MOMfitters - Programs for Moms with children as active participants

"MOMfitters has been great for getting me back in shape. Despite being a new stay at home Dad, my daughter, Leslie, and I started going to the Friday MOMwalks. Meg and the group were very welcoming and I really enjoyed the chance to talk with other parents while getting some exercise. The walks quickly became an indispensable part of my week.

We live close enough to the starting point that I could walk there and avoid taking the car, but as happens with many new parents, I found myself leaving the house too late for a leisurely warm-up walk.

I started out jogging part way, but my tardiness grew so that eventually I was running 3 or 4 miles to catch the group half way through the walk. I hadn't run in years, but the MOMwalk motivation and the gradual increase each day was just what I needed to get started again. We bought a new jogger/stroller and I now literally run most of our local errands with Leslie - including trips to attend MOMsign and MOMswim.

Thanks to Meg and MOMfitters for teaching me that it is possible to stay active with a new baby." Scott Rose

"Thank you, Meg, for offering these kinds of activities to all of the moms in the area. You are such an inspiration for me. I enjoyed the MOMwalk so much. I even got a workout out of it. Your unique contribution as a fitness instructor to the community is very much appreciated. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in all your activities. People like you really make a difference." Gigi Luckett, Vida's mom

"Great class! I have yet to meet a mom who embraces motherhood more than Meg!! She is an amazing instructor, person, mother & friend. Would recommend this class to every new MOM.and second and third time moms too! Meg includes everyone in the class and is a great motivator. My daughter and I look forward to every class. She loves her job, and it shows. My husband and I never thought we could afford Thoreau, but now I feel that we can't afford not to join - we have met so many friends through this class who belong to Thoreau. Meg does a fantastic sell for the benefits of working out and is a great champion of the Thoreau Club." Very happy, Concord Mom.

"Hi meg, I am writing this email as a desperate plea to get into the full MOMswim class with Clara again. I thought I registered already, but I flaked and found the check and the Registration paper on the dining room counter. We sooooooo love the class and it is the only thing we do socially right now during the winter. eeks! IS THERE ANY WAY?? I'll do ANYTHING!! I'll even stand outside of Talbots Kids in my gross bathing suit telling all of the moms who enter about MOMfitters!!!!" Meghan (and Clara)

"Meg founded and runs MOMfitters which offers several classes for new Moms and Moms with young children. The classes emphasize fitness for the Moms and stimulation for the children.

I took MOMfit when my son was 3 months old. It was the first class that I took, and I was so excited to get out of the house! I've since taken several other MOMfitters classes including MOMswim, MOMsign and MOMjam. The classes are stimulating, fun and a good work-out thanks to Meg's pilates knowledge and her sheer enthusiasm. She has so much positive energy that it's difficult not to enjoy her classes. After one of Meg's classes, I feel renewed and ready to face the rest of the day with a smile. Her positive attitude is addictive!

In addition to the classes, Meg runs MOMwalk twice a week during the spring, summer and fall. This is free to anyone who wants to participate, and there's usually a good number of Moms (and some Dads) pushing strollers. It's a great way to get some exercise and meet other parents. The Friday walk ends at Nashoba Brook Bakery in Concord where the group relaxes for lunch. Actually, this is where I first met Meg. My 3 month-old son and I were at the bakery for lunch. I noticed an army of strollers outside, and wondered what was going on. As I was sitting in the back, Meg came right up to me and started talking with me. She encouraged me to join the group and gave me her email address, and I am so grateful that I decided to stop in for lunch!

This past October, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to help Meg out with a fundraiser. Instead of having a bunch of people over to her house for her son's 1st birthday, she decided to host a party to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims. She raised over $4,500.00 for Cradles to Crayons with a great party for a lot of families with young children."

"Just heard about the site and checked it out even though I'm not due for several months. What a relief to find so many programs to choose from when the time comes! As if I wasn't already excited enough about becoming a Mom. :) I can't wait to get involved. Great resources, too!--THANKS!"

"I'm in a little bit of awe watching you and Colton make your ways in life, keeping a home, doing your pilates, MOMfit, walks, and swim and all the other little extras that occur with being a woman and a mother. If no one has said it to you lately, you rock and you're appreciated in more ways than you can imagine. I am truly blessed to have a friend like you in my life." Meghan P.

