HI friends!

Wow it’s been a while since I’ve sat down to write a blog post. I’m feeling a little rusty to be honest! While writing has always been a passion of mine, it’s definitely fallen on my priority list since becoming a mom. However, whenever I do make time to write it feels so good! Especially if I know that what I’m writing about can benefit someone else out there.

Background Story

As you may know, or not know, my husband and I are owners of a fitness studio, called Studio K-Fit here in Redwood City, California. In addition to personal training, we offer our signature small group workout called K-FIT HIIT; a high-intensity cardio class.  Participants have the choice of doing a 30 minutes or 60 minutes option (K-FIT HIIT 30 & 60) We’re the only studio in the Bay Area that offers a low impact, high-intensity cardio class utilizing both the Water Rower and the Airdyne Bike. What I love about these classes, bias aside, is they can be modified for practically anyone at any fitness level. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of running. Professionally, I’m still not a huge fan because of all the strain it puts on your joints. After I became pregnant, it gave me a good excuse to stop running, but I didn’t want to lose my cardio stamina either. The Water Rower and Airdyne Bike were the perfect equipment for me; and with some modifications during the core segment, I was able to continue working out up until my son was born.

Once I was cleared by my doctor postpartum, I jumped back into K-FIT HIIT classes. Working out during those early months didn’t pose a problem, because I could just bring my son along with me (perks of being a Studio owner) and he would sleep during it. As he got older, and he started staying awake longer, I was presented with a new set of challenges. My once easy going baby no longer could sit through a class without needing something from me.  Plus, our Studio is not designed to be “baby friendly”. Although we are the owners (and can essentially do what we want), I didn’t want to be inconsiderate to our clients who come to the studio to escape the craziness of their lives. Many of them are parents themselves, so they’ve dealt with their fair share of child meltdowns. There’s a time and place for everything… but I quickly realized I had to find an alternative to bringing Gio to the Studio.

Enter Fit4Mom.

I heard about Fit4Mom through a non-parent friend who had another parent friend with a baby born two weeks after Gio. She told me that their Stroller Strides class was held down the street from her house and that I should check it out.

My first Stroller Strides class I attended, my son was about 3 1/2 months old; and it felt like an accomplishment just getting out of the house on time! The class begins with a warmup together, introducing ourselves and our babies, and sharing a fun fact about ourselves.  Then, the group splits off into two smaller groups…those who are walkers, and those who are runners. I chose to walk and followed the other mamas to another location in the park where we would complete a strength set. The only equipment we use during class are resistance bands and yoga mats. The instructors do a really great job of utilizing park benches, sidewalks, fences, basketball courts, walls, and fountains to perform our exercises. For example…doing step-ups on a park bench, or pushups off a sidewalk curb.  It’s all about being creative.

We usually complete four or five strength stations around the park, and work our cardio in by walking or running to each station. All the while, the babies are getting the royal treatment. Not only do instructors lead the mamas, they also entertain the kids! At each station, instructors will either sing nursery songs for the babies, read a book aloud, or when babies get fussy and cry, they’ll rock/push the stroller back and forth so the mom can finish her exercises. It’s a full on show!

At the end of class, we’ll circle up and lay out our yoga mats to do a few core exercises and stretch. Kids are required to stay in the strollers for the duration of the class for their own safety and for the safety of others. However, sometimes if kids are getting fussy at the end, instructors will let them come out during stretch time, with the caveat that the quality of the mom’s stretching will be affected. It’s cute to see toddlers try to imitate their mamas; they just want to get in on the workout too! 🙂

In addition to the workout, there’s scheduled activities for the kids after class each week. Some of these things include arts and crafts; like making a sensory bag, finger painting, or making play dough. Other activities include story time at the library, meeting at a coffee shop, or a trip to the playground. This is what makes Fit4Mom truly unique and special in my eyes. They go beyond building a fitness empire, to building a strong community of moms. Their slogan, “strength in motherhood” couldn’t be a more perfect description of the values and ethos which they embody.

*It should also be noted that this group is totally breastfeeding friendly! As a new mom, I was nervous to go out places when I knew my plans would overlap with when I had to feed Gio. That’s what I love about this community, they just get us! They know that we have other priorities and that being a mama always comes first!

Honestly, there was a period of a few months when Gio and I couldn’t make it to class, because he was taking his morning nap at 9:30am. Some moms may not find that an issue, but for me personally, I knew that I would be stressed out if I didn’t let him nap, so  that was a sacrifice I had to make.

Overall, I can not recommend Fit4MOM enough. I’ve met so many wonderful moms through class, and Gio’s met lots of new friends! It’s something we look forward to each week, and Gio really enjoys watching me exercise. He’s been known to even laugh when I’m doing pushups, burpees, or jumping jacks. I still have yet to figure out if he’s laughing with me, or at me….HA.

If you live in the Bay area – Fit4Mom has locations on the Peninsula, San Mateo, Fremont, and Danville. Gio and I personally attend class at Burgess Park on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at Burton Park on Fridays. If you attend one of those classes, come say hi! We’d love to meet you.

Anyone can try their first class for free; just go to: sfpeninsula.fit4mom.com. 

Sara and Michele, the Owners of Fit4Mom SF Peninsula, were gracious enough to offer a special discount especially to Mrskfit readers.

*For 30% OFF the Body Back Transformation program, use code: TRANSFORMKFIT.

*Use code: F4MKFIT to receive an unlimited Stroller Strides and Fit4Baby pass for $75/month. 

 

All smiles at our morning workout!

Gio hanging with his friends Ander and Everly

Jordan and I started Stroller Strides around the same time and our babies were born only two weeks apart!

 

 

Thanks for reading and keep on, keeping on mamas!

XO,

Angie