When I became a mom, I went through the hardest transition of my life! Within a few weeks, I’d left my full time job, became a stay-at-home wife, and then became a mother. I was thrown into a new life with new schedules (or no schedule depending how you looked at it) and during the day, was on my own. By the time my son was 3 months, I was desperate to end the chaos. I needed stability in my life, and I needed it fast!
I went on a search for a way to pass the time during the day, and one of the first activities I tried was Baby Boot Camp. Baby Boot Camp is a franchised organization dedicated to helping moms with young children become or stay fit. Each Baby Boot Camp instructor is certified with a National Personal Trainer Certification, and many owners are well educated with degrees in Exercise Sports science and physical education.
Several of my friends who lived throughout the Dallas metroplex steered me to this program. I’d heard such great comments about how the classes are geared towards babies and how many of their close friends were from their Baby Boot Camp groups. After discovering online that that the first class is free to try, I thought the worst that can happen is I go once and not like it, but on the plus side at least I’d have something on my calendar for that day.
My first workout I was very nervous! I wasn’t exactly the most fit I’d ever been before having my son, and I can guarantee you after having him I was even more out of shape. The Strollerfit class lasted exactly 1 hour, and throughout the whole thing I couldn’t have been made to feel more comfortable. There was a good mix of cardio, core, and strength. With each exercise, the instructor made sure to point out the modified versions so that new moms or those who had weaker joints from nursing wouldn’t injure themselves. It was repeated that I was only there to compete with myself, and not to be intimidated by others who were doing more than me. Everyone was at their own stage and to compare yourself to someone who had more experience or older children wasn’t realistic. My favorite part of class was the way the babies were incorporated into the workout while singing “I’m a Little Teapot” and “ABC’s.”
I started Baby Boot Camp when my son was 9 weeks old, and he’s now 13 months. I try and make it to class at least 2-3 times a week, but I have 6 days to choose from (even Saturday!) I’ve attended many play dates and mom’s night out events with the group, and look forward to having the routine of going each week. It’s become such a part of my life that I feel disappointed when I’m not able to make it. I never thought I’d say that about working out!
With a variety of programs inside Baby Boot Camp, I’ve been able to focus on personal fitness goals that I would never have been able to achieve on my own. Over the last year, I’ve participated in a 5K training program that allowed me to practice with my stroller, and provided valuable resources for completing the 5K in one piece. Baby Boot Camp also offers a class called “Restore the Core;” a 50 minute mat Pilates-style workout without cardio or impact. It was perfect for me when I was trying to lose the baby belly that came after delivery. And even more perfect was the childcare that was available when my husband wasn’t. New to the franchise is a class called “Nutritions Solutions.” It’s a 6 week intensive nutrition class that teaches women how to make great food and health choices. Something I’m still trying to figure out.
I recently asked the North Dallas/Richardson owner Melanie Fox if there’s any reason a woman wouldn’t be able to participate, and unless your doctor has specifically given you instructions not to participate in physical activity, this program is for you! There are no age limits for children as the program is designed for stroller age children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, and even after that many women choose to continue to come while their children are in Mother’s Day Out or preschool.
If you’re looking for a way to structure the day and do something good for yourself, find a local Baby Boot Camp franchise near you and try a class. There are at least 5 in the Dallas area, and remember it’s free to try!
