Mums struggling with their strollers on subway steps is an all-too-common sight these days in New York, especially since over 300 New York stations still lack elevators.

This Mother’s Day, Mother New York is tackling a very New York problem with M.A.M.A. Training: Men Assisting Moms Ascending. A gym class like no other. And a self-promotion featuring Mother’s flair for the unexpected attention magnet.

You see some crazy stuff in workout classes these days. But none have taken the idea of functional fitness quite as literally and intensely as Mother’s M.A.M.A. Training. Forget dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells; this workout uses the humble stroller to make sure the men of New York City are strong enough to step up, literally, when a mum needs it most.

“New York City has thousands of stairs across hundreds of stations. Each one is an opportunity to step up for mums – this Mother’s Day, and every day. We created this class so we can all live in a world where the weight of a stroller is never a mum’s to bear alone,” stated Hannah Tabor, group strategy director, Mother New York.

The workout class includes exercises such as overhead stroller step-ups, stroller squats, and overhead stroller presses. 

“Whether it was offering me a seat when I was pregnant or helping with my stroller now, as a new mom, I’ve definitely noticed that probably 9 out of 10 times, the people who offer to help on public transit are usually women. It’s anecdotal, of course, but other mums we spoke to reported the same thing. Moms are incredibly strong, but strollers are heavy! Hopefully, now the men of New York will be strong enough to help out, too,” added Sara Carr, creative director.

To those who want to make sure they’re strong enough, or confidently think they already are, Mother is hosting M.A.M.A. Training at functional fitness gym True North Training in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Saturday, May 9. 

Spots are limited, so folks can email mamatraining@mothernewyork.com to reserve their place.