New Moms Get Fit, Find Friends in Roswell

What is your business and how long have you been doing it?

My business is Oh Baby! Fitness. We offer the widest variety of pregnancy and mom and baby exercise classes in the country. Pregnant moms can choose from pilates, yoga, toning or water aerobics. All the same classes are available for mom and baby. Plus we offer stroller workout. I started the company myself in 2005 after the birth of my daughter. Six years later, we've worked with over 15,000 new moms and have 25 locations in metro Atlanta and two in Savannah, Ga.

 What makes you good at what you do?

I'm extremely passionate about helping new mothers get in shape and form communities. My passion comes from my own struggle with postpartum depression after I had my baby in 2004. I had a severe case and didn't want anything to do with my baby. But being a control freak, I wouldn't let anyone else touch her either. Not good!! I went to a new parents support group and made friends with the moms and dads there. Those new friends called me every day and asked me to go for a walk. Initially, I wasn't enthusiastic, but I joined them because they were extremely persistent. The daily exercise and friends I made in that group literally saved my life. After my experience, I wanted to create a place for women to form a community and safely exercise with a certified instructor. The idea for Oh Baby! Fitness was born. I approached and the in Roswell in 2010 about offering classes at their facilities. It was the perfect match and both locations have worked well because there are lots of new and expectant moms in the area.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Whenever I have free time, I try to spend it with my 7-year-old daughter and husband outdoors! We love hiking up and around Stone Mountain, biking (my daughter just mastered bike-riding recently, so that's a frequent and favorite option), or working at the Oakhurst Community Garden. We're on "Team Chicken" and care for 12 chickens at the garden. We also love cooking as a family. Chocolate chip cookies and fresh tomato sauce (with home-grown tomatoes) have been on the menu lately.

What new hobbies or classes have you recently taken up?

I know I run a fitness company, but I'm a new convert to power yoga. I recently did a handstand in my yoga class and I was so surprised at how it made me feel. Afterward, I felt strong and totally "recalibrated." I actually cried because I was so surprised I could do a handstand on my own!

How can people find you?

Go to our website at www.ohbabyfitness.com and check out our locations page. Our easy map finder will help you find the class nearest you!