Finding the OM in m{OM} at Solstice

My second pregnancy kicked me in the butt. As excited as I was about welcoming baby #2 into our family, the little person inside of me was zapping all my energy and only craved hamburgers and milkshakes smoothies. I went from working out 3-4 days a week to canceling my CrossFit membership and suspending my yoga class package. Fitness was lost on me. After my son was born I got exhausted from taking a stroll down the street. I was uber intimidated to step foot back into the gym. Plus, the whole breastfeeding/baby attached to me didn’t make it easy to find the time (or the energy) to work out.
 
Then I met Kristen, owner of Solstice Yoga + Barre. Game-changer. Kristen invited me to take a few classes and 5 minutes into my first class (BYOBaby Fit) I was hooked. Seven weeks postpartum and I had found my new normal routine. It included at least 2 visits a week to Solstice. These visits and classes helped me find my peace, my calm. My OM. Regardless of what chapter of motherhood you are in, I guarantee they have an offering for you. 
 
Solstice post
Ethan, 8 weeks, joining me for the BYOBaby Fit class at Solstice
 
For the expecting Mom
Kristen (who has an extensive background in pelvic floor yoga therapy as well as prenatal and postpartum yoga) teaches a prenatal yoga class that goes beyond the physical aspects of pregnancy and labor. It supports the mind and spirit as well as fosters a community with other expecting moms.  
 
For the new Mom 
This was my game changer! Not only does Jen teach an amazing BYOBaby Fit class that caters to sleeping and fussy alert awake babies, she always provides words of encouragement that I didn’t realize I needed so badly until I heard them. As my maternity leave came to an end, it was a relief to have the support and encouragement of other moms who were going through the exact same thing. Thanks to the babysitting services offered during every 9:30 a.m. class, I was able to make it to my first ever barre class (that offered modifications for this new mama!). 
 
For the Mom with Young kids
Solstice offers a variety of yoga, pilates and barre classes. All taught by amazing women who create a space that encourages every student. And if you are a mom that has a hard time getting to work out because the lack of childcare, Solstice has you covered. Every 9:30 a.m. class offers babysitting for only $5/child. This summer the Kids Club Babysitting will include storybook themes with age-appropriate crafts, activities, crafts, and games! Plus, they offer family yoga so your kids can learn the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle. 
  
Studio Background
Solstice Yoga + Barre opened in April 2015 and has created a family-centered studio. When I asked Kristen, the founder/owner of Solstice why she opened the studio, this what she had to say:
The why or inspiration for the studio is that old saying “necessity is the mother of invention.”  The idea came from my own experience as a yogi-mom and those of my yoga students- and what I sensed was a lack of yoga or fitness community centered around family.  There were yoga studios and plenty of group classes around town, but it was hard for me to actually take a class.  The only places that offered childcare were big box gyms, and most of the mom and me classes focused on the children and not much on the parents. I envisioned a place where everyone was welcome and the variety of classes would appeal to different people’s needs: fitness, yoga, core healing and strengthening, family yoga, byob, interactive babysitting.  Having a place where pre/postnatal and core health were highlighted and made a focus would help educate the community on this long neglected population and foster the “village” I wished I’d had when my boys were younger.  I’m really proud of how it has turned out and the amazing community we have built.
 
Where to Find Solstice
Solstice is located in the Candler Park neighborhood. Convenient to all parts of Atlanta. (I promise, for you OTP’ers {me included}, it was a quick 25-minute drive from Smyrna!). Check out their schedule to find the perfect class for you. 

195 Arizona Avenue Northeast, #500
Atlanta, GA 30307

They also offer FREE Street Parking. The studio faces Arizona Avenue across the street from the 200 office building and Ration & Dram Restaurant.

You can also check them out on Facebook and Instagram!
A special thanks to Solstice Yoga + Barre Studio for partnering with me and giving me the opportunity to experience the studio. Although this is sponsored, all thoughts and opinions are 100% mine!