Sweat It - newyorkfamily.com - April 28th, 2011

Sweating It- Fun Classes For Moms Who Want To Focus On Fitness

By Cristina Pastor
With summer just around the corner, chances are you’re looking for new ways to jump-start or simply spice up your exercise routine. Here’s a list of unique workout classes that will work wonders on your body—whether you’re an expectant mom, a new mom or a longtime veteran of mommyhood.

Dasha Wellness

This whole body health center’s popular Mat Pilates Class is a great choice for moms of all ages and fitness levels. The class is designed to re-strengthen the core, focusing on proper breathing and correct spinal and pelvic alignment with a concentration on smooth, flowing movement to ensure lean and lengthened muscles. Dasha offers Mat Pilates as well as Reformer Pilates, which incorporates resistance training and is perfect for practicing with a friend.

Exhale Mind and Body Spa

Exhale’s Core Fusion Boot Camp delivers a solid, full-body workout, combining the slimming effects of cardio with the toning power of strength training. Using core balls, weights and a mat-based abdominal series, the result is a highly-challenging cardio program. Participants will experience body-shaping results like lean abs, sculpted legs and a tighter derriere, as well as an incredible boost in stamina.

Fitnotic

Fitnotic’s most popular classes for moms are the Baby Belly Boot Camp and the Hoopnotica Hoopdance. Founder Sheryl Wilson, describes the Baby Belly Boot Camp as a “challenging, effective and fun” total-body workout for moms. The class combines cardio drills and resistance exercises with a focus on core strengthening and stabilization. The Hoopnotica Hoopdance is perfect for those looking for a fat-burning workout that will keep them having fun while toning their muscles.

Karma Kids Yoga

The Mom & Baby Yoga class integrates yoga and play to get participants into shape while strengthening the bond between moms and their infants. This program is ideal for babies from six weeks old to those just starting to walk, according to Shari Vilchez-Blatt, founder and director of Karma Kids Yoga. Experience flowing asanas, challenging postures and calming restorative time in a playful and safe environment. Baby Yoga exercises help to strengthen growing muscles, aid in digestion and promote better sleeping patterns. Dads are welcome, too!

Amplitude Vibration Studio

This Upper East Side hotspot is ideal for moms on-the-go. Amplitude’s window-lined studio offers a 20-minute workout on vibrating plates (trust us on this one) known to boost bone density. The vibrations—which you encounter through exercises like squats and hamstring stretches—also tone your muscles without damage to your joints. For the adrenaline junkies out there, you can also sign-up to use their anti-gravity treadmill, which allows you to run at a percentage of your body weight.

Soulcycle

For moms seeking more of a challenge than pre- or postnatal yoga, SoulCycle just might be the ideal workout, says Gabrielle Etrog Cohen, director of public relations. This lowimpact, high-energy bike ride takes the pressure off the knees and, for expectant moms, reduces any bouncing that might affect the baby. Riders can engage in arm and back exercises as well as intense core strengthening.