Stamford’s Shanae Briggs knows what it’s like to be a new mom, in the dead of winter, without someone to share mom stories. “Five years ago I was alone all day, it was cold and I was stuck inside. I knew I had to do something before I lost my sanity.” She discovered Stroller Strides, begged the owner for a job, and committed 100 percent, the next year even buying the franchise—Fit4Mom Fairfield County. Now she offers young moms four classes—Fit4Baby, Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, Body Back—in addition to hosting Mom’s Night Outs year-round.
Don’t let the classes’ catchy names throw you. These are intense workouts, designed to get women ready for labor and back in shape once baby arrives. All feature cardio, core work, strength training and endurance building while providing the companionship and friendship new moms crave. Modifications are given for every exercise, so beginners through seasoned exercisers are welcome. So if you have a baby on board, no need to skip the workout. Any of these are worth a try.
Fit4Baby
“During my first labor the doctor said, ‘Find your abdominals and push,’” Briggs remembers. “I had no idea where my abdominals were, plus I was exhausted.” At Fit4Baby, women discover their abdominals, so they can dig in and push their baby out. Each class also emphasizes body balance, important as baby grows. Classes: The Little Gym of Darien, Mondays, 6 p.m.; Coastal OB/GYN Yoga Studio, Stamford, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Stroller Strides
Not a walk in the park but a total
fitness program that mom does with baby. It’s power walking, speckled with intervals of full-motion strength exercise and body toning; songs and activities with baby are woven throughout. Classes: Stamford Town Center, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, Mondays–Thursdays, 10 a.m., Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.; Sono Field House, South Norwalk, Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Fridays, 9:30 a.m.
Stroller Barre
Classes feature cardio bursts and muscle engagement, but tiny movements—taken from Pilates, ballet and barre—are incorporated into the routine. Again, baby takes part. “We are also providing a legacy, teaching our children early that exercise is fun,” Briggs adds. Classes: Stamford Town Center, Fridays, 9 a.m.; Sono Field House, Thursdays, 10 a.m.
Body Back
For new moms, no babies allowed! Intense exercise is paired with suggestions on how to turn internal self-talk from negative to positive. “You will push your body to places you never thought possible,” Briggs promises. Classes: Coastal OB/GYN Yoga Studio, Wednesdays and Fridays, 5:30 a.m.