The new year often brings resolutions to get back to the gym. But for moms with little ones, the gym can seem like a distant dream. Juggling schedules, finding childcare, and navigating nap times can feel overwhelming. However, prioritizing fitness is crucial for both your physical and mental well-being as a mom no matter what stage of motherhood you are walking through.
Why is going to the gym important for moms?
As moms, we often prioritize everyone else’s needs above our own. This can easily lead to neglecting our own health and fitness. It isn’t just about physical health but also mental health. For me, fitness is a form of self-care. It is important to remind ourselves that exercising regularly boosts our energy levels, improves our mood, and contributes to a longer, healthier life. We all need more energy right? And I don’t know about you, but I really want to be around years from now playing with my grandkids.
Why is finding the right gym with childcare important for moms?
Finding the right gym with childcare opens doors you didn’t know existed. My gym allows 2 hours a day of child watch. I can use that for a group exercise class, a walk on the treadmill or track, or time to knock out some Central Mass Mom work, or maybe you are dying to finish that book uninterrupted. Sometimes it isn’t just about fitness.
All four of my kids have grown up at our local YMCA—it is our second home. Family-friendly gyms offer families so much. It can also bring you more opportunities to find community. You know there will be other moms at the gym from 9-11am; that sweet spot in between breakfast, lunch, and nap time. The fitness classes will have other moms in similar seasons as you, which creates another opportunity to find community. In this season of motherhood, some of my best friends came from meeting them at the gym, and some of my friends now come to the gym with me after an invite!
Here is a list of local gyms with childcare in Central Mass (make sure to check each gym individually to see when their childcare hours are):
- Local YMCA
- YMCA of CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
- HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA
- Bernon Family Branch (Franklin)
- Hurley Family Branch (North Attleboro)
- Invensys (Foxboro)
- JCC Fitness Center (Worcester)
- Whitin Community Center (Whitinsville)
- Worcester Fitness (Worcester)
- IMPACT Fitness (Auburn)
- Orchard Hills Athletic Club (Lancaster)
- The GYM (Milford)
- The Adirondack Club (Franklin)
- Shrewsbury Club (Shrewsbury)
- Westboro Tennis & Swim Club (Westboro)
- Fit Friendzy Studios (Shrewsbury)
- The Thoreau Club (Concord)
- Mount Fitness (Gardner)
If you are ready to hop back into the gym, I highly suggest reaching out to one of these gyms, giving it a tour, asking all the questions about child watch, and asking for a free trial pass so you can test it out before committing.
Did we miss your favorite local gym with childcare in Central Mass? Make sure to leave us a comment so we can add it to the list and share it with other local moms!