A new fitness hub is springing up in the Augusta area, just in time for the new year.
Sweat Like A Mother, or S.L.A.M., began as an exercise program for women designed by fitness instructor Alexa Smith, who launched it in 2011, in Columbus, Ga.
As implied by its moniker, S.L.A.M. is geared toward mothers, consisting of regular workout classes, conducted outdoors, with children welcome and often in tow in strollers.
The club now has some 40 affiliates throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe, each managed by certified trainers, referred to as “S.L.A.M. Bosses.”
Mikayla Moreland, founder of the Augusta affiliate, first encountered S.L.A.M. while she and her husband were stationed in Vicenza, Italy.
“It was something that was definitely a saving grace for me and a lot of other military spouses and people who are not able to work,” said Moreland. “Whenever I had started, I was in my worst place, mentally, physically, emotionally and just becoming a part of this group of moms that was there to support you in every stage of life, it definitely inspired me to keep with it and keep going.”
Once her family was stationed at Fort Eisenhower, she looked to see if any chapters were nearby. As the closest affiliate she found was in Savannah, she opted to open the CSRA’s first.
The new fitness boot camp will be comprised of three hour-long classes a week, with workouts ranging from high intensity strength training and running or walking exercises for speed and agility. Afterwards, participants often bring their children to the playground.
Kinship and solidarity are key themes of the program, Moreland explains. Women “at all stages of motherhood” are encouraged to join, to foster a community of women who understand and support one another.
“It’s not just newborn moms, it’s not just toddler moms, even if you’re not a mom,” said Moreland, noting “whether that’s you’re still trying to conceive, whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, even if you have kids in high school and college, it’s just creating that community for moms to be able to work out together and encourage each other and each of our kids that are there with us how it is to stay active and physical… creating that group of friends that become family.”
Moreland says she hopes interest will grow enough to open more affiliates in the area, and offer up to five classes a week.
She recalls one aspiration she jokingly set for herself was to conduct a S.L.A.M. class on a Master’s golf course.
“Whether that will happen, ever happen… I don’t know, but that is my long-term goal,” she said.
S.L.A.M. Augusta will have its grand opening on Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m. at Gateway Park, 215 Partnership Dr. in Grovetown. For more information, visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/slamaugusta.
Skyler Andrews is a reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
