10 Health and Wellness Ideas for Moms in Vancouver

From head to toe, we've got what moms need to stay relaxed, get fit and live healthy in Vancouver.

Part of the Trevor Linden-owned Club 16, She's Fit is for women only, so hello non-threatening environment, good-bye group of guys hovering around the bench press. For $14.99 you get a monthly membership to a single location (they have fourteen around the Lower Mainland). We love that unlike some gyms, their cancellation policy doesn't lock you in for life—cancel within thirty days of your next bill for a refund. She's Fit keeps costs down by not offering hot tubs, saunas or a towel service. Those of us who don't want to spend money on a personal trainer love the thirty-minute speed zone, a targeted circuit that promises maximum results in the minimum time, and best of all eradicates that feeling we get when faced with a gym full of equipment, but no idea where to start.

Facials are a great way to breathe new life into weathered skin. Spa Boutique in Kits on West 4th Avenue, near Alma, is a great place to get a facial. Their estheticians do a full assessment of your skin, and can recommend the best products and approaches for your on-going individual skincare.

If you don't have a trip to Maui in your plans this year, try a hot yoga class. With classroom temps around 105°F, you can pretend you're doing the Shivasana pose on Wailea Beach. YYoga has seven locations running up to 16 (hot and otherwise) classes daily, eliminating the ‘I can't find a class to fit my schedule' excuse.

Why not spend an hour focused solely on your precious footsies? Footworks Relaxology, a spa located on Kitsilano's hip West Broadway corridor and run by local mom entrepreneurs Jenny Shin and Nancy Hannoun, offers a mix of Asian and Western natural foot reflexology that will leave your feet feeling completely relaxed.

Spin classes are not hard to find, but for a unique experience head to Cadence, a dedicated spin studio in the South Granville Rise area. The 45-minute spin class flies by in the cool, minimalist setting, with great tunes and engaging instructors. Cadence focuses solely on spinning to provide the best experience possible.

Want to make it a family affair? Then try Butterfly Yoga's parent and child class for 2.5 to 6 year-olds. Savvy mom Christina Taylor stretches everyone's muscles and imagination using animal imagery and music in this fast-paced class. Don't be surprised to find yourself hooting like an owl and falling over in frog's pose.

For a price comparable to or even cheaper than most gym-based trainers, Fitness on the Go coaches come to your home and create a routine that works for you. They will bring all the equipment you need, or use what you have on hand. All they ask is a 6' x 6' floor space and a commitment that can be as low as one session per month.

The Juice Truck uses a premium cold pressing production technique to preserve the delicate flavours and enzymes of the mostly local and organic fruits and vegetables in their juices. These unpasteurized juices last up to seven days and we can't think of an easier or more delicious way to get our five to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables. Also offered are the three-, five- and seven-day cleanses, delivered right to your door. With six delicious juices and smoothies to enjoy per day, the emphasis is on health rather than weight loss.

For those who like to boogie (or even twerk), as the case may be, we like iDance. Located in Vancouver at 5th and Main Street, their Dancer's Body Bootcamp will get you twisting and shouting into shape. If you're looking to spice up your workout routine, then try their salsa classes instead. If you aren't quite sure that dance is your thing don't worry, your first class is free.

For moms with a passion for fitness and the outdoors, try Equal Balance Fitness. Their bootcamps meet in different parks around the North Shore, so every day is different, every workout unique and the air is invigorating. Try your first class for free.