What Happened When My Son Watched Me Work Out

A few weeks ago, Elias came with me to work out. The barre studio I was going to that day had childcare, so he brought a backpack with a few books and toys and tagged along.

The little childcare area was just off the studio and Elias could peak out the door and see me work out. I realized this just as class was about to start. Had I realized it sooner, I would have moved because having him watch me was more than I bargained for.

You see, I have only been regularly working out for a few months, and I am not what you would call “in-shape.” Everything is hard for me. I don’t know all the vernacular. I struggle to keep up. I still have baby weight on my frame and always feel like the heaviest person in the room.

But when I do barre classes, I feel empowered. I feel better about myself. I feel energized. More importantly, I know that it is so good for me. I need to take better care of my body.

So I am working to make it a habit.

At one point during the class, I saw him not only watching, but doing the moves too. Now it was all that I could do to do the workout in the first place, but seeing him made me giggle. I had to look away and did my best to concentrate. The next time I looked up, he had gone back to playing.

After the class he said, “Mommy, why weren’t you doing all the same things as the rest of the class?”

(Because of my diastasis recti, I have to do a lot of modifications for ab work when I work out.)

I realized he must have watched a lot longer than I realized. I explained that Mommy’s tummy got hurt growing him and his siblings, so the teacher showed Mommy some other exercises to do when people are exercising their tummies.

I then went onto say, “Thanks for coming with me today, buddy. It’s important for Mommy to take care of her body just like you take care of yours when you play exercise and run outside. We have to be strong!”

We then took the above picture being strong together.

I don’t know if he will remember watching me work out that day, but I know I will. Modeling healthy behavior for our children is so important. We mamas have to take care of ourselves – physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Making time to work out regularly is one way I am doing that.

NOTE: I know finding time to work out is a struggle for many moms. I don’t think I would have ever started working out had it not been for ClassPass.

ClassPass is a service located all over the United States that gives you access to tons of gyms in your area. You can go to them three times over the course of the month, so I do different barre classes at 4-5 different studios in Nashville. Of course, they have way more than barre! They also offer yoga, cycling, pilates, strength training, dance, martial arts, boxing, rowing and gym time. Truly something for everyone and it is WAY more affordable than the studios I have checked out. (In Nashville it is $89 a month, other cities vary between $79-$99).

Through the end of July, ClassPass is offering new members $30 off your first month when you use my referral link (normally it’s $20 off). This is a great opportunity to try it out and see if it is a fit for you. There is no contract or long-term commitment and it is easy to pause or cancel your membership.

Another cool thing about ClassPass is that if you travel, you can use ClassPass in the city you visit! Right now I am in San Francisco and I found tons of options near my hotel. So convenient.

And if you hate working out, I can’t say enough good things about barre classes. Maybe they will be your thing too! Once you sign up, you’ll have access to their referral program to, which is a great way to save on classes.

I hope this inspires you to try ClassPass or find an exercise routine that works for you. You only have one body – treat it well!