How do new moms manage to get back in shape? I’m honestly asking. My son is 15 months old, and I’m still trying to figure it out. I’ve always considered myself to be athletic, even agile. Sports were a big part of my youth. Before having a baby, I ran regularly, practiced yoga and played recreational softball and kickball. I sometimes wondered how my body would adjust to being pregnant and if the recovery would be challenging. Now I know. Yes, recovery is challenging!
I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a mom and for all the priceless moments that my husband and I have shared with our baby. If my shape remains different than it once was, that’s okay. That sacrifice is more than worth it. However, I want to be the best wife and mom I can be, and that requires energy. I recently heard Rachel Hollis, author of Girl, Wash Your Face and motivator behind the Last 90 Days challenge, refer to working out as “creating energy.” Wow, that is a great way to describe it. I may not feel like exercising, but heaven knows I need to create energy to continue this journey. When I work out two or three times a week, I’ve noticed I can power through my days without the aid of an afternoon coffee, plus I’m more productive.
The hard part over the last year has been finding a baby-friendly place to work out and establishing a course of action. Well, let me back up and admit that it didn’t even occur to me to look for a baby-friendly class or gym until recently. I was limiting my self-care time to the few hours a week that my husband could care for Mav, and I used most of those opportunities to take a shower or better yet take a nap. Occasionally I would be fortunate enough to go to a yoga class on Saturday morning or work through a video at home, but in all honesty, I could probably count those accomplishments on one hand. At least that was the case before I heard about a summer class called Balance Baby.
Balance Baby was offered at Balance Health + Body in Owensboro this summer and fall. The class catered to moms, allowing us to bring our little ones to the studio. Krista Clark led the interval training class and was happy to hold a baby while giving instruction. She lived in Louisville for a time, and went to a similar class there. That group of women became her mom tribe. Krista would love to help build that kind of community here in Owensboro. Count me in! Look for her winter session of Balance Baby to start soon.
As I write this, I realize that I need the accountability and community of a class to work out regularly. Oh, and child care. So I checked around town and to my surprise, found several gyms that can accommodate my needs. No more excuses! This year, exercise will be a part of our weekly routine. I want to show my son how to live a healthy life. I want to lead by example. Moreover, I want to be able to keep up with him!
YMCA
900 Kentucky Parkway 42301
650 Chuck Gray Court 42303
owensboroymca.org
Y Wee Care (6 weeks to 10 years) is a free service for members, up to 2 hours.
Morning and afternoon hours available at both branches
Balance Health + Body
1700 Frederica Street, Suite 102 42301
3830 Hwy. 54, Suite 303 42303
balancehealthandbody.com
Follow on Facebook and Instagram for weekly Kid Care schedule ($2).
Look for Balance Baby to return this winter.
Iron Jungle
105 Carlton Drive 42303
facebook.com/ironjungle24hrfitness
Child care (6 months to 10 years) is a free service for members.
Morning and afternoon hours available
Women Only area plus kids exercise class
Owensboro Christian Church Recreation Center
2818 New Hartford Road 42303
owensboro.cc/recreation
Child care open 8 to 10:30 a.m. Monday – Friday and 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Cost is $2 for 1.5 hours, $1 for each additional child, $1 for an additional hour per child
EDGEFiT / Edge Body Boot Camp / Iron Edge Gym
4036 Frederica Street 42301
facebook.com/edgefitsportsandfitness
Child care (5 months and older) at EDGEFiT for all three locations
Morning and afternoon hours available
Healthpark
1006 Ford Avenue 42301
owensborohealth.org/healthpark
The Playpark (6 weeks to 12 years) is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday
Day pass (up to two hours): $3.50
Monthly pass: $33 for the first child and $18 for each additional child
12 visits in one year: $38