Best Mommy and Me Fitness Classes in Los Angeles

One of the biggest struggles faced by moms is finding time for themselves. Unless they have an army of nannies (we're not all like Britney!), it's difficult to take time away from the kiddos for physical fitness and social activities. Admit: you feel guilty taking the time, right? Well some wise people have put together myriad options for moms to get some "me" time while bonding with their kids. And better still, these programs offer physical, cognitive and social benefits for both mom and kid.

Group Fitness

One of the first things moms worry about after having a baby is their fitness. And with childhood obesity at record levels, they also worry about the fitness of their kids. Here are some programs that will help you get back into pre-baby shape while instilling a love for physical activity in the little one.

Stroller Strides

Locations throughout Los Angeles
www.strollerstrides.com
Brand new moms swear by this program for a few reasons. First: it gets them out of the house. Second, they get to meet other new moms who are interested in getting fit. Third: they make lifelong friends for themselves and their kids. Developed by a fitness and weight control expert after she had her first baby, this program incorporates the stroller (and child) into the exercise. And with a variety of classes, you can be sure that you'll find a group that will be exercising at your level. Sp prepare to work out and have some fun.

Gymboree

Locations throughout Los Angeles
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Gymboree Play & Music offers a wide range of programs designed to help children ages 0-5 develop socially, physically and cognitively. And while most of the Gymboree classes include some sort of physical activity, they also offer two sports classes for kids ages 3-5. They learn fitness and sports fundamentals, team-building and more. Visit Gymboree.com to sign up for a free class, explore the available options and find a location near you.

My Gym

Locations throughout Los Angeles
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My Gym programs help children ages 6 weeks thru 13 years of age develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. Weekly classes use dance, gymnastics, games, sports and more to get kids moving while helping them to develop strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility. Classes include gymnastics, karate/martial arts training and gym classes that require parent participation for smaller children. Free demo classes are offered, as are a variety of membership options. Visit mygym.com for more information and to find a site near you.

YMCA

Locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
YMCA of Orange County

The YMCA is a non-profit organization that provides programs to help communities live balanced, healthy lives. These programs include after-school care, arts and fitness programs, and much more. You can enroll your kids (and yourself) in any number of fitness activities, including basketball, soccer, golf and much more, as well as get affordable memberships to the Y's fitness centers. The Y also offers a number of classes for moms and their kids, including yoga, dance and stroller-based fitness.

Yoga and Gymnastics

Yoga and gymnastics are individual activities that provide concentration, flexibility, fitness and relaxation. And it's just as good for you as it is for your kids. Here are a few suggestions of places you can get your "Ohm" or your "Flip" on in L.A.:

Mini Yogis

UCLA Family Commons

1221 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 471-9644
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This is a mobile yoga studio for kids, which can be booked for private or group lessons in your home, at your camp, at your school and pretty much wherever you want. Additionally, public drop-in classes are held weekly in Santa Monica. Check the web site for information on prices, times and classes.

Silver Lake Yoga

2810 ½ Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 953-0496
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It's no wonder this Silver Lake-area yoga studio is so well-known-and-respected. It offers more than sixty classes per week, in a variety of yoga styles and designed for a wide range of people. Pre-natal, Mommy & Me and Kids' classes are designed to run parallel to your child's development.

Yoga West

1535 Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 552-4647
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At this yoga studio, the emphasis is on strengthening and aligning the whole body. It all starts with pregnancy yoga, which is designed to strengthen your body while making you aware of the many changes it undergoes during pregnancy. Mommy and Me Yoga then helps you build back your strength and flexibility while allowing for lots of bonding time!

L.A. Gymnastics

8450 Higuera St.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 204-1980
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Gymnastics helps kids build body and muscle strength and flexibility, balance, agility and more. Gymnastics is also a great – but fun – cardiovascular workout for both you and your kiddo. L.A. Gymnastics offers Mommy and Me classes that introduce your 18-+ month-old child to the sport of gymnastics. They can then move into the preschool and older classes while you continue on your own, as well. A win-win for everyone.

Music

Music has a way of creating special moments. It could be over a lyric that touches the heart. Or a rhythm that has you and your little one dancing together with joy. And what's more fitness fun than dancing? Here are a couple of places you can enjoy time with the kiddo – and other adults – over the magic of music.

Kindermusik

Locations throughout Los Angeles
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Originally founded in Germany in the 1960s, Kindermusik merges the know-how of educators and musicians to create a program that instills a life-long love of music in children. Additionally, the program is focused on using the music to help children develop social, emotional and cognitive skills, through learning music and social interaction. Classes are available for kids newborn through six years – and their moms of all ages.

Music Together

Locations throughout Los Angeles
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This music program is designed to give children – and their families – the best musical experiences possible. Why? Because kids inherently can sing in tune, keep a beat and enjoy music. The key is to introduce them to it early. It's not about the mechanics of music - rather about the experience. And the parent is central to the learning, with well-trained teachers serving as guides. Music Together offers classes for kids ages infant through seven years old.

Jennifer Vides blogs at Jennifervides.com.