Thank you to The Parents’ Place for offering Audrey a series of complimentary class sessions for the purpose of writing this post. All opinions expressed by this blogger are 100% her own.
Hello Out and About Mom readers! I come to you today with an entry unlike any I’ve written for this blog before: it is about something I did without my children.
“WHAT?!” you might be exclaiming. “I don’t come here for things to do without my kids. Who do you think I am? Someone with FREE TIME?!” Before you click through to Out and About Mom’s lists of fantastic playgrounds and amazing children’s museums, hear me out. I was once a frenzied parent such as yourself that only fantasized about “me time.” To be perfectly honest, most of the time I still am. But with the help of Rachel Taylor and her wonderful wellness business, The Parents’ Place, I am on a journey toward meaningful self-care, perhaps for the first time in my life, let alone during my time as a parent.
Rachel offers a wide range of services through The Parents’ Place, sure to accommodate anyone. For the truly time-starved, there are even recorded online courses you can do at your own pace, in your own home. However, I am currently enrolled in the in-person Strong As a Mother class that is part of a branch of services aptly named The Matriarchy, so I’ll speak mainly to my experience with that. The strength, stability, and relaxation small-group classes that make up The Matriarchy are built out specifically to support the child-bearing body–whether you’re expecting your first child or are years post-partum (like me).
Though the figurative journey toward wellness can be long and winding, the literal journey to Rachel’s studio is short and simple. Her indoor studio is on the top floor of her historic Hartford home, conveniently located a short distance off of 84’s Sisson Ave exit (a stone’s throw from Tisane).
When the weather cooperates, participants are treated to Rachel’s stunning back deck.
Just looking at the picture makes me sigh. Tranquil, right? I could wax poetic about the oasis Rachel and her husband have created in their backyard. But I digress…
The classes themselves escape definition. To explain them, it helps to think of what they’re not. Stick with me now. Here goes:
First, call to mind anything that comes up when I say the word “exercise.” Gyms? Sweat-drenched torture-fests, either in person or via video? Phrases like “no pain, no gain?” Throw all of that out the window.
Next, do the same thing but this time for the word “yoga.” Zen-like atmosphere? “Easy” exercise made for relaxation only? Clothes you mostly wear to watch Netflix and eat ice cream? Hold the Zen, but then throw out everything else.
Now get ready to picture both relaxation and strength as new concepts you’ve never really experienced before. Because that is what The Parents’ Place is doing for me.
Strong as a Mother has been an entirely outside the box experience I never could have imagined until I did it. For months prior to my first in-person class with Rachel, I gave myself reasons not to try it. I knew her through my work at River Bend Bookshop (she’s an avid reader) and so she’d brought up her business with me. I privately thought “oh that sounds interesting…for other people.” She gently encouraged me to check it out for myself. I chuckled. This woman clearly did not appreciate how much I loathe exercise.
Still, I tried a free relaxation class Rachel offered through her Facebook page during the winter months. The experience was so moving and complete, I ended the session in a flood of relieved tears. OK, maybe something was going on here.
Meanwhile, as you may have seen ’round the blog, Rachel signed up for an Out and About Mom sponsorship. It’s likely you even read her guest post. She advertised her classes, and I read up more about them. Finally, I agreed to do a trial session for the blog.
In talking with Rachel, though, that trial session quickly became a commitment to 12 weeks of Tuesday classes at 6:30 am. You read that right. 6:30. And I am not a morning person. I’ve heard so many times that getting up before the sun is the only way a parent can actually get things done. Fine. Once a week, I can make it happen. Between caring for the kids and my own job, it’s honestly the only time I have anyway.
The first class was breezy. I got to know some of the language Rachel uses in her work (like “tubular core”), we talked about where I felt I needed help (core and—let’s be honest—pelvic floor) and, after some exploratory movement and savasana, I left feeling relaxed and invigorated.
Over the next few weeks, the classes grew progressively more challenging. I worked up a sweat. My heartrate climbed. My muscles felt activated and strong. Still, I left each class feeling relaxed and invigorated. Much to my surprise and delight, as the classes got more difficult, I did not begin to dread going. Nor did I anxiously anticipate the end of class. What strange magic is this?!
And then I realized the key difference between my experience with Strong as a Mother and every other experience with exercise I’ve had before (including some yoga classes)—with Rachel, I didn’t feel like I was punishing my body. I felt like I was exploring what it was capable of. And every week, I surprised myself. Every week I could feel the exercises working. Every week I could feel subtle improvements in my day-to-day movement. It sounds wacky and more than a little hippy-dippy, but my relationship with my body started to change. I started seeing it as a vessel I wanted to care for rather than a burden I needed to whip into shape.
The approach worked (and is still working) for me. As my perspective shifted, I could find joy in movement. Not that I’m out running 5k’s now or anything, but I feel stronger. I feel more grounded. I look forward to the times when I can challenge myself and find out what else my body can do. It’s a beautiful thing.
So I dare you…sign up for the fall session. Heck, it’s even shorter than the one I’m doing now (9 weeks instead of 12) because Rachel is expecting her third child this winter. And if you sign up for the 6:30am session on Tuesdays, I will see you there 😉
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-255-4035
Email: rachel@theparentsplace.org
Class Schedule:
Class days and times vary widely depending on the type of class you are interested in. Many classes are also available pre-recorded so that you can do them at your own pace from the comfort of home. Check out Rachel’s many offerings here.
Pricing:
Like class scheduling, pricing varies widely depending on what you are looking for. The class that I wrote about (Strong as a Mother) is being offered this fall at $249 for 9 weeks.
Details:
Parking: On-street
Dress Code: Dress comfortably in clothing that allows you full range of motion.
Discounts: Rachel offers a sliding scale for online classes.
COVID-19 vaccination required to participate in in-person classes.
Don’t forget to check out Rachel’s guest post for a dose of relaxation you can use right now!
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You really captured what Rachel’s classes and warm guidance feel like! I’ve done the online version of Strong As a Mother and find myself going back to the simple movements throughout the week.