It’s a Tuesday afternoon at 12:45pm at CrossFit Orillia. As you walk in the door you hear crying and wonder, did I go in the wrong door? Is that a grown up crying? What’s going on in here!
As it turns out, it’s a Mom and Baby fitness class where moms can get a little time to dedicate to their fitness routine, and still bring the little one along for the ride.
Roxanne Collins, a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and Birth Educator started the program because she wished she had something like this when her girls were born.
“I had myself in mind when creating this class. We have had members bring their babies in the past to regular classes, but they often feel self conscious if their baby starts crying… But moms don’t mind at all, so why not have a whole class for moms.”
She then went on to explain how the class is tailored to women who are postpartum.
Drawing on her background as a birth educator, she’s able to make adjustments to workouts to be inclusive for all.
“Any new person who joins our gym has questions, concerns and more often than not, insecurities. We try our best to help answer those and to create as welcoming and inclusive environment as we can” says Matt Spencer, owner CrossFit Orillia “and new moms have their own unique concerns”
“Will my baby cry the whole time? Will I be able to breastfeed her? Will I be able to do the movements? Will I pee?” were some of the questions one participant later expressed that she was pondering.
“All is fair game.” he goes on to say. “We want people to feel as welcome as possible. We know it’s hard enough to get into the gym, so we focus a lot on removing as many obstacles as possible to help people either return to an exercise routine, or start a new one.”
And let’s not forget the obvious - working out takes energy, of which moms are often in short supply.
“As an exhausted Mom of two, the thought of doing a full blown workout a couple times a week was intimidating. But I am so, so happy I decided to go for it! I didn’t realize how much I needed these mom and baby classes.” writes one of the particpants.
“One of the things we try to get across to all people is that regular exercise actually improves energy levels. I know this may seem counter productive, but it’s true - an object in motion, stays in motion” states Spencer. “After class, I always feel like I can be so much more productive with my day, I feel better both mentally and physically, and sleep better. Getting an hour of activity in twice a week, and feeling like part of a community, has been the best thing for me.” Says another.
So what does a typical class look like?
“Coach Rox expertly guides you through each exercise, physically demonstrates, provides a few variations for different levels, checks-in, and provides feedback throughout. She is motivating and offers positive encouragement. I know I am getting stronger and healthier, feeling better, and more confident with each workout, all thanks to this incredible program and group of strong mamas!”
“One of the things we want people to know is that we’re here to help.” Says Spencer.
“We want people to look beyond the exercise and focus on the benefits of regular movement.” “Our bodies are designed to move, and when done so in a safe, effective manner, there have been studies shown that this can improve the outcomes of postpartum women, and especially help with depression, anxiety and mental health that can be vulnerable in new moms.”
“Sometimes just knowing they have something to look forward to each week and a group of moms that are going through the same struggles as them helps immensely.”
CrossFit Orillia’s Mom and Baby classes are Tuesday and Thursdays at Noon. No prior fitness knowledge or background is required.
Any inquiries can be directed to [email protected]