It’s a new year and time for a new, fitter you. Yes, we know, you’ve said it before—who hasn’t?—but this time you really mean it. Before you dive in, be mindful that your body needs to catch up with your newfound can-do spirit; exercise can be painful if you jump in too soon, too quickly. Consider that beginner cycling class or Pilates session you’ve been eyeing, and save the high-impact stuff for when you build up a little more stamina. These studios offer intro classes and mom-friendly workouts to get you back into the swing of an exercise program and give you the confidence to get back into tip-top shape.
Classes:
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Barre Class
At Pure Barre
Locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia ;This 55-minute class targets those stubborn areas of the body: thighs, butt, abs, and arms. Class-goers perform small, isometric movements using props such as the barre, weights, and rubber balls. Best of all: The workout is high-intensity yet low-impact.
Cost: $25 per class; $250 for one month of unlimited classes for new moms.
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Intro to Sculpt
At Sculpt DC
950 F St., NW ; 202-885-9950For those looking to ride the indoor cycling craze, head to Sculpt DC for a 20-minute intro class. An instructor will give you the lowdown on proper form and how to set up your bike, which is followed by a brief spin session. Sculpt DC also doubles as a yoga studio and offers both beginner’s and restorative yoga for those looking to relieve stress and tension.
Cost: Free for the intro class; $20 for drop-in yoga.
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Body Back
At Fit4Mom
Locations in Maryland, and VirginiaFit4Mom classes help moms get back their pre-pregnancy bodies. The eight-week program involves two high-intensity workouts per week, before-and-after fitness assessments, online coaching, and a meal plan. New moms can also try the 60-minute cardio and strength-training Stroller Strides workout or the Stroller Barre class.
Cost: $369 for eight weeks.
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Fuse Foundations
At Fuse Pilates
2008 Hillyer Pl., NW ; 202-525-3767Work on your core during a Foundations class at this Dupont Circle studio. The 55-minute session is geared toward beginners and builds up strength and stamina by offering variations on more challenging exercises. After a few sessions, consider the Meet the Machines course, which takes away the intimidation of a typical Pilates reformer machine.
Cost: $19 to $40 per class.
Personal Trainers:
These personal trainers will work with you to meet any fitness goal, whether you want to run a half marathon in six months or drop a dress size in two weeks.
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Aaron Sterling
202-380-6987
He’s trained a long list of Washington elite, including New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd and dermatologist Tina Alster. Sterling works with clients in his private, three-story studio in Adams Morgan.
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Deanna Jefferson
DeannaJeffersonFitness.com ; 301-221-8640
You’ll find her leading hundreds of fitness fanatics at Nike Georgetown on Monday nights or training media clients such as BET CEO Debra Lee at her studio, Fab Body Factory in Upper Marlboro.
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Elizabeth Brooks
ElizabethBrooksLive.com ; 202-399-3160
The mother of two trains at Effervescence, her private studio on H Street, Northeast. She’s also certified in kickboxing.
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Errick McAdams
Empt.us ; 347-731-2740
The Lululemon ambassador was 40 pounds overweight before becoming a personal trainer. He’s known for bringing a positive attitude to his training sessions, which are held outdoors in Meridian Hill Park or in his Adams Morgan studio.
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Laurent Amzallag
YalaFitness.com ; 301-367-3234
The former fitness expert for Oprah’s Live Your Best Life tour, Amzallag draws large crowds to his energetic Yala workouts, which incorporate dancing and music with a French and Latin twist.
