liberated.
Shortly after arriving at my first class, Luke got very fussy. I had to stop in the middle of a station to feed him, but to my surprise, no one minded! In fact, another mama came to check on me to make sure I was doing alright. In between stations, we power walked or jogged laps to keep our heart rate up. It was the perfect time to chit chat and build friendships with these strong mamas.
Today, I’m proud to be an active member of the Fit4Mom Falls Church Vienna Fairfax squad. Even if I’m having a rough start to the morning with my baby, I know after I physically get out of the house and to class I’ll be a happier mama. As some of the mamas say, “the hardest part is getting out of the house.”
It’s nearly impossible to leave a Fit4Mom class without a smile on your face. The mamas in this group want to support one another, laugh with you, share struggles, make friends, and have an amazing workout with baby in tow. Instructors keep the workouts engaging and new for mama and baby. If your baby is crying in the middle of a workout, the class is flexible enough that you can take a break with your little one for some cuddles.
Looking to join? Search for the Fit4Mom group near you. “The first class is always free!”
Written By Lindsey Hollaar