We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight this month on Niki McCarthy — one of our dedicated Strides 360 instructors who brings strength, heart, and real-life mama energy to every class.
INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Niki
FIT4MOM DC
Meet Niki
Niki is mom to two boys (with an eight-year age gap) and teaches Strides 360 with FIT4MOM DC. She first discovered FIT4MOM after having her eldest son, when she was craving movement, connection, and a little space beyond the four walls of her small apartment. What she found was community. After teaching Stroller Strides and Strides 360 for 3.5 years with FIT4MOM Arlington, she took a short break, and now she’s back, energized and excited to empower a new generation of moms alongside her youngest Stroller Strides-sidekick.
What to expect at Strides 360?
Expect sweat and smiles. Niki’s Strides 360 workouts bring together dynamic movement, heart-pumping cardio, and a sense of community that makes the minutes fly by. Whether your little one’s is stroller-striding alongside or snoozing through class, moms and little ones at every stage will feel welcome and leave energized.
For Niki, Strides 360 is where you remember that moms are athletes. The format of class gives you a solid cardio push when you need it, but it’s flexible enough to meet moms where they are whether they’ve got a child in tow or are taking that hour themselves. She believes every mom deserves a place to feel strong, supported, and seen.
🌺 Fun Fact
Because her husband serves in the military, Niki and her family spent four amazing years in Hawaii where she hiked the 22-mile Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast… while pregnant with her eldest!
Niki's Go-To Tips for Adventuring With Kids
Travel is a huge part of Niki’s life, and she and her husband have made it a priority to show their boys the world: from Canada’s national parks to camper-van journeys through Iceland. She’s all about making travel feel doable, not daunting, even with kids of different ages.
When moms ask how she pulls it off, Niki always comes back to a few simple things that make adventures smoother:
1. Keep snacks everywhere.
2. Pack light but smart (layers are your friend), and build in downtime so nobody melts down halfway through the day — grown-ups included.
3. She swears by giving kids small “jobs” during the trip, whether that’s carrying their own mini-backpack or helping choose the next stop, because it keeps them engaged and feeling like part of the team.
And her biggest tip? Drop the pressure for the “perfect” trip. Some days will be magic, some will be messy, but the memories are always worth it.
If you ever need suggestions for family-friendly hikes, stroller-friendly destinations, or ways to keep little ones occupied on long flights, Niki’s your girl - she’s tried it all.
💪 Come try Strides 360 and see Niki in action
If you’re looking for a class that combines real cardio, real support, and real community — Niki’s Strides 360 is a great place to start. Your first class is free, and you might just find yourself walking out with more than sweaty shoes: maybe new mom-friends, an energy boost, and a reminder that strength comes in many forms.
See you in class! 💕