Connecting with mom friends is essential: Sharing the highs and lows of parenting with someone who truly gets it can be a lifesaver. And while coffee dates and book clubs are great, adding some movement to your meetups can make them even better! Movement makes us feel stronger and is great for our bodies. It makes a fun friend date more exciting with an “exercise high!” Here are some body-moving activities that will bring you closer, get those endorphins going and maybe even add a little extra pep to your step.
1. Stroller-Powered Walks
For moms with little ones, stroller walks are a perfect way to get out, get moving and connect with friends—all without needing a babysitter. Whether you’re at the park, on a walking trail or just making laps around the neighborhood, this is a low-impact way to move your body and still keep up with your baby or toddler.
- Benefits: Chatting with a friend while walking can make the miles fly by, and pushing a stroller adds a gentle resistance workout for your arms and core.
- Add-On Idea: Bring a picnic blanket and snacks to end the walk with a little mom-and-me hangout at the park.
2. Group Zumba Class
If you and your friends love to dance (or at least laugh at each other’s moves), a Zumba class is a fantastic option! These high-energy classes are led by an instructor who guides you through dance moves that combine cardio and strength training.
- Benefits: Dancing is a great way to relieve stress, and it’s nearly impossible to leave a Zumba class without feeling a little more joyful.
- Add-On Idea: Have a friendly “dance-off” afterward where you and your friends rate who nailed it and who, well … tried.
3. Mall Walking (With a Side of Window Shopping)
Shopping with a mom friend is the best of both worlds: You get to move your body and catch up on the latest fashion. Mall walking can be a surprisingly good workout, especially if you set a brisk pace and don’t get too distracted by the sales. I was at the mall just the other day and was pleasantly shocked when I checked my fitness watch and saw I got over 3,000 steps in less than two hours of leisurely shopping! Never underestimate the power of incorporating walking into a seemingly unrelated activity.
And there’s no need to spend a bunch of money. Set a strict budget or goal (e.g., if we walk 5,000 steps, we treat ourselves to a chicken salad sandwich and a boba tea; or I treat myself to just one candle at Yankee) to make it fun and avoid blowing your budget. Bonus: Your kids can play on the free or inexpensive playgrounds or train rides that many malls offer nowadays!
- Benefits: Walking around a mall can burn more calories than you’d think, especially if you’re carrying shopping bags! Plus, it’s indoors, so it’s a great option if the weather’s not ideal.
- Add-On Idea: Make it a scavenger hunt! Pick a few items you each need and see who can find theirs first. Winner buys coffee!
4. Pilates YouTube Date
Got a mat and a Wi-Fi connection? Perfect! Try scheduling a Pilates YouTube date with your mom friends. It’s budget-friendly and super flexible, and you don’t even have to leave the house. Just agree on a video you all want to follow (there are tons of free options out there), press play and go! You can have your mom friends come over if you have living room space, or you can even synchronize it virtually through video chat.
- Benefits: Pilates strengthens your core, improves flexibility and is easy to do at your own pace—plus, it’s one of the few workouts that leaves you feeling energized instead of wiped out.
- Add-On Idea: Make it a recurring thing! Maybe every week, you and your friends tackle a new Pilates video. That way, you’re moving, staying accountable and laughing together even if it’s from afar.
This is a fun, easy way to get some movement in, even on a busy schedule. It’s like having a workout buddy from the comfort of your home and adds a little bonding to your wellness routine.
5. Hiking Adventure
Nothing bonds people quite like a hiking adventure. There’s something about a long walk in nature—sharing stories, enjoying the scenery and cheering each other on over tough hills—that deepens friendships.
- Benefits: Hiking is a fantastic full-body workout that strengthens your legs, core and cardiovascular health. Plus, being in nature lowers cortisol (stress hormones) and has mental health benefits, too!
- Add-On Idea: Pack a backpack with small treats or energy-boosting snacks to share along the way, and don’t forget to take a group selfie when you reach the summit.
6. Mom-and-Kid Dance Party
Host a mini dance party with your mom friends and their kids! Put together a playlist with family-friendly hits, clear a space in the living room or backyard, and let loose.
- Benefits: Dancing is good cardio, and kids love seeing their moms having fun. It’s a great way to bond with your mom friends and make some sweet memories.
- Add-On Idea: Take turns letting each person DJ a song, so you all get to groove to different tunes.
7. Biking Together
If you’re looking to get out and cover some ground, biking is a great way to do it! Many cities have dedicated bike trails, and biking is a fun, refreshing way to see your surroundings.
- Benefits: Biking is low-impact, making it great for those who may have joint concerns. It’s also a wonderful way to enjoy a scenic route together.
- Add-On Idea: Plan a destination at the end of the trail, like a smoothie or juice bar, as a little reward for your workout.
8. Try a Fun Workout Class Together
There are so many unique classes out there—like barre, HIIT, or spin—that can spice up your routine and give you something new to laugh about. Going with a friend is a great way to shake off any nerves if you’re trying a new type of workout.
- Benefits: Trying something new pushes you out of your comfort zone, and fitness classes with friends are always more fun!
- Add-On Idea: Head out for a smoothie or coffee afterward as a reward, and chat about how much fun (or how ridiculous) the class was!
Keep Moving, Keep Laughing and Keep Connecting
Moving with friends doesn’t have to feel like a chore or a major commitment. Whether it’s dancing, hiking or just a stroll around the neighborhood, these activities add joy, connection and a bit of endorphin-boosting exercise to your friendships. Remember, every time you meet up with another mom to move, you’re not just strengthening your body—you’re strengthening your friendships and building a community that makes this journey through motherhood all the sweeter.
