The Active Moms’ Club was born in 2008 when our founder, fitness trainer Cassandra Hawkinson, discovered that her postnatal clients wanted something more than just another stroller workout class. They wanted mom-centered fitness activities and an opportunity to connect with other moms and their children. Their voice inspired the three facets of the Club: fitness, wellness and community.
In 2003, Cassandra began training moms when she received her perinatal certification and started Baby Buggy Bootcamp, now known as Biceps, Babies & Buggies. At the time, Baby Buggy Bootcamp was one of the first stroller fitness classes in Chicago. Over the years, our stroller workouts evolved to offer more value. Moms were looking for Cassandra’s approach to training: Not one exercise works for all, but all moms enjoy working out together. Today, all classes are led by certified personal trainers or equivalent to ensure each mom gets a personalized workout.
Working with moms also inspired other types of fitness programs designed for prenatal women and postnatal mothers. Before birth, busy women can train in small groups at times convenient to their schedules. Shortly after birth, mom and infant are guided through a progressive class designed to restore the core strength and pelvic floor muscles safely. At any time, any mom can join an indoor or outdoor class based on her (and her child’s) schedule and fitness level. Babies and small children typically play alongside mom during class, or make new friends while she gets a great workout.
More than fitness, Active Moms’ Club hosts wellness workshops on a variety of topics important to moms. We are connected to a diverse group of experts who share their knowledge on hot topics like establishing healthy sleep habits, fostering positive eating habits and developing and honing parenting skills. Moms’ night out is another popular event that creates community.
We are proud to provide a supportive group environment — centered around fitness — where moms can build self-esteem and confidence in a community of their peers. This is how we achieve our mission: Healthy mom, healthy baby, and happy family!
Coach Cassandra, Founder AMC
Cassandra’s desire to help people achieve their fitness goals started as a hobby in 2001 when she moved to Chicago from the east coast. Never an athlete in her youth, she began her athletic journey teaching weekly Spin classes, and found it incredibly rewarding. Her appetite to inspire others continued to grow, and, in 2002, Cassandra received her personal training certification through the American Council of Exercise (ACE). In 2003 she became certified through Healthy Moms® for perinatal training. She also has specialty training through the Women’s Health Organization for the Total Control™ Program — a comprehensive pelvic fitness and wellness program.
In 2003, Cassandra took a leap of faith. She left a steady paying job as a graphic designer, and set out to pursue her true passion of fitness and established Coach Cassandra, an independent personal training business. The Active Moms’ Club was born in 2008 after many of Cassandra’s clients expressed their strong interest in all the elements the Club now offers.
Cassandra thoroughly enjoys participating in endurance events. Her athletic resume includes: 3 marathons, 8 half marathons, 2 Ironman Triathlons, 7 Half Ironman Triathlons as well as numerous other road races and shorter distance triathlons all since her first road race in 2002! Cassandra and her equally athletic husband enjoy training together. In August 2012 they welcomed two beautiful twin boys into the world, who look forward to accompanying mom to classes when their schedules permit!
