Fitness classes where moms can bring their kids
Beth Kichel, center, leads participants in Stroller Strides fitness classes at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville. Credit: Ed Betz
It seems like getting back in shape is on everyone's to-do list this month.
For stay-at-home moms, the challenge is harder, since many fitness centers don't have day care facilities.
Here are some fitness classes that cater to moms by incorporating infants (sometimes toddlers, too) into exercise sessions.
Baby Yoga
WHEN | WHERE 1:15 p.m. first Tuesday of the month (next session Feb. 2), Long Island Center for Yoga, 107 E. Main St., Babylon
INFO 631-893-5445, longislandyoga.com
COST $15
The yoga center's baby-friendly class involves yoga poses and Pilates moves to relax and strengthen the body. Kids ages 1-3 participate in the moves, which are sprinkled with rhymes, songs and massage.
Stroller Strides
WHEN | WHERE Several sessions are held weekly in Hicksville, Kings Park, Long Beach, Massapequa, Roslyn, Westbury and other locations
INFO strollerstrides.net
COST $15 per class or $65 a month for unlimited classes
The national franchise is practically a phenomenon. Moms tuck little ones (ages 6 weeks through toddler) into their strollers and set off on group fitness classes that involve power walking, stretches and quick bursts of aerobic exercises that add up to a bona fide workout session. Beth Kichel's group, which meets at 10 a.m. weekdays (except Tuesdays) at Broadway Mall in Hicksville, has added a monthly Zumba session that incorporates Latin dancing.
Also, in Deer Park, Stroller Strides Suffolk County celebrates its grand opening at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday with a free class, live entertainment and refreshments at New York Sports Club, says owner Stephanie Klein (455 Commack Rd., 888-451-4948).
Strollates
WHEN | WHERE Begins week of April 5, continues through October, Fab Pilates, 57 W. Main St., Babylon
INFO 631-321-1040, fabpilates.com
COST $18 a class
Love Pilates? Have baby? Fab Pilates' "Strollates" fitness class is geared toward moms who want the best of both worlds. The program, conducted mainly outdoors, is appropriate for stroller-age children. The group meets at the studio, then power-walks to a park for a 20-minute Pilates mat class before power-walking back to the studio.
'Bugs' class
WHEN | WHERE 11:45 a.m. Fridays, Feb. 5-June 18, The Little Gym, 2C Soundview Marketplace, Port Washington (516-944-8346, tlgportwashingtonny.com); also offered various times at locations in Merrick, Sayville and Smithtown
INFO thelittlegym.com
COST $432 for 19 weeks
Although The Little Gym's "Bugs" class is intended to be more of a workout for the babies, moms (or dads) get their own exercise in during the 45 minutes of lifting, holding and guiding their infants (ages four to 10 months) through basic tumbling, stretching and aerobic exercises. Songs, bubbles and other play complete the kid-friendly vibe.
