After witnessing the miracle that’s childbirth, we slowly ease our way into a new routine that now includes an additional little bundle of joy.
To say that pregnancy changes your body is an understatement. You watch your body expand and swell in places you never thought could swell, and watch stretch marks and varicose veins appear and wonder when and if they’ll ever go away again.
While motherhood is magical, one can’t help but wonder “Will I ever get my pre-baby body back again?” and, more importantly, “Will I ever find time for myself again?”
Marie, a mom of three and founder of Yoga FIt by Marie, has a solution for that, and it sounds like something that I wish had been around when I delivered my little girl. During a time when you want to get back in shape but pre-baby fitness routines are no longer the best option for you, a workout class where you’re surrounded by other new moms and, best of all, where you can bring your baby with you is exactly what can help lift your spirits and help you find your tribe.
Marie shares: “I have been a gym enthusiast for more than 20 years, and I have practise yoga for more than 15 years, so those aspects are and have always been a vital part of my life. I have been a yoga teacher since 2017, and am currently educating myself in the area of functional fitness training. My family and I arrived last summer in Beijing. Because of my pregnant friends and neighbors, I noticed that there is not much offered for prenatal and postnatal classes, so I talked to a lot of other mums to find out what they needed. That’s how Mama & Baby Fit in Beijing was created. Soon, another mum-of-three will join in and offer classes and activities too. Stay tuned for Sandra!”
Marie’s classes are great, especially right now when the weather is beautiful again. She’s started offering prenatal yoga as well as mom and baby yoga classes that take place outside in the park. You get a healthy mix of fitness and a breath of fresh air.
So who can/should attend the classes? According to Marie, the prenatal yoga classes are safe for moms at anytime during the pregnancy. Her Mama & Baby Yoga classes can start six weeks after the mom has given birth. These classes include exercises for pelvic floor activation, closing diastasis recti, and other changes that pregnancy and delivery leave on our bodies. But she recommends that everyone get the official ok from their doctors before starting any kind of physical exercise. Finally, her Mama & Baby Fit are consecutive workouts after rebuilding has been completed and/or for fit new moms.
At the moment classes take place once a week, but Marie has plans on adding more classes depending on the need of the community. Each class is between 60 and 75 minutes long, and consists of no more than ten people, so each class stays intimate and personal.
Needless to say, these classes are perfect for young babies. The little ones who make an appearance at Marie’s Mama & Baby Yoga classes are usually between 2 and 10 months old. While moms practice yoga, the little ones are entertained by seeing all the cool movements and enjoying the company of other babies.
For the outdoor workout classes, the kids are usually between 6 months to 2 years old. During curcuit training, the kids stay in their strollers (which are used as part of the workouts) and they have a great time playing together while moms work out on the grass.
For the moms with multiple kids, don’t feel like you need to miss out! “Moms with multiple kids are welcome too!” says Marie, adding: “Especially the park workout is suitable for multiple kids in twin strollers, etc. Just mind that no nanny is provided by us to take care of the kids, and the mums are responsible for the safety and well-being of their children.” Please give Marie a heads up in advance if you’re bringing more than one child.
Working out with their babies gives moms a perfect opportunity to bond with their little ones and get back into moving their body, whether it’s rebuilding after birth or doing workouts in the park. You get to spend fun and quality time together!
Maries Qualifications:
Yogalehrer Basis Ausbildung/Yoga Teacher Training, 400 Units, 2017
Business Yogalehrer Ausbildung/Business Yoga Teacher Training, 150 units, 2018-2020
Yoga in der Schwangerschaft/Pregnancy & Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training, 20 units, 2019
IHP Fitness Instructor License Level 1, 2023
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Images: Marie
