5 Places to Work Out With Kids in Charlotte
Think you can't balance fitness and parenting? Think again!
It’s no secret that fitness is good for the body—and the soul. But sometimes when you have kids it gets a little hard to squeeze in that bit of “me” time. Fortunately, there are a number of places in Charlotte where you can get a workout in, and take your kids with you. Here’s what we found:
1. Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics
11725 Verhoeff Drive, Huntersville
When my kids were younger, this place was my saving grace. Their Childwatch program serves children from ages 6 weeks to 10 years. Parents can utilize this complimentary service for up to two hours while they take a group class, visit the fitness center, or swim laps in the Olympic-size pool. Childwatch is open from 8am,-noon Monday through Saturday and then reopens at 4pm Monday through Friday. If the kids get inspired by your exercise routine, HFFA also has a youth explosion class for children ages 6-11 years during the evening hours, and a popular kids’ triathlon program.
A photo posted by Jonathan Shores (@jonathanshores) on
2. Air® Charlotte
10343-C Providence Road
My friend Stacy, who enjoys trying out workouts of all types, regularly takes classes at the boutique fitness studio Air Charlotte. Here’s what she had to say about it: It offers a full body workout that offers cardio, strength and flexibility in aerial silk fabrics. Air Charlotte has classes for adults and children. Parents and children can enjoy working out together in the Mom & Me Workshop. The workshop offers a fun bonding experience while both mom and child get a workout that incorporates fitness and fun! Kids ages 8-12 can also take a complimentary Kids AIR® class on Saturdays at noon.
3. Burn Boot Camp
Various Charlotte area locations
Fitness expert Devan Kline is passionate about helping women get healthy and transform their bodies. He also understands that is difficult to do without child care options. There are Burn Boot Camp locations all over the Charlotte area, in Cornelius, Concord, Denver, Huntersville, Matthews, Mooresville, Pineville, Lake Wylie and Fort Mill. Some locations offer Mini Burn Boot Camps for ages 3-5 (30 minutes) and Kidz Burn programs for ages 6 and up (45 minutes), conveniently scheduled around adult Burn Boot Camp classes. You can also take advantage of free childcare programs in certain areas. Check the website for kids camp and child care program details and availability.
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4. YMCA of Greater Charlotte
14 locations
This is another place families have relied on for years. Parents can squeeze in a workout after they drop off their kids with experienced caregivers who will engage them in gross and fine motor skills, socialization and how to make healthy choices. They also offer drop-off child care options and exercise classes for youth and teens. Some YMCA’s also have indoor water parks members can enjoy. Check the website for specific program availability, class schedules, and hours of operation.
5. Fit4Mom
See website for class schedules
Want to exercise and get some fresh air at the same time? Check out one of the local Fit4Mom classes. There is a group that meets weekly at Dilworth Covenant Presbyterian Church and Pineville Lake Park, and one in the Lake Norman side of town. Bring your little one in a stroller, an exercise mat, and plenty of water. This group has Fit4Baby Prenatal classes, Stroller Strides, and Body Back. The total fitness programs includes workout moms can do with their babies and stroller-age children.
A photo posted by Fit4Mom LKN Stroller Strides (@fit4mom_lkn_stroller_strides) on
This list is only a start. Do you have any facilities you like to visit for workouts that offer child care or youth classes? We’d love to hear from you!
Renee Roberson is a Charlotte-area mom who once trained for a half-marathon when her children were ages 3 and 5 years old, thanks in part to the child care program at her gym.
