Stroller Barre
Where: Fit4Mom, which offers several types of classes; details vary depending on season, so check the website for current locations around Montgomery County, montgomerycounty.fit4mom.com
What it is: This 60-minute class incorporates moves inspired by barre, ballet, Pilates, general fitness and yoga—all the while using strollers for balance. Equipment (bands, light weights) is incorporated sometimes, and there’s usually a mix of standing and floor exercises.
Cost: $25 per class without membership; otherwise, price varies by membership
Fit4Mom Montgomery County is one of about 230 franchises around the country providing fitness classes “for moms in all stages of motherhood, from prenatal classes to well beyond,” says Heather Galladora, who owned the local Fit4Mom franchise for about 10 years before passing the reins this past December. But it’s more than just fitness classes; it’s a community, complete with post-workout playgroups, moms’ nights out, family events and a book club. “I have made many friends over the last eight years,” says Monica Taylor, 46, of Silver Spring. Sidra Jeffries, also of Silver Spring, likes the mom camaraderie. “Not only does it allow you to bring your kids to your workout, but all of the other people you are working out with understand the mom-life struggle,” Jeffries says. “You showed up late because your kid had a blowout in the car right before class? We’ve all been there.”
Classes are offered in person and online. “They’re really inclusive. As an older mom, I’ve never felt unwelcome,” says Melissa Joy, 48, of Kensington, who became a regular during the pandemic. In-person workouts are often outdoors (though some are moved inside during the winter). “Moms are welcome to bring as many kids as they have or are responsible for at any given time,” says Jessica Gilbertsen, the new Fit4Mom Montgomery County franchise owner. If you’re worried about keeping your kid(s) occupied, rest assured that “the instructors are very engaging and sing songs, have books, toys, or bubbles to entertain the kids during the class,” Taylor says. And if your kid(s) have outgrown the stroller, you’re still welcome to join the class strollerless (or even childless).
KaribFit Signature
Where: KaribFit 7117 Maple Ave., Takoma Park; 8630 Fenton St., Silver Spring; 7611 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring (plus locations outside Montgomery County), karibfit.com
What it is: KaribFit Signature is a 60-minute dance fitness class that blends choreography and fitness for a high-energy, full-body workout, complete with toning, strength and cardio. It’s all set to soca music, a genre born from calypso that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1970s.
Cost: $25 per class without membership; otherwise, price varies by membership
When KaribFit was founded in 2015, “there were no other fitness or dance formats in our area focused on the rich culture of Africa and the Caribbean,” says founder and owner Neki Meya. Her goal was to focus on her family’s Ghanian and Caribbean heritage, create workouts to soca and other African music genres, and ultimately combine fitness and cultural dance traditions. According to Meya, “All of the dance movements that we do are centered and grounded in the cultural connections and dance styles that our ancestors did, things that were brought from Africa to the Caribbean and to the States.” It’s this cultural tie that drew member Tamia Pleasants, 45, to the studio in 2015. “[It is] the most unique Black-Afro-Caribbean woman-owned fitness business,” says Pleasants, who lives in Bowie. “For me, as a Black woman, it’s so refreshing to see someone with curves carve out a new narrative for healthy.”
Best of all, you may forget you’re working out. “It’s like a party atmosphere with incredible instructors and great music. I love a workout that doesn’t feel like your typical gym workout,” says Tanisha Pryce, 42. She’s so dedicated to the classes that she’s been commuting to KaribFit from her Baltimore home since 2015. Woryeneh Benson, 33, of Silver Spring, says, “It feels like I am at the club on a mini vacation.” The studio welcomes all levels, including people who are new to dance, new to working out, or returning to working out after some time away; instructors are trained to modify the choreography to meet each person where they are, Meya says. Class sizes average around five people, and sessions are available virtually, too.
K-pop
Where: N2 Studios, Gold’s Gym Wintergreen Plaza, 835 Rockville Pike, Rockville, n2studios.dance
What it is: Learn the choreography to hit Korean pop songs in 90-minute classes.
Cost: $27 per class without membership; otherwise, price varies by membership
If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling off the moves in the “Butter” video, K-pop class may be for you. It’s one of many dance sessions offered by N2 Studios, which opened in the fall of 2021. These classes are “not just a fun way to exercise, but also an opportunity to engage with Korean pop culture,” says Niki Yu, one of N2’s owners. N2 includes links to the songs/music videos (and choreography time stamps) on their class schedule so you know in advance what you’ll learn and can choose the class that will teach you the moves you’re dying to learn, whether they’re from BTS, Blackpink, NewJeans, Twice, Seventeen or another band. Classes, which are limited to about 10-15 people, are available to all levels and all ages (no previous experience is necessary) and are all in person.
Most students are already K-pop fans when they join, as “their passion for K-pop is often what brings them to our studio,” Yu says. But the studio also welcomes those who are totally new to K-pop. Students quickly learn that K-pop is more than just dance, Yu notes—it’s the synergy of the song, performance and fashion. “This comprehensive and visually appealing approach makes K-pop unique,” Yu says, “allowing students to engage not only in dance, but also in singing and styling, inspired by their favorite K-pop idols.”
This story appears in the March/April issue of Bethesda Magazine.