Jacksonville Guide to Getting Fit with Kids in Tow

So 2016 is the year you’ve committed to working out. Congratulations on taking the first step! Now, what do you do about your kids? I’m serious. WHAT DO YOU DO? I’m sure you’ve thought about this, and you might even have a couple of babysitters already lined up. Or you’ve told yourself that you’ll just be a morning workout person now. Or you know yourself and know that there is no possible way you’re waking up before the kids do so the evening will have to be your workout time.

None of those are bad options. I’ve done and still do all of these. As moms, we become the queens of squeezing things in. Of making enough hours in the day for everything. So I commend you for making it work, and now I want to give you a few other options. For some of you, bringing your kids to your workout will NEVER be your thing, but for others it’s a great way or in some cases the only way. So let’s take a look at some of the gyms, yoga studios, and outdoor fitness groups in Jacksonville where you can get in a great workout with your children in tow:

First Coast YMCA

No matter where you live in Jacksonville chances are you aren’t far from a Y. That’s great because First Coast YMCA’s offer excellent childcare while you work out. The Y’s KidZone welcomes children ages 6 weeks to 11 years (ages vary by branch) and include educational activities, play, and arts enrichment projects. The KidsZone is in an area that is not visible from where you workout so keep that in mind if you were planning on watching your children. If you become a Y member make sure you choose the option that includes the KidZone.

LA Fitness

Similar to the Y, LA Fitness caters to mom with the Kids Klub. The Kids Klub is designed for children ages 3 months to 12 years and is filled with play mazes, games, study stations, and reading sessions. There are five LA Fitness locations in Jacksonville – Atlantic and Kernan, Atlantic Blvd, Orange Park, University Blvd and Lake Gary Blvd. Be sure to check out the specific times the Kids Klub is open!

Bailey’s

Bailey’s is one of the oldest health clubs in Jacksonville with 15 locations!! Enjoy Bailey’s Children’s Play Area for only $19 per month or $5 a day. The Children’s Play Area is for children 12 months to 12 years of age. Play area staff are CPR and First Aid Certified.

The GYM

Not your typical gym, The GYM is a full-service hybrid gym with free weights, cardio machines, group classes, including Jax Best Bootcamp and a Turf workout area. With so many classes to choose from, it’s only right that the GYM offer childcare for its members. The GYM’s playroom is one of the best we’ve seen! Kids will love playing on the indoor slide and the many toys available in the play area. The GYM is located on Beach Blvd at San Pablo.

Arch Pilates

Arch Pilates offers Parent and me for toddlers is at 11 am on Tuesdays and Babywearing Pilates at the ballet Barre is at 11 am on Thursdays. You and your child get to work out at the same time!

Verb Jax

Verb Jax is the newest workout facility to hit Jacksonville. Located in Riverside, Verb claims to be different than the typical gym and box you’re used to attending, as is their childcare. Verb’s kid’s club, Zoë’s Den, is a welcoming and fun environment. Children of members and their guests are welcome to drop-in children (ages 1 – 10 yrs.) for up to 2 hours. There is much to see and do inside Zoë’s Den and your kids can enjoy it all under the supervision of Verb attendees. Zoë’s Den is open Mon- Fri: 8 am – 11 am; 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

Hard Exercise Works

Last summer I had the opportunity to try Hard Exercise Works (HEW) 5-Week Bootcamp. HEW recommends you come to class 5-days a week, and as you know, that is nearly impossible with children. Luckily, HEW doesn’t mind if you bring your kids. In fact, the gym has their very own play room with toys, a TV, table and chairs and more! There are two HEW locations in Jacksonville – San Marco and Jacksonville Beach. The kids playroom in San Marco has a window looking in and out so both you and your child can see each other. At HEW Jacksonville Beach they keep the playroom door open (and gated of course) so you can peek in when you need to. If your child isn’t comfortable playing in the room by him or herself, you can always put them in a stroller and let them watch while you work out. Both HEW location owners have children, so they are very kid-friendly. There is no additional charge to put your kids in HEW’s playroom.

Yogabar

Perfect your yoga poses without the distraction of a toddler hanging on your leg with childcare at Yogabar. Located in Fruit Cove, Yogabar is a full-service yoga studio offering everything from restorative yoga to cardio barre classes. Yogabar’s Play Lounge provides a bright, clean, and safe environment for your children to play and interact with other kids. “Lil Yogi’s” (ages 6 weeks to 12 years) will be in the company of Yogabar’s hands-on, nurturing staff. Childcare is $5 per class or $30  unlimited monthly per child. Yogabar’s hours are Monday-Saturday Every AM and Tuesday  6:00 PM

Jazzercise

While you dance your way into a fit and healthy body let your kids get in some play time at Jazzercise. Similar to HEW, the Jax Beach Jazzercise has a playroom filled with toys for kids to enjoy and there is also somebody in the room watching your child. The Jax Beach location offers free childcare during their 9:15 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. classes.

Jewish Community Alliance

The Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) is a non-profit community center affiliated with the Jacksonville Jewish Federation, the United Way of Northeast Florida and the Jewish Community Centers of North America. The JCA has a gym as well as group fitness classes for families. Within that is Kids Kare – a FREE childcare service. Reservations are required and may be made up to 48 hours in advance by checking in at the Courtesy Desk in the fitness lobby or by calling ext. 243. Kids Kare service is available for a maximum of 2 years for children 3 months to 9 years old. There is no Kid Kare on Saturdays. 

Jacksonville Stroller Strength

I might be a little bit bias, but nothing beats Jax Stroller Strength’s childcare! The kid-friendly workout group was created specifically so children could stay with their mothers while working out and because Stroller Strength takes place at several different Jacksonville parks (Sunshine Park, Jack Russell, Chuck Rodgers) this is possible! Most moms use strollers to carry their equipment and to get the child(ren) to the place where we will be working out but beyond that, kids do not have to stay in the stroller. They are free to get out and play. If your child needs you, you can quickly assist them and then jump right back into the workout. Moms often bring their toys, blankets and nut-free snacks for kids to enjoy while getting in an hour-long boot camp-style workout. Children 6 weeks and older are welcome.

CrossFit 904

CrossFit 904 off Philips Hwy south of The Avenues also has a kids playroom stocked with toys, play kitchen, air hockey, TV, and old-school Nintendo. All ages are welcome, babies can sit in their carriers in the main gym to watch mom WOD, and we have kid’s CrossFit classes Mondays at 4:30 pm and Saturdays at 9:30 am simultaneous with the adult classes!

Please let us know if we missed one so we can add it to our list!