A Must for All New Moms: Postnatal Fitness Classes in Vancouver
Let’s be honest—after what your body has been through in the last nine months, working out is either the last thing you want to do… or you can’t bloody wait to build your strength up again. Your body’s been through the wringer, you’re exhausted, and you're lucky if you remember to brush your teeth before noon. But amidst the chaos, one thing is crystal clear: you need support, movement, and a little “you” time. This, my friend, might be your little secret to starting to feel a little like YOU again.
I have always been pretty active throughout my life, but with two kids at home and recovering from a second c-section, it took me a lot longer to get back into working out second time around. I was right in the thick of it… feeling overwhelmed, depleted, and the mom rage was in full swing… I had little alone time, and no outlet. Starting to workout again, was - I believe - the one thing that really helped turn things around. Of course, our bodies need time to recover and rebuild strength (the right way!), but this is more than “bouncing back” (which btw, we don’t believe in here at The MotherFlock)… the endorphins you get from exercising really are a magic mood booster, and can help get you out of a pretty rough funk. What’s more, at a time in your life when you need community and connection more than ever, it’s a fabulous opportunity to meet other new moms, and grab a social hour with people who get it. And lucky for you, Vancouver is bursting with classes designed to help you heal, reconnect with your body, and meet other moms who also haven’t had a hot coffee in weeks.
Whether you’re easing back into movement, looking to rebuild strength, or just craving adult conversation, there’s something out there for you (and your mini sidekick). Let’s dive into the best postnatal fitness classes in Vancouver that’ll have you feeling stronger, more energized, and a little more like yourself again.
Why Postnatal Fitness?
First things first—why should you consider postnatal fitness? Beyond the obvious benefits of moving your body again and feeling more energized, these classes primarily focus on rebuilding core strength, improving posture (goodbye, hunchback of breastfeeding), and enhancing overall well-being. Every move considers your pelvic floor and the experiences your body has been through, which unless you’re in a small group environment, regular classes don’t do. Ideally, make sure you get an assessment from a pelvic floor physio before you dive in.
Top Postnatal Fitness Classes in Vancouver
Here’s a roundup of some standout postnatal fitness classes in Vancouver that cater to new moms and their bundles of joy:
1.The Mom Movemnt
The lovely Sam at The Mom Movemnt offers two amazing classes: Momstrong small-group classes, and Babies & Barbells. Get safe, effective training designed for postpartum recovery and build a strong foundation for long-term fitness—with your baby by your side and a community of like-minded mamas supporting you every step of the way.
2. HUSTLE
HUSTLE on Kingsway offers a number of different postpartum classes that increase in intensity level: Pilates & Core, Strength, and Mama Move (for when you’re about one year postpartum).
3. Fit 4 Two
Fit 4 Two® has been a staple in the Vancouver fitness scene, but now only offers limited sessions at Roundhouse Community Centre. Work out with other parents in your community AND attend to baby's needs at any time. Benefit from increased energy, improved posture, less aches and pains and a stronger core. Designed with new parents in mind, each class includes cardiovascular exercise, muscular conditioning, flexibility and postnatal-specific core work. Register here.
4. Üphoria Yoga
If you're looking to find your zen while spending quality time with your baby, Üphoria Yoga offers "Baby & Me Yoga", as well as postnatal yoga and fitness classes. These sessions focus on gentle yoga poses that help increase strength and flexibility, all while incorporating your baby into the practice. Located on East Broadway, it's a serene environment where you can bond with your little one and connect with other parents.
5. The Program Fitness
Located on Gore Avenue, The Program’s Pre/Postpartum Prøgram is designed to support the childbearing journey with mobility, full-body functional strength, low-impact movement and pelvic floor integration.
6. The Cheerful Pelvis Pilates Class
The wizards at The Cheerful Pelvis offer a small-group mat postpartum class that will help you reconnect to your core and pelvic floor to build back up to exercise after birth. Make sure you see them for your pelvic floor assessment while you’re at it. Located on Commercial Drive.
7. City of Vancouver Community Centres
Carey Yuen (a Certified Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist) offers a "Baby & Me Fitness" class at Champlain Heights Community Centre, and “Stroller Fitness” at Trout Lake Community Centre. Alternatively, you can find “Baby & Me Yoga” at Roundhouse CC or Mount Pleasant CC (at time of writing). Registration can be found here.
8. Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCCGV)
JCCGV (which is open to all) offers a new "Mom's Core & Strength Fitness" class, where babies aged 0-18 months are welcome. This supportive environment allows you to get moving, build strength, and boost your energy while connecting with other moms.
9. Baby & Me Yoga @ Eastside Family Place
This drop in on Mondays, just off Commercial Drive, is a super relaxed way to start getting some movement in while you meet other new moms.
Embarking on a postnatal fitness journey is not just about shedding baby weight—it's about reclaiming your strength, boosting your mood, and finding a community of fellow moms who understand the highs and lows of new parenthood. So, grab your yoga mat, strap your baby into the carrier, and take that first step towards a more energized you. Remember, a happy mom equals a happy baby!
What have we missed? Shoot us a message on Instagram or an email and we’ll add it to our list:themotherflockproject@gmail.com.
