Great Escape: Pump Up Body Image with a Trip to the Gym

Summer is around the corner, and with it comes tank tops, shorts and…bathing suits. There are few women who welcome summer’s unforgiving fashions with open arms. For some moms, a little extra baby weight combined with a new post-child body shape can make the season a bit more loathed. Every pregnancy and every stage of motherhood brings new body changes, good and bad. This week, walk away from the body issues and jog into the gym to boost your confidence. Check out these local gyms for a workout that will leave you pumped.

Curves: This is a girls-only retreat. So skip the makeup, the perfectly coifed ponytail and the worry that the cute muscled guy is judging how you look in your attire. At Curves, you can focus on you, your body and your workout. Think of this gym as the Rachael Ray of fitness: full cardio and strength training in 30 minutes. Three locations in Ballwin: 15579 Manchester Rd., 14760 Clayton Rd. and 317 Ozark Trail Dr.

: Because every woman’s body is different, PerforMax is the go-to gym for moms who want a more tailored fitness program. Trainers create a customized workout regimen to address individualized concerns—from shedding baby weight to improving muscle tone and flexibility. The gym also offers rehabilitation services and nutritional counseling, and PerforMax Fitness will accommodate any busy schedule. 1208 Town & Country Crossing Dr., Town & Country.  

: Looking for a more unique workout? Dip your toes into pilates, which helps strengthen the body’s core and increases flexibility and muscle tone. Get started with an introductory consultation for $50. 110 Chesterfield Town Center, Chesterfield.