Fit4Mom with Kids Who Aren’t Old Enough for School Yet
Over the past few weeks, most of us moms have been busy packing lunches and backpacks and putting the kids on the bus with a kiss and a wave. But there are some moms who aren’t quite there yet. I’ve had two of my three in school for a few weeks now and am just waiting for the little guy to start already. Mama’s got stuff to do! I’ve forgotten what a quiet house actually sounds like. It’s been six years since I haven’t had a baby at home with me, so the thought of having all three children in school for all five days for the first time ever is more than exhilarating. It’s ecstasy. Just think how much time I will have for workouts now! (insert laugh or eye roll- both are acceptable reactions).
When you have a little one at home, it’s particularly difficult to get that much needed me-time. I know that I am a better parent when I have had the chance to clear my head with a good sweat. That’s why this workout is so awesome! Fit4Mom is a class that moms can do with or without their little ones in tow. It’s perfect for women with kids that are too young to go to school or who aren’t in school full time (or, in my case, who haven’t started the school year yet). Getting a workout in without having to find (and pay for) child care is a win for everyone!
Last March, Anna Evans brought Fit4Moms to the area with Fit4Mom Upper Main Line. There has been a Fit4Mom in Philly for some time but to have one out here is absolutely necessary. Moms juggling nap time and feedings need convenience.
Anna is one of the sweetest, most supportive women I have come across. Originally from England (where she was a sports TV producer and reporter for major soccer and rugby teams) and then Texas, Anna moved to the area (West Chester) in 2016. At that time, Anna had her second child (who is now 6 and seen above, lunging with mum) and was experiencing the lack of postpartum care in the fitness industry. So Anna set out to change that. She became a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. And in 2021, Anna purchased a brand new Fit4Mom franchise and began building the community here.
For the past 6 months, Fit4Mom has been helping so many women on the Main Line get active, gain confidence, build strength and make friends, all while being supported during a challenging time. I wish I had this program when I was a new mom, or even a veteran mom with a new baby. There are many difficulties moms with newborns face and getting back out there is one of them. Finding child care is another. Fit4Mom is a wonderful solution for it all!
Anna offers an accepting environment where all are welcome and no judgements are made. You are late to a workout because the baby had a diaper situation just before you got in the car (we’ve all been there)? No worries. Come when you can. “On some days, getting the kids out the door can be enough of a workout!” (I overheard this in class and couldn’t agree more).
Your baby is fussing during the class? Again, no problem. Anna does what she can to help ease crying babies or entertain toddlers so mom can get her workout done. I’ve witnessed Anna rocking several strollers back and forth at the same time to sooth the babies inside them. She’ll make sure the babies are able to see their moms working out to help calm them.
Your postpartum body isn’t allowing that move today? Do not fret. Anna offers tons of modifications with every exercise. Anna’s training and experience equipped her with plenty of knowledge to understand what might help or be harmful for a woman who recently delivered a baby.
Over the summer, when Anna’s own kids were home from school, she had them entertain the toddlers who managed to wander away from the strollers during the class. This parachute always comes out mid-class, just when the kids are starting to squirm.
Your older “baby” hasn’t started school yet or isn’t in school full time? Again, no problem. You can bring your children of all ages and stages. And whatever they do is A OK! My three year old son loved coming to class with me. He started in the stroller but quickly got out to run, mountain climb, skip, ladder hop and do jumping jacks with me… and he loved every second of it! And, so did I! I felt like we were doing something good for both of us… together. And we’ve missed out on those special mommy and me classes because of Covid.
Stroller Strides is the class that I attended at Wilson Farm Park and takes place on Wednesdays at 9:30 am. This 60 minute class is a total body workout that incorporates strength, cardio and core, all while your child is in the stroller (or not!). Anna utilizes different parts of the park, which makes the workout interesting. And wherever the group goes, there is always a shady spot for the babes. Anna brings along resistance bands and the agility ladder. A yoga mat is recommended for core work and stretching at the end.
Fit4Mom also offers a few other formats. Strides 360 is a more advanced, endurance based class with lots of speed and agility work. This class can be done with or without a stroller. Strides 360 is held on Tuesday mornings at Brookside Park in Newtown Square. Body Boost is a newer format and is a kids-free workout. This mom-only time is spent on cardio, strength and core conditioning with a ten minute meditation at the conclusion of class. Body Boost will be available through Fit4Mom UML in the late fall. Anna is still working on the updated fall schedule, which will include more classes and will have an indoor location for when the weather turns. Be sure to check the Fit4Mom UML website for schedule updates.
During the last phase of class, bubbles and coloring occupy the kids. So when the sixty minutes are up, the little ones usually will continue the fun while the moms (and Anna) chat. Wilson Farm Park has several awesome playgrounds so it’s inevitable that you are going to spend time there if your kids are old enough to say “Mommy! swings!”.
After class, I spoke to a few Fit4Mom regulars who have been doing this workout for a while. Valerie, a new mom of a 9 month old, comes to Fit4Mom once a week. Valerie attributes Fit4Mom to getting her out of the house after her daughter was born and giving her confidence to exercise again. She can see the difference in her body and feels stronger every week. The environment Anna has created is comfortable and accepting and that’s why Valerie keeps coming back. Valerie has enjoyed meeting other moms in the area through Fit4Mom. Liz has a 2 year old and a 4 year old, and she has been bringing them with her since she started with Anna back in March. Liz said her kids love to be part of their mom’s workout. Liz is a nurse and enjoys spending time with her kids on her days off while doing something good for herself at the same time.
Anna offers several membership options that range from $70-$90 a month and include equipment. She also has a 10-class package for $180 or a drop-in fee of $20. “Everyday Heroes” (health care professionals, educators, first responders and military) receive a discount to attend Fit4Mom. In addition to the workout, “Our Village” is a post-class playgroup which includes moms night (or day) out and expert workshops on such relevant topics as mental health, pelvic floor recovery and nutrition. Our Village does not require a membership and is available to everyone. Your first class at Fit4Mom is always free and you should sign up online ahead of time. Mention this article when you are purchasing a membership and Anna will waive the registration fee.
Fit4Mom Upper Main Line is one of those classes where you come for the workout but stay for the community. And for that, we have Anna Evans to thank!