Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill / Tetra images / Getty Images
Typical workout sessions have always been an adults get away from their kids. but now, mommy-and-me classes are now turning simple socializations into work out sessions for the parents and their babies!
The emerging fitness trend known as babywearing raises the stakes by including a child's bodily weight into exercises such as yoga or dance. Russell Lepley's fitness studio in Columbus, Ohio is to thank for the new trend with their baby class as their biggest hit.
The 30-minute workout sessions have gained a lot of traction online: More than 28 million people have seen a video of Lepley's class swaying to Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" on Instagram. Locals attend the studio portions of the program, while viewers from around the country and all over the world tune in to the livestream with an estimated 200 individuals attending the classes, both adults and infants.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Lepley says, “The point is to have fun and create a connection with the baby. But people do say that it’s a good workout, and we do get sweaty. There is a warm body attached to you.”
Lepley, who is a professional ballet dancer directs the class while his partner, Pelacchi, dances behind him with their 5-month-old, Charlie.
“It’s always a big challenge to find time to exercise, and this is a place where you can bring your baby and get the workout you so crave without having to worry about childcare,” said Rachel McCaulsky to the Wall Street Journal.
It costs $16 to attend the "baby dance club", however there is a pay-what-you-can alternative and is advised for newborns up to eight months old. The classes dance to pop music and vintage hits so adults don't have to worry about listening to kid-friendly music. Participants are encouraged to hang out after class, whether they are there in person or remotely.
Follow Russell Lepley's fitness studio on Instagram at @fluxflowdancecenter
Check out the Flux Flow Dance Studio website for more information and a class schedule here!
“It’s always a big challenge to find time to exercise, and this is a place where you can bring your baby and get the workout you so crave without having to worry about child care