CrossFit South Oakville Workouts Are Worth A Busy Mom's Time!

Have you heard of CrossFit yet?  Chances are you have, but you may not know exactly what it is or if its something you might enjoy.  CrossFit is a training program that builds strength and conditioning through varied and challenging workouts.  CrossFit is suitable for people of all shapes and sizes to improve their physical well-being and cardiovascular fitness.  It is intense but is also fun and full of encouragement.

CrossFit South Oakville was a perfect addition to the momstown Oakville fitness challenge.  This popular workout is something that moms should check out - it offers a tough workout in a one hour period.  I know from experience that moms often find it hard to carve out workout time, I found CrossFit to be worth it! You can really push yourself and you certainly feel like you accomplished something once the workout is done.

We visited CrossFit South Oakville on three separate occasions.  Our first group was our moms and babes. Would you be surprised to know that they are very baby friendly?  They have jolly jumpers that you can hang in the door frame and baby can jump away as you get your workout in.  They also have baby friendly areas so if you have a mover, there is still a way to get your workout in too.  In chatting with some moms who have been doing CrossFit on a regular basis for the last few months, they were adamant in saying that this was the only workout that finally helped them get off that last ten pounds of baby weight.  That is a pretty compelling endorsement!

Here is a look at our workouts using a Tabata training format (a Tabata is high intensity interval training that improves aerobic systems as well as anaerobic systems):

• Wall balls (throwing medicine balls at the wall)
• Kettlebells
• Rowing machine or bikes for cardio
• Burpees
• Overhead presses
• Lunges

CrossFit South Oakville has class times at all times of the day and also does personal and group training.  If you are looking for a workout to kick start your fitness again, CrossFit will do it!  I was sore for several days after the workout I did there but felt empowered!  CrossFit will get you to push yourself and that feels good on so many levels.

Here's what some of our mamas had to say about their workout with CrossFit South Oakville:

"Definitely a workout! I feel everyone of my stairs from my multiple squats!"

"Consider my butt kicked. CrossFit was intense!"

"I liked the workout at Cross Fit! I am feeling it everywhere :)"

For more information on class schedules and workouts, please visit their website.  You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter to learn more workout tips!

Mommy Bootcamp In Oakville Is A Perfect Support For A New Mom's Fitness Goals

The momstown Oakville fitness challenge offers workouts in the evening for moms only but also some mom and me workouts during the day where baby can be incorporated into the activity.  Today we had some mamas try a class with Mommy Bootcamp and it was so impressive how supportive and encouraging the classes are while still managing to get in a true workout (think lots of squats with your baby as a weight!).

Mommy Bootcamp is the only bootcamp in Oakville designed specifically for the needs and indications of the postpartum and/or breastfeeding mother.  Its also the only bootcamp in Oakville that allows you to get a fantastic workout while participating with your baby.

The indoor classes take place in a great open space that allow you to bring what you need to keep baby happy while you get in a good workout.  Some mamas brought exersaucers or playmats while other little ones were happy on a blanket on the floor.  During the strength portion of the class, babies are worn in a carrier for resistance.  The instructor is extremely helpful and knowledgeable about helping each mom make sure they are properly and comfortably using their carrier.  The exercises are also modified to give your baby and extra hug or squeeze along the way which was so nice to see.

The Mommy Bootcamp classes are a perfect fit for moms at all fitness levels - they can modify the classes to suit your needs.  But I can attest to the fact that these classes are not a walk in the park!  You will be challenged and your heart will be pumping!  Fitness is such a great activity for a new mom - its social, it improves your physical fitness and your mood will be elevated too.

Register now for the next session starting February 25th!  Option to register for once or twice a week.

Don't let fear hold you back, this class will make you feel confortable, stronger and inspired all at the same time!

www.mommybootcamp.ca

Barre Life Workouts Tighten and Tone Muscles Making Oakville Moms Stronger!

The 2014 momstown Oakville Fit Mamas Challenge is underway!  Our first workout was at Barre Life located at 427 Speers Road.  We had 16 mamas try out the class tonight and have another group doing a class on Thursday night.  Barre workouts are relatively new (although rising in popularity very quickly) and can be classified as a dancer's workout…but without the dance. Barre Life sums it up as "Barre workout is a fusion exercise that combines Pilates, yoga, ballet and strength movements while using the ballet barre, resistance bands and weighted balls".  Barre workouts are suitable for any fitness level and you don't need to have a dance background (speaking from experience on this one)!

What I loved about this workout is that it focuses on tightening and toning your body while increasing flexibility.  I felt strong doing this workout.  I have never been an overly flexible person but I know as I get older (gah!), this is something that I need to take into account so that I can remain active for years and years to come!  I also liked the movements - took me out of my comfort zone (trust me, I am no dancer...soccer, hockey and skiing were my sports as a kid) and challenged me at the same time.  And are you ready for more great news about Barre Life?

Left:  Child care room.  Right:  Change room area

They have a lovely change room with showers, lockers and lovely bathrooms so you can freshen up post workout.  And while you workout, they also offer FREE (yup, you read that right) childcare every day from 9:30 -10:30am 7 days a week in their childcare room so you can bring your little one (6 months to 6 years) and get your workout in first thing in the morning.

We tried a Barre Classic class (recommended for beginners) but Barre Life offers a wide selection of classes such as:

• Barre Sculpt
• Barre Cardio
• Upper Body Burn

Check out a full listing of all the class types here.  Read what some of our mamas has to say about their Barre Life experience:

"I liked that it was not your usual cardio type workout, but more of a focus on posture and strength and stamina and stretching."

"Fantastic class. I didn't think I could get my legs up so high. I felt great after - much more relaxed and not so tight."

Visit their website or Facebook page for more information on how to get your barre on!