The day we received the keys to our very first home was the day I found out I was pregnant with our first child. We were so excited to start a new life in Orange County, but I also felt nervous leaving our community in Los Angeles, especially at this time of life when we knew we’d need a village.
My daughter’s arrival was full of adventure, as shared in an earlier post. The postpartum journey was really difficult and I was still finding my network in our new town. I was extremely lucky to have family visit during the first few months, but the last trip was coming to an end, and I was already starting to feel alone.
When my daughter was nearly two months old, I started googling ‘exercise classes with babies.’
I saw a few YouTube videos and baby gyms turn up, not quite what I was looking for. I then saw the words “Mom Workouts – FIT4MOM” and clicked into the site. It was an older site, not the one that we see today. A schedule was posted of different workout classes, but with no description of what each was. I clicked on the “contact us” button to try and learn more. After a few emails with the owner of the Irvine/Tustin group, I decided to go for it. There was a “Stroller Strides” class happening at the park that was walking distance from me – this particularly appealed to me, as I hadn’t quite got the confidence to drive with my daughter in the car yet!
Nine AM one morning, I got ready to go. I put my daughter in her UppaBaby Bassinet and headed to class – my mom and dad by my side. It was their last week here, and I needed all the moral support I could get. I met with the instructor, said hi to a few moms, gave nods and smiles, and we started class. As we did a round of introductions, I noticed that most of the kids were older. My little girl was the youngest by far. A few of the moms seemed to know each other already – side conversations happening while we went round the circle, few inside jokes and giggles, that others weren’t privy to.
I watched them and longed for that friendship during these tough times.
The class wasn’t particularly difficult; it was just nice to get my body moving again – some stretching, walking, few jumping jacks and the like. Thankfully, my daughter slept through all of it. The movement must’ve helped. At the end of the class, the instructor, who also happened to be the owner I’d been emailing with, asked me how I liked the class. I felt exhilarated!
It was so nice to be out of the house, doing something for myself, and meeting other moms.
It was mid-May and I still had a few months left of my maternity leave, so when she asked if I wanted to sign up, I didn’t hesitate at all. My parents walked towards me; even they looked refreshed after getting some California sun and air! As we started to leave, my little girl stirred. I felt a tingle in my chest, and also realized it was time to return to my nemesis (the pump). Since becoming a mom, and having to be an exclusive pumper, I realized this was the first time I had actually forgotten about my pump schedule, something which usually haunted any outing.
When my husband got home that evening, I excitedly told him about the class. I looked up the schedule for the next day – it was at another close-by park, but I would have to drive there. I would have to drive there, I thought in my head. I’d never driven with my daughter before. I’d have to leave a little early. What if my daughter slept longer than usual? What if she had a blowout during class? What if she cried getting into the car? What if I was gone longer than expected and she needed a feed, but I didn’t have a bottle with me. What if I had a bottle and it spilt?
All of these thoughts ran into my head and I quickly began to regret that morning’s decision. “What had I done?” I thought. I feared it was too late to change my mind and felt uneasy the rest of the night.
I woke up the next morning feeling nauseous and filled with anxiety. I didn’t want to go to class.
I didn’t think I’d make it in time, and I felt so nervous every time I thought about the what ifs. It was my dad who gave me words of encouragement and strength. He reminded me of how I felt the day prior – how energized, how he saw a glimpse of the “old me.” The “pre-mom me” who thrived on making new friends and taking on new challenges (so much so, that I’d moved countries twice!).
So off we went, to the next class.
It was at a park I hadn’t been to yet, and I realized this was going to be a nice way to explore more of my local area – each class is at a nearby park, none of which I had actually been to before (except for the first one). I met a few new people at this class, and while my little girl was awake during half of it, she looked around in awe at her new surroundings, and sat contently in her car seat.
My parents left a few days later. It was really hard seeing them go, not knowing when I would see them again (unfortunately due to COVID, it ended up being four years). This was also before remote working was the norm, so with my husband gone at work all day, I was alone with my little girl.
FIT4MOM saved me.
I created a routine, I went to classes most days a week, I felt stronger, I got a summer tan, and I made my mom friends – mom friends who are now, five years later, some of my closest friends. My village.
Three months later, while I was ready to head back to work, I was sad to be leaving my morning workouts. I remained a member, and instead switched to the Strides 360 classes on Saturday mornings – I could bring my little girl, get more of a cardio workout, and still feel social with fellow moms.
I eventually added in mom-only evening classes to my routine.
It took me a while to feel comfortable enough to leave my husband solo for the bedtime routine, but the first time I did, I felt that rush again. It felt incredible to be out of the house in the evening – working out, doing something for myself, gossiping with other moms, relieving myself for an hour from mom and work duties.
I felt somewhat free.
It’s been over five years since that first class, and now, with two kids, and a full-time job filling up most of my time, FIT4MOM continues to be my savior. I returned to those morning workouts during my second maternity leave, and while I’ve given up taking my two kids to the Saturday classes, I’ve dedicated two evenings a night to the small group personal training now offered, often adding in a Saturday morning (solo) class too. At the end of class, we often spend a few minutes with some meditation.
It’s always a little stressful getting to evening class – the manic rush of school pick up, dinner, and baths, before my husband takes on the final stretch of bedtime. Having to be out before 7am on Saturday mornings always puts a little damper on Friday night.
But during those few minutes of meditation, is when I breathe. I stop.
I listen to the meditation, usually words to ask us to think about our accomplishments for the week and the reminder of the gift we are giving to ourselves for taking this time out. I feel proud. I feel strong. And I feel so thankful to have had the chance to build my village with these mamas. Thank you FIT4MOM. I am truly grateful for what you have given me.
FIT4MOM offers pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. Programs were created by moms for moms to provide Strength in Motherhood. If you are interested in joining, find out more here. OC locations include Irvine/Tustin, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley & Huntington Beach, Anaheim Hills/Orange, among others.
A variety of FIT4MOM classes are offered, but my favorite are:
- Stroller Strides – a total-body workout with strength, cardio, and core training, all while engaging the little ones in a stroller!
- Strides 360 – Increase your endurance and speed to sprint through mom life! Come play with your mom friends, with or without the stroller, during this heart-pumping workout that will energize you for the rest of your day!
- Body Boost – a mom-only workout that is challenging, empowering, and energizing. By combining cardio, strength, core training, and meditation, you will leave this workout refreshed and recharged for all that comes with motherhood.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Moms Morning / Night Out events! Fun mom-only activities like paddle boarding, pool nights, spa days, holiday potlucks, and more! A fantastic way to make friends, let loose, and just be you.