I’ve always thought that I would be an “airplane mom”—you know, put on your air mask before assisting someone else. Or, I’ve heard the phrase “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. Both sentiments are the same; take care of mom, so mom can be a better mom. Two former OMB posts written by Lauren and Jacqueline have nicely outlined this theme as well. In my opinion, that’s great in theory. Putting that into practice has been more difficult for me since my daughter was born in October.
My husband and I are active and athletic—we met because we both ran track for Hastings College. However, getting back into the working out routine while navigating my career (which for a professor is in one of it’s more crucial stages as I work toward tenure), and taking care of a tiny human has left me with my airplane mask barely half on and my cup with only a few sips in it. I love to work out, lift, run, and bike but becoming a mom has put that on a back burner.
I was so fortunate to get a chance to work out at Well Mama—a very fun, energetic, welcoming community of women and moms who are working out and feeling better. I took five classes at Well Mama: Stroller Strength, Barre, Barre-dio, Prenatal Yoga, and Yoga Flow.
Here are a few of my experiences working out at Well Mama:
- Well Mama is welcoming to moms and their kiddos—I was able to workout wearing my daughter, Vella, in Natasha’s Barre class. When Vella got a little fussy I sat her down next to me while Natasha made my glutes cry from leg lifts.
- I felt like a power ballerina after taking Emmy’s Barre-dio class. This class made me sweat while wishing I had my tutu on.
- Sarah pushed me to my limits in her Stroller Strength class. I was able to get some fresh air, interact with my babe, and get mom strong using my stroller and body weight. And if you’re lucky enough you might even get a chance to work out with Well Mama owner, Mallory. Mallory was on her quest of working out 28 times in 28 days! Whoa!
- I took a prenatal yoga class (not pregnant at the moment). As a novice yogi, Suzanne definitely gave me a good stretching workout. Well Mama has multiple prenatal classes throughout the week. All instructors are incredibly talented and knowledgeable and will modify workouts for expecting Mamas.
- I left my research stress behind thanks to Lindsey during Yoga Flow one evening. If you need to unwind throughout the week you can take several yoga classes including Power Yoga, a more traditional Yoga Flow, and Restorative Yoga.
- The child care staff are friendly and welcoming. I had absolutely no concerns leaving my little one there while I worked out. The staff prides itself on building a community. This is clear, because by my second trip there with Vella all the ladies already knew hers and my name. In general, all the staff are really welcoming and really take the time to get to know you and your family.
- I enjoyed talking to the mamas and really felt a sense of community. I was not able to attend the Mama’s circle due to my work schedule that week. But, it goes without saying, the Mama’s circle is just another example of the community Well Mama is building in Omaha.
After my trial for this post I enjoyed the workouts, women, and environment so much I bought a 3-month pass during their back-to-school sale. I want to get back to working out more and taking care of myself. Well Mama is going to help me get my cup filled and air mask back on.
We are so happy that we were introduced to Well Mama. We LOVE this program so much that we want one of our readers to have a chance to try it out as well!! Use this link to enter to win a free month of adult classes! Don’t have Facebook? Comment below and we will add you to the giveaway.
This would be amazing! I have a 2 year old and a 2 month old girls (they have the same birthday), and I definitely feel the itch to workout again!
I cannot wait to try Well Mama! Thanks for the info, Jamie!