HerBaby Exercise: KokoMamas

Posted on 27 February, 2016

Dancing was something I really missed while I was pregnant.

While I tried to stay as active as I could, in the end I was mostly doing yoga and walks. But while I was pregnant I was thrilled to see that my friend and Director of Kokoloco, Becky, established a dance class for mums called KokoMamas! I could not wait to get the all clear to get back into exercise so that I could come along and give this a go.

Full disclosure: I have a long term love affair with Kokoloco, and adore Becky. I tried to be objective for you dear HC readers but I genuinely loved the class and can not recommend it more! I was feeling a bit nervous as I definitely feel like I have lost some of my coordination – maybe just due to lack of practice (maybe another aspect we can blame on #mummabrain?) and have also not lost all my baby weight. 

But the class was so much fun, with pattern sequences that were easy to follow and honestly, as a mum, I find myself more and more able to laugh at myself.

A junior KokoMamas participant

The babies were all of varying ages – though George was definitely the smallest/youngest. The others were all able to move around the room and interact with each other and the other mummies and I had George on his play mat which definitely intrigued some of the other littlies! For some of the tracks, Becky had the mums put their babies into harnesses – I hadn’t brought ours, but even without his extra body weight it was a great workout.

At the end we did some body weight work, abs and a great stretching session. The other mums were so friendly, the class was full of lots of giggles and “Awwwwwwws” at the babies cute antics.

Becky explains that her motivation for starting KokoMamas came from within her friendship group.

“I caught up with one of my close friends who used to dance with me before she had her first baby, and she said “Becky, I’m dying to dance again and get fit after having my baby, and there’s nothing out there like a Salsa class where I can dance with Harmony…could you start something like this?” explains Becky. 

“I had thought about it for a while and talking to her really prompted me into creating [KokoMamas]. Within 24 hours she had invited her mums group who were all super excited, I then created a Facebook group and invited all the mums I knew – a lot from dance classes that had stopped since having babies.”

“I love helping people get fit, healthy and happy through dance, and it’s one of the highlights of my week, not just seeing the mums, but also seeing how excited the babies get dancing to the music and bringing it all together. It’s a cuteness overload!”

Becky explains that there’s more to the class than baby-friendly classic salsa dancing.

“KokoMamas is a Latin dance fitness class, combining a cardio warm up, latin style dance routines (with or without babies secured in carriers) and a toning floor work session and stretching to finish the class,” she says, “everything needed to get a complete full body workout (with some extra bodyweight)”

Becky also says the class does almost as much for her as it does for the participants.

“This class is honestly one of my favourite classes of the week and such a joy to teach!” says Becky. “The mums are happy because they can get out and exercise (and dance) WITH their babies and other mums in the same situation, and the babies LOVE it!”

“They kick their legs around and smile and squeal as soon as the music starts, it’s so beautiful and funny to see! I am so happy to have created this class, I’ve always taught adults and kids dance classes, so it’s great to be able to offer another option for mums with babies, especially dancing mums that miss it!. I’d love to let more new mothers know about this class and see how much joy it can bring to them and their babies!”

George and I truly loved this class and will definitely be back this year. I would encourage all mums to come along – you definitely do not need a background in dance to enjoy this class. 

the essentials

What:KokoMamas classes start up again on
When: Wednesdays 12-12.45pm
Where: Kokoloco Dance Studio, Level 1, Unit 9-11 Dundas Court, Phillip
Cost: Classes are just $15 per casual class, no need to book, just come along with a yoga mat, baby carrier and baby!
More information: You can email info@kokoloco.com.au or visit the website www.kokoloco.com.au for more information.