Young mom offers different kind of ‘bar crawl’

The Barre Crawl, a fitness center located on Fidalgo Avenue, is the place to be for new parents.

An Oak Harbor business offers new parents a judgment-free space where they can socialize and exercise in the company of their little ones.

The Barre Crawl, a fitness center located on Fidalgo Avenue, is the place owner Shelby Novak needed during the first months of being a first-time mom, a period that can be full of joy as well as fatigue and self-doubt.

Novak, a 26-year-old from Chicago, is on a journey to get out of her comfort zone and experience things she was too afraid to do in her previous locations.

After she moved to Guam with her husband, a Navy sailor, Novak found herself feeling lonely and struggling to get out of bed. A walk outside changed everything, inspiring her to incorporate walks into her daily routine, thus improving her mental and physical health. Physical activity also helped her cope with the symptoms of pregnancy and the post-partum changes, she said.

But despite finding relief in her daily runs with her baby’s stroller, her fear of rejection held her back from finding a community she could fit in. So, when she moved to Whidbey in November 2023, she decided to create her own.

The Barre Crawl opened in April 2024, welcoming moms and dads hoping to get exercise in a space where they can simultaneously take care of their children and not worry about being asked to leave because their child is throwing a tantrum.

The fitness center offers 30-minute workout sessions that include Pilates and Zumba, which help improve core and pelvic floor strength, breathing and the connection between mind and body, she said.

The $20 classes are open to moms and dads with children aged from about 6 weeks to 4 years. Some toddlers might prefer to cling to their parent or play, when they’re not in a stroller.

Glenn, a vivacious 2-year-old who likes oranges and the word “no,” will occasionally join his mother in her exercises, climbing on her or emulating a particular position.

On top of encouraging parents to get out of the house and do something for themselves, The Barre Crawl also helps make exercise a regular part of the child’s life, Novak said.

Parents can bring snacks, toys and diapers, being free to take breaks whenever to feed or comfort their children or use the changing table available on site.

Because babies tend to get fussy at the worst times, there is no pressure to be punctual, Novak said.

“As a mom, it’s almost impossible to be on time,” she said.

At The Barre Crawl, parents can discuss the less glamorous aspects of parenthood, like their children’s poop or how breastfeeding can change the mind and body of a mother. Because many moms are unprepared for these changes, Novak also offers a breastfeeding class for moms and moms-to-be. Otherwise, it’s also a place for building community and catching up.

The Barre Crawl is located at 715 Southeast Fidalgo Avenue, unit 105, in Downtown Oak Harbor. To book a class or learn more, visit barrecrawl.com.

Photo by Luisa Loi
Glenn crawls around The Barre Crawl while his mom works out. The small fitness center is a place where parents can exercise while their kids play or cling to them.

Photo by Luisa Loi Glenn crawls around The Barre Crawl while his mom works out. The small fitness center is a place where parents can exercise while their kids play or cling to them.

Photo by Luisa Loi
Shelby Novak stretches with the help of a spring board while her son Glenn provides emotional support.

Photo by Luisa Loi Shelby Novak stretches with the help of a spring board while her son Glenn provides emotional support.