Bethany Atkins’ Fit4Mom helps mothers tap into their health
THE FIT4MOM LARCHMONT group and their little ones, led by Bethany Atkins (second from right).
Mothers in greater Hancock Park who are looking for a healthy start to 2022 have a local option to consider. Bethany Atkins, franchise owner of Fit4Mom Larchmont, conducts all levels of fitness classes at Robert Burns Park on Van Ness and Beverly, and leads “stroller” walks through the surrounding neighborhood.
According to the Fit4Mom website, the nationwide company focuses on pre- and post-natal health, wellness and fitness for every stage of motherhood. This ethos resonated with Bethany as she was beginning her journey as a mother.
“I have a background in finance and worked on Wall Street, then I moved to Los Angeles and became a mom,” says Atkins. “I knew I didn’t want to go back to a 9-to-5 job, but was looking for something to fit into my new life. I became an instructor for Fit4Mom and liked it so much I decided to purchase a franchise.”
Fitness was always a priority for Atkins, but becoming a mother made her realize the strong need for community.
“I didn’t have much of a community when I was still new to the area and had a baby daughter. I would see moms with strollers everywhere though, so I knew they were there — we just didn’t talk to one another.”
With Fit4Mom, Atkins was able to bring together mothers who, like herself, were looking to connect as well as get fit.
During classes at the park, with babies in tow, conversations about sleep schedules and the neighborhood’s best pre-schools arise between strength training circuits. When classes end, play dates often commence in the sand.
ROBERT BURNS PARK is the site of Fit4Mom in action.
Atkins credits her business background with being able to offer an even more dynamic program for her moms; one that includes synergistic partnerships with pediatricians, lactation consultants and a pelvic floor specialist.
“I know how to teach exercise classes to all levels, but I don’t necessarily know everything about pelvic floor muscles, which is so specific,” explains Atkins. “I enjoy being able to plug people in with other types of services and practitioners that are relevant. There is a wealth of information out there to bring in.”
In these times, the importance of health, wellness and human connection cannot be overstated. Atkins agrees and shares that the pandemic forced her to pivot to virtual classes for a time.
“The benefit to virtual classes, which I still offer, is that I can reach more moms. But there is definitely a downside to going totally online. You miss that human connection. Some of the pandemic babies who are coming to my classes now had never seen other babies.”
Atkins is looking forward to 2022, which will present new mothers, new babies, new challenges, new opportunities and new needs for connection.
Category: People