I remember staring at my running shoes last week. They sat untouched by the door. My little one was fussy with a cold and my usual gym’s childcare was closed. The choice felt impossible. Do I prioritize my health or my child? This is a daily dilemma for so many parents. In Kelowna, two local moms decided to tear that wall down completely.
Dr. Brigitte Carlyle Pestana and Alanna Redfern are opening Crew & Co on December 1. They are a chiropractor and a kinesiologist. They saw a gap after having their own children. “You either found childcare and made it to the gym or you didn’t go,” Pestana explained. Their new gym at 1021 Richter Street operates on a simple philosophy. No babysitter is required.
This isn’t just an idea. It’s an evolution of their existing work. They launched Birth to Barbells in 2022. It is a prenatal and postpartum fitness program. Crew & Co provides that community with a permanent home. “This started as two moms trying to solve a problem,” Redfern said. Watching it grow into a real facility feels surreal to them.
So what does a no babysitter required gym actually look like? Imagine multiple kid-friendly play zones stocked with toys. There are baby swings and bouncers for the youngest members. Your children remain in your care. The spaces are designed to keep them nearby and entertained. The instructors are coaches with clinical expertise. They are also parents who understand.
“We’re child friendly, not a drop off daycare,” their Facebook page clarifies. The instructors’ first priority is delivering a great class. They also keep everyone safe. “But we’re also moms and we get it,” they note. “When we’re able we’re more than happy to hold a baby so you can finish your set.”
- Child-friendly environment
- No babysitter required
- Trained instructors with clinical expertise
- Safe and engaging play zones
- Community-focused approach
- Transforming fitness into a family activity
This approach serves a real need in the Central Okanagan. It offers evidence based coaching for parents. You don’t have to leave your kids behind. It transforms fitness from a logistical hurdle into an inclusive family activity. Your wellness journey can now include the sound of your child laughing nearby.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 1021 Richter Street |
| Opening Date | December 1 |
| Founders | Dr. Brigitte Carlyle Pestana and Alanna Redfern |
| Program | Birth to Barbells |
| Childcare | No babysitter required |
| Focus | Inclusive family fitness |
For more details as the December opening nears, follow Crew & Co on Facebook. Their story reminds us that the best solutions often come from personal experience. They built a space they needed themselves. What problem in your own life could use a creative community minded solution like this?
