Fit 4 Two

Fit 4 Two is a great local success story. Founder Melanie Osmack created this Vancouver based company in 2003, and it has now grown to a network of franchises across three provinces!

Fit 4 Two provides pre-and post natal fitness classes with certified and provincially registered fitness instructors. Each Fit 4 Two branch is owned by a franchise operator from the community. All instructors have undergone special training in pre-and post natal fitness, and most of them are also mothers of small children.

The post natal stroller fitness classes are available to mothers from approximately 6 weeks after delivery. (Women who have had surgery will have to provide a doctor's note confirming that exercise is permitted.) It is important to not start exercise too early and Melanie tells us that the best advice often comes from within - 'when the Mom feels ready to start'.

The classes are mostly provided through Community Centres and during summer the classes are almost always outdoors. The classes do not involve running with babies in strollers. (It should be noted that Safe Kids Canada recommendation is to not start 'jogging strolling' until the baby is over 12 months old and is able to wear a helmet). Participants can either register for a package of 8 sessions, or attend on a drop-in basis (cost varies at around $10- $14 for drop-ins).

A typical class will involve different types of activities ranging from walking, doing exercises with your baby, and doing exercises while your baby is in the stroller. For more actively minded moms, there is also an option for running and more vigorous work. Moms in these classes have widely varying fitness levels and all are welcome. Also, you do not need to have a special stroller to participate.

Melanie continues to run the Downtown /False Creek Fit 4 Two branch, and also spends time training new instructors, promoting pre-and post natal fitness in various media including public speaking. In our discussions with her, she reminds us that Vancouver has an active lifestyle culture, and while several of the Fit 4 Two instructors are avid triathletes, mountain bikers, and involved in various competitive sport, the Fit 4 Two classes are always to be done at the Mom's own pace.

These classes offer a great way to meet other new moms, and provide a safe place to ask questions, share thoughts and support one another. In the words of one instructor: "It's about community, friendship, self-care and finding the new you with your new little being."