10 Things to Do Before Your First FIT4MOM Class

10 Things to Do Before Your First FIT4MOM Class

April 20, 2023 FIT4MOM x Jessica Maurer x Mindy Hayward-Hauck

Hi, have we met yet?

We’re FIT4MOM, and we help you find your village. While we offer pre- and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood, we’re so much more than that. Created by moms for moms, FIT4MOM provides Strength in Motherhood® through connections—between you and us, the love you give yourself, the bond you form with your littles and the friendships formed with fellow mamas.

Over 20 years ago, Lisa Druxman, a new mom pushing her little boy through the neighborhood, turned a simple stroll into something extraordinary. She recognized that many women like her were navigating postpartum bodies while yearning for the camaraderie and wisdom that only other mothers could offer. This realization sparked a vision of community, leading to the creation of Stroller Strides—a gathering of mothers focused on fitness, recovery, and shared experiences.

What began as a personal journey evolved into FIT4MOM, a nationwide movement and a haven for mothers at every stage. Lisa’s vision of a supportive community blossomed into a space where moms can thrive personally and professionally while building lasting bonds and memories with their children. FIT4MOM is not just about fitness; it's about connection, growth, and holistic well-being for mothers everywhere.

Mindy Hayward-Hauck, the owner of FIT4MOM Upper Arlington, OH, remembers her first Stroller Strides class well. She says “I found my local Stroller Strides class when my son was 16 months old and I was newly pregnant with my daughter. I remember rolling up to the class with my little guy in his stroller, 12 weeks pregnant, and totally nervous about what I was getting myself into. Was I going to be able to do all the exercises? Would my son stay content in his stroller? Would they think I was silly starting in a new workout group when I was pregnant?

Luckily, none of my fears came true! The instructor was great about giving me exercises I felt comfortable doing while pregnant, my son LOVED all the interactions and getting to see the other kiddos, and the other mamas were the kindest and most accepting group I had been around. Stroller Strides immediately felt like home to us.”

We know that everyone feels a bit nervous before attending their first class with us (by the way—did you know your first class is always free?). To help you shake off those feelings, we created this short cheat sheet of everything you need to know or do before you lace up your sneakers for that first class!

FOR MOM

1. Get Your Doctor’s Clearance: The initial six weeks following birth are considered the most intense time for a new mom. Your physician will want to check on you four to six weeks after birth to verify appropriate physical and emotional recovery. Once you’ve been cleared for fitness by your doctor, our instructors are trained to meet you wherever you are on your healing journey. We offer appropriate movements to ensure everyone is included and welcomed into our classes.

2. Register for Your First Class: With more than 1,800 locations, 1,700 instructors, and 250 franchise owners and mompreneurs nationwide, we know we have a class for you! Make sure to register with your local FIT4MOM so you know where you’re going the morning of your first class, and the instructor can relay any important information you’ll need.

3. Gather Your Clothes: Trust us, mama; there is no fancy gear needed for this class. Just wear something you can move comfortably in (dress in layers for cooler weather), shoes that fit well, and an appropriate sports bra— especially if you are nursing. Pro Mama Tip: lay your clothes out and set your shoes by the door the night before! Starting a new routine can feel chaotic—anything to help it roll more smoothly is a plus!

4. Grab Your Supplies: Again, nothing fancy is needed here, but you will want a water bottle, yoga mat or towel, and weather-appropriate accessories (sunscreen for Mama and kiddos, sunglasses, and a baseball cap or winter hat).

5. Eat a Good Breakfast: Fuel before class so your food can settle before starting movement.

FOR BABY

1. Check Your Stroller: Make sure all buckles are operational, the tires are inflated, and you have all of the attachments needed for baby seats.

2. Pack Your Bag: Diapers & wipes, extra clothes, bottles, toys, and snacks for after class are all great ideas to have with you for class. Pro Mama Tip: Pack a mixture of toys/books you know your child loves and novel, new items (the dollar section at the store makes a great place to look for these). The excitement of a new toy or book can often help quell those first-class jitters!

3. Feed Everybody Before Class: Nurse or bottle-feed your little one before class. If you have bigger kiddos, give them breakfast as well. No one does well when they’re hangry.

4. Prepare the Kids for the Stroller: If class is around nap time, bring a portable white noise machine or lullaby toy. Stroller fans will help kids of all ages stay cool in the stroller. Tell toddlers and bigger kids what you expect during class; for example, “I’m going to workout with my friends for a bit while you join us in the stroller. After class, you will get to play with your new friends on the playground! We are going to have so much fun!”

5. Sun Protection & Water: Most of our classes are outside, and our instructors aim to keep you and your little ones in the shade as much as possible. It is still recommended that you have sun protection and water for the entire family.

Mindy says “Prior to becoming a mom, I was a self-proclaimed “gym rat.” The fitness center next to my office was my place of zen. After my son was born, it just wasn’t feasible for my family to return to that sort of schedule, but the lack of physical activity felt like there was something missing in my life.

When I found FIT4MOM, I felt like that missing piece of me was back. And as I became more active in classes as a client, it made me want to become more involved in the business. I had previously considered finding a way to combine my love of fitness with some sort of work, and becoming an instructor was the perfect way for me to do that.

When my kids aged out of their strollers (though, I do still make them get in their stroller for class from time to time!) and I knew I was entering a new stage of motherhood, well, that’s when I decided to take the leap and open my own franchise.”

Since launching Stroller Strides, we have had quite the glow-up! We have launched 7 programs that help support moms throughout every age and stage of motherhood. FIT4MOM is more than a fitness franchise; we believe in building communities by connecting with local families, businesses, entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods. We believe the moms who are taking - and leading - our classes will raise healthy, strong families that will develop into healthy, strong communities. The Ripple is real.

Find your village, Mama. Search for a location near you and sign up for your free class today!

Find Your Village

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