Are you a mother looking for a fitness program that suits your needs and works around your schedule? Sweat Like A Mother (S.L.A.M.) may be exactly what you’re looking for! We chat with Sabrina Bowers, the West Lafayette S.L.A.M. Boss, where she shares how S.L.A.M. has something to offer for everyone.
Tell us a little bit about S.L.A.M. and how it differs from going to the gym or any other type of workout program? How did this concept come about?
Stroller Strong Moms, commonly referred to as S.L.A.M. (Sweat Like A Mother), is a fitness program taught by certified personal trainers. We specialize in pregnancy and postpartum fitness and emphasize on the community that it brings to moms. Our program differs from other gyms and workout programs in that we incorporate the fact that children are present for the workout, which alleviates a childcare requirement and potential separation anxiety. We further emphasize the community and family aspect of our program by encouraging dads to workout with the group.
Beyond fitness, what kind of other activities does the West Lafayette affiliate participate in?
Stroller Strong Moms hosts an annual Moms Night Out and a monthly playgroup. We understand how difficult it can be to find friends as a parent and encourage our moms to get to know each other outside of the workouts.
What are some of the classes S.L.A.M. has to offer? Are you still holding physical classes during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In order to keep our littles and their mamas safe we are currently holding all workouts virtually. Once it is warm enough outside, we will resume classes outside where we’re able to effectively social distance.
How many people participate in S.L.A.M. programs?
Stroller Strong Moms was founded by a military spouse and you will commonly see the affiliates throughout Army bases in the states and overseas. There are currently 38 affiliates with over thousands of members worldwide.
Would you recommend this program for all mothers looking to make health/wellness a priority?
Moving a little bit is better than not moving at all. When I first started taking S.L.A.M. classes, I would have to stop and tend to my crying baby at least a dozen times but I still showed up day after day because being with moms who got it and encouraged me to keep going changed fitness for me. It was no longer a punishment because I ate a cookie or drank a soda. It was a group of amazing mothers who got together, talked, and worked out our frustrations! S.L.A.M. is about body positivity, recovering from motherhood and becoming the best version of ourselves!
How would you encourage someone to give it a try?
I think that the most important part of having certified instructors is that we can meet each mom at their level of fitness. We as mothers have had to start from scratch and understand that this is a journey and not everyone will be at the same level. We offer several classes that allow for any mom to join. We offer Pregnancy & Postpartum specific classes, S.L.A.M. Boxing, S.L.A.M. Yoga, S.L.A.M. Weightlifting and more! There is room for everyone.
How do you define wellness?
Wellness at S.L.A.M. is moving to feel good, moving for therapy and moving to show our children that their mamas are strong.
Is there anything else you would like to include?
Yes, S.L.A.M. is not only an amazing workout, but we are family. Everyone is welcome and every level is met. We love to work out, but the reason people stay is because we lean on one another. For more information about S.L.A.M., visit https://www.strollerstrongmoms.com/westlafayette/?fbclid=IwAR1nLlfoRD4lijDCQ4I9OdCaVI-1-C4e2n7x4trzKDk4PvIekEGpu-oE5Bo