"It may sound trite but this class actually changed my whole experience of being a new mom. The class itself is great and really helped get going in the right direction to get back into shape. I actually re-discovered that I do still have stomach muscles by taking this class. But it isn't just a class. Something about how Meg is and how she teaches the class made me feel like I wasn't alone. She makes it a community that is always available to you even after the class is over. She somehow finds out everything that is available for new moms and makes sure everyone in the community knows about all of it. She is a champion for new moms." S. Richardson

"It's a mom 'n baby bonding time, a mom & mom support group and a physical and mental fitness class all at the same time!" Slyvia and Austin

"Momfitters has been such an amazing "find" for me and my daughter. I came to Momfit hoping to learn a new workout for myself, one that encouraged my baby to be apart of the experience. But what I got in addition to a great workout exceeded my expectations! Meg really sets the stage for a very inviting and supportive class that focuses on getting to know each other at the end of each session, thus I have befriended numerous other moms who are interested in getting back into shape while caring for their young. In addition to Momfit, I participate in Momwalk once a week, which only continues to support and nurture the sense of community and sharing that Meg has become known for! Her vivacious personality paired with her love of children and exercise is really what makes Momfitters such a fabulous program and the talk of the town!" Becky & Ava

"It's really interesting to see you develop these classes as Colton gets bigger. You are very creative!" HH

"Thank you so much, Meg. You are the sweetest, most sincere and caring person I've met in a LONG time! I hope you and Colton are enjoying Daddy! It is a "treat" just to see you and Colton and be exercising! We really enjoy our times with you. I thought a lot about how I feel about your programs and came up with these comments - you are welcome to take any and all as quotes to encourage other moms to enjoy such wonderful benefits!

I am a mom with two school aged children and a baby. After each pregnancy, I have experienced the common "baby blues" - and with my first two children, the more serious, post-partum depression. Knowing I was prone to this condition, I decided to be pro-active with my third baby - and choose to participate in exercise and social activities to help alleviate the symptoms of depression which often come after the high of experiencing childbirth.

Through First Connections, I saw an ad for a post-natal exercise program with babies! I can't tell you how excited I was to see this program being offered! I NEVER found such a program when I had my other two children - and hadn't seen anything like this before. I found some of the most difficult challenges facing me as a new mom was adjusting to life with a baby, feeling "alone and isolated", feeling sleep-deprived - and finding time for myself to take care of ME! MOMfit is such an incredible and wonderful opportunity to do so much for the baby, Mom's soul and Mom's body - all in a welcoming atmosphere accepting of ALL moms and babies - crying or not!

Meg's enthusiasm, sincerity, skill with Pilates (and overall healthy exercise choices) and exceptional TALENT at helping mom's regain and enhance their pre-baby bodies, while nurturing the soul and encouraging positive self-esteem, is simply nothing short of incredible! She is a tremendously caring and motivating trainer and friend, welcoming all levels of fitness and experience to all of her classes.

MOMfit and all of the other Mom/Baby centered classes and offerings have made a tremendously positive and enriching difference in my Life - I look forward to each week and the Mom-classes I'll be attending - as I know they will help me regain the shape I want to be in while being social, fun. I love meeting new friends at the MOMfitters programs, sharing ideas to help with baby/mom/Life issues, laughing at how adorable the babies are and feeling GREAT about being a Mom." E.D., Mother of 3

"What kind of fuel are you putting in that engine? I want some! This all looks great and I love the mix of fee and free. It feels just right." John Gates, Nashoba Bakery

"Meghan, the founder of Momfititers, has always made me feel that it's not only okay to take time for myself, it is essential. I must care for my children's mother, and keep her healthy. Although the babies always come first, I feel as thought I do have a 'place' once again. Incorporating the babies takes a lot Mommy guilt away." New Mom to Twins, Gail

"I am very impressed with how you are handling all of this as you juggle taking off with momfitters while raising Colton (one of the happiest babies ever) and having Joey be away. You are an inspiration and amazingly strong." P.J. Sudbury

"Thank you for your visit, enthusiasm, and commitment to fitness. You are an inspiration. I wish you the very best and I will keep you in mind as programs evolve here. I have already spoken to the Activities Director for Nursing Home and Assisted Living. Please keep me posted as I will you." Muire, Local Retirement Community Fitness Director

"Meg, I just wanted to let you know -- I was at the Right Start store in Natick today (looking at the Quest stroller btw -- we are going on a plane trip next week), and there were flyers for MomFit very prominently displayed in a vertical display, right by the cash register. You could not miss them! That's pretty impressive advertising! Great class today, as always" Elise, mother of 3

"I had such a great time talking to you! I am grateful that Mary told me about you. I got to read the articles you sent me the link to, and that is so great! You are amazing! I loved what you told me about MOMfit and the great ideas you've got." Irena H.

