Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Southern Oaks Athletic Club. That said, I was a loyal member long before this opportunity came up. All thoughts and opinions are genuinely my own.
Four Reasons Local Moms Should Join Southern Oaks Athletic Club
Before kids, my husband and I were very active.
From triathlons to sand volleyball, we were always competing with one another. This active lifestyle was put on hold though with the birth of our first child as we learned the ropes of parenthood.
After my twins were born though, I was ready to get active again. I bought a three-month subscription to Beachbody on Demand and stared at my TV for a few weeks while Amber told me “I got this.” What Amber didn’t know was that this one-sided relationship wasn’t offering what I needed most: a sense of community and motivation.
So when we moved into the Shenandoah neighborhood in August 2018, I toured the Southern Oaks Athletic Club (SOAC) located off of Jones Creek. After a facility tour and meeting some of the staff, I decided to join the club because of the location, schedule, and variety of equipment.
While those reasons still hold true for why to join this club, the biggest benefit is what the club has been able to offer my family as a whole.
1. For the Family: The Patio
Overlooking the tennis courts and outfitted with huge TVs and ping pong tables, The Patio is the perfect hangout spot after an 
hour in the gym or on the weekends with the whole family. The space is home to events throughout the year, like a Mini-Maker’s Market featuring local vendors to chill nights with live music. At any given moment, you can find a child doing homework at a table while their dad plays tennis or a group of women sharing a glass of wine after a spin class.
The wine and food list is expansive and offers both healthy and kid-friendly options. My favorite is the SOAC burger – it’s delicious! And if you like the food, they also offer premade healthy meals to-go. It’s a great option when you need a lunch for the next day or want to eat something different than the Pizza Rolls your kids have requested for the hundredth time.
2. For Kids: The Fun Zone
From the patio, you can see the outdoor children’s area. While most gyms offer child care, SOAC offers both an indoor and outdoor space with a caring staff. The kids are able to expend energy while climbing, running and playing tag or sit quietly inside and do a craft or homework. This area dedicated to kids offers a variety of things to do and will be the reason your kid begs you to go to the gym.
3. For Moms and Dads: Class Variety
The class schedule is full of variety and accommodates all interests and schedules. Because I personally like to mix up my workouts, you can find me doing suspension training on Mondays, weights on Tuesdays, REFIT® Hip-Hop cardio on Wednesdays, and Barre on Thursdays. On Saturday mornings, you can find me at the gym again doing REV+FLOW, another great workout combining movement and weights.
You can even register online ahead of time through the website’s member page. Not only does this reserve your spot in smaller classes, but I find it also holds me accountable. Online reservations also give you perk points, another great benefit of SOAC. Through the perks program, attending classes and participating in events builds points which can then later be used towards gear, food and drink, or even upgrades.
4. For Everyone: A Sense of Belonging
If I were to compare previous gyms, the biggest difference in SOAC is the sense of community. To say I was welcomed with open arms is an understatement. This neighborhood gym welcomes every new member and works with them to find their fit, whether it be lifting weights in the weight room or a group exercise class.
Outside of classes, you can find friends and families sharing lunch on the patio. Kids are running around and laughing as their parents get to know each other. New friends make plans to meet the following day for tennis. The employees walk by and ask if you met your most recent goals. This gym and its members just get it – that gyms are meant to be a place for connections, growth, and overall health.
Since day one this gym has introduced me to new people, new experiences, and a new perspective. It has been the perfect family gym and offers something for everyone, from my triathlon-training husband to my four-year-old daughter.
Let’s just say I am looking forward to the summer ahead full of days at the pool and meeting and connecting with new friends and families.
If you are looking for a family-friendly gym with a neighborhood feel, come find me at SOAC and see what it’s all about.
Learn More About Southern Oaks Athletic Club and schedule a tour Today! Check out their website and Facebook for more information.
 located off of Jones Creek. After a facility tour and meeting some of the staff, I decided to join the club because of the location, schedule, and variety of equipment.){kind=link}