Best postnatal fitness classes in NYC

fitness for moms

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  Shape-Up with Baby

  Photograph: Jennifer MacFarlane73.ft.shapeupwithbaby02.jpg1972631
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  Movin Mamas

  Photograph: Doodlehedzphotography73.ft.movinmamas03.JPG1972612
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  Strollercize

  73.ft.strollerecize04.jpg1972653
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  Baby Body Boot Camp

  Photograph: Pamela Keefer73.ft.babybodybootcamp06.JPG1972594

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Shape-Up with Baby

Photograph: Jennifer MacFarlane

Baby Body Boot Camp
Program creator Pamela Keefer combines martial arts, plyometrics, ballet and straight-up boot-camp moves for a dynamic workout. There’s even a babysitter on hand in the same room to keep your little one entertained with bubbles, music and more while you tone. Winter classes offered at 291 Broadway at Reade St, fifth floor; spring classes take place outdoors in Battery Park City, Chambers St at River Terr (917-916-7331, babybodybootcampnyc.com). Ongoing. Six classes $150, twelve classes $275. For parents with children ages newborn to 3 years.

Karma Kids Yoga
New moms or dads experience flowing asanas, challenging postures and calming restorative time in a unique class that combines yoga and play to help them get back in shape while strengthening the bond between parents and infant. Families also learn Baby Yoga exercises to strengthen growing muscles, aid in digestion, promote better sleeping patterns, and help your little one towards their next stage of development. 104 W 14th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (646-638-1444, karmakidsyoga.com). Ongoing daily classes. $20 per class, 10 classes $180, 20 classes $300. For parents with children ages 6 weeks to new walkers.

Movin’ Mamas
Postnatal and Pilates expert Randi Stone leads new parents in mat work, lunges and squats, with baby on board for a bit of added weight work. (In nicer weather classes meet at Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain near 72nd Street.) JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave between 75th and 76th Sts (movinmamas.com). Ongoing. Six classes $220. For parents with babies ages 6 weeks and up.

Shape-Up with Baby
Part workout for you, part play session for baby (props on hand include colored scarves to keep little ones dazzled), this favorite 92Y class provides new moms with a solid first step back into fitness, with crunches, stretches and cardio moves. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave between 91st and 92nd Sts (212-415-5722, 92y.org). Winter session begins Jan 31. Tue 11:35am–12:50pm. Nine classes $252. For parents with babies ages 6 weeks to 9 months.

Strollercize
The original sweating-it-out-with-your-stroller program was created 21 years ago by Elizabeth Trindade, a New York mom who discovered it was fun—and effective—to add exercise moves to the typical carriage push. Today, there are classes in all five boroughs where parents practice standard strength moves like squats, lunges and push-ups, as well as those that use the stroller like a ballet barre. Note: Classes are held in local parks year-round, so make sure to bundle up your bambino. Central Park, Battery Park and other locations throughout the city. See website for locations (800-978-7655, strollercize.com). Registration fee $45, classes from $85 for four-pack. For parents with babies ages 6 weeks and up.

Yogi Beans
Restore your inner peace—and tighten those abs—with an upbeat class from the popular kids’ yoga outfit. Junior gets a (gentle) workout, too, whether you’re stretching her arms or legs or watching her coo on a blanket beneath you when you move into downward dog. Winter session begins Jan 9. •Exhale Spa, 980 Madison Ave between 76th and 77th Sts (917-843-8209, yogibeans.com). Wed 1–2pm. •Exhale Spa Gansevoort, 420 Park Ave South at 29th St. Mon 1:45–2:45pm. •Mommy Mornings in the Park, 201 Mulberry St at Spring St. Mon 9–10am. Classes from $35. For parents with babies ages 6 weeks to crawling.