"Meg's classes are special because she infuses them with enthusiasm for people and Pilates. Meg introduces herself to any new members in the class and always seems to remember everyone's name. She is very welcoming no matter how good (or bad) you feel. I have taken Pilates from at least 8 different teachers over 4 years. Meg is absolutely the BEST." Laura LeVan

"Thanks for organizing such great activities! My wife raves about all the MomFit classes she participates in. The mix of activities is perfect, allowing her and our baby to socialize, exercise, and make friends with new moms! All the sessions are well planned in safe surroundings, and it's obvious that effort has been put into making sure they're fun for the babies; whether it's sleeping on a power walk or splashing in the pool or helping mom get toned with pilates. I look forward to coming home from work and hearing their MomFit stories." AP, Concord

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you ... for MOMswim. Jansen loved it. It was his first experience in a pool, and he was so happy the entire time. It was a good workout for me too. AND, my little non-napper slept for 45 minutes after the class and then ate more than ever. You wore him out...thank you. :) Jake is going to try to come next week." PJ, Sudbury

"My son William and I wanted to tell everyone how much fun we had at MOMswim yesterday, we are looking forward to Friday's MOMswim! Not only was it great for William to get his first introduction to the pool (wow, mommy, this is a big bath tub!) but I got a GREAT workout (my arms and legs were just reminding me, how great a workout it was!). The pool area was nice and warm and so was the water." Steph and William

"Oh my gosh Meghan, MOMswim yesterday was great! Thanks so much! I'm sore, which is a very good thing - it should motivate me to keep going when I'm not in class! We will miss you next week but will be back and ready to play and get sore again 5/25. Thanks again" Barbara & Chiara

"My son and I had a wonderful time at MOMswim! Meg is a patient and inclusive teacher, even though my son didn't take to the water immediately, she made us feel comfortable and included in the class. The class was a mixture of movement in the water, singing and playing with the babies. We had a lot of fun! I recommend it to all moms and dads and babies." Meredith & son Carter

"I admire your passion/drive and I think it is a wonderful experience/service to bring to any community. Thanks for everything you bring to me and my family!" Becky, Lexington

"I have been finding it hard to get back in the grove of exercising like I used to so I am over the moon about your classes. I apologize if I sound a bit dorky, but when you stay at home all day I guess it is the little things that get you excited." Jen and Riley

"My husband thinks you should call your company 'KickAssMoms'!" S. Veemer, Concord

"Thank you! Well, I have not yet repeated this feat -- I think I was inspired by all the energy of your terrific class! See you next week!" Elizabeth (and my mom Elise) RE: her daughter Elizabeth rolling over during class.

"You are so amazing! I just love all your energy and all that you are pulling together. Like you said, this is vacation week and the gang's all home! We're running in six different directions and enjoying the good weather. Sorry to miss out on this week's walks and activities. Enjoy the warmth" Kerry and Jaden

"Your success is because you are a great instructor & motivator. The program has been so successful solely because of you." Debbie & Sabrina

"The other day someone who knew I was a new mom asked me if I knew about that "huge group of strollers power walking around West Concord", and I laughed and told them all about MOMfitters. I told them about the less formal MOMwalk and the more structured MOMfit, both of which I am really enjoying. I love the fact that I can get a good workout, meet interesting women who are experiencing similar trials and excitement of being a new mom-- and all of this in an environment where no one minds a little spit up! Since my friend told me she'd seen this group around town and asked me about it, I've been noticing more and more people's reaction as we walk by or they peek in the window of the pilates studio-- lots of smiles and waves, and often people stop and ask us about the group. They're always amazed at the numbers that get together for the momfitters activities, and then inevitably they ask for details about momfitters to pass on to someone they know who might be interested. It's been fun to watch this group grow so quickly!" J.S., Arlington