Getting back in shape after having a baby is no joke.
Honestly, I thought I had a hard time getting in shape before I had a baby. Just like I thought I was busy.
HA! I laugh at my former self.
But just because it’s tough doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I am slowly but surely getting there. I’ve been consistently running three times a week – even though the 5:00am alarm is brutal! Never underestimate the power of meeting a friend for a run.
Beyond the running I’ve done…nothing. And trust me – I need to be doing something more. There is nothing like having a baby to make your body feel soft. What’s a mom to do?
Going to the gym just isn’t an option between my work schedule, my husband’s work schedule and taking care of the baby.
I’ve tried doing workout DVDs. They just haven’t worked for me. I need the accountability of other people working out with me. The pause button is a tempting thing.
Enter…Baby Boot Camp.
Christie, the organizer of IRunMommies here in St. Pete, also runs our local Baby Boot Camp. I’ve been hearing about it since before giving birth, but have never made it out there. I’ve decided now is the time.
On Saturday, I’m planning to attend my first Baby Boot Camp after running at least eight miles. Eek.
I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m pretty sure I’ll be hating myself. But the idea of challenging my fitness while getting quality time with this little guy is a win in my book!
I thought some of you might be interested in the idea, so I asked Christie a few questions about Baby Boot Camp. I hope you enjoy her answers!
How did you get involved with Baby Boot Camp? Can you please give me a little history about the company? When I was pregnant with my first daughter in 2005, I was looking around the internet for things to do with baby. I found a StrollerFit class in Westchase, the only location in the Tampa Bay area. When I had my baby in August, I began attending a few classes and loved the concept. There was nothing like it in St Petersburg, and I knew I had to bring it to our town. In early 2006 I purchased a StrollerFit franchise in St Pete and began teaching classes. It was the perfect way to combine my background in athletics and Exercise Science with my passion for motivating and helping people. In 2010, StollerFit was acquired by Sarasota-based Baby Boot Camp. With the two companies combined, our innovative stroller-fitness program helps moms regain or enhance pre-pregnancy fitness levels and meet the physical challenges of parenting by emphasizing strength training in a supportive environment.
How have you seen the program help moms? In the past six years of working with pre- and post-natal moms I have seen many transformations. Not only physical transformations, but also emotional and mental transformations. After the birth of a baby, especially their first baby, moms are in a most overwhelming and confusing phase of life. Working out with a Baby Boot Camp class not only gets them active and gets their bodies back in shape – but it helps moms know that they are not alone. We discuss diaper rash, nap schedules, tantrums, and preschool registration just as much as proper form for squats. I have seen moms attend classes before and after their second and even third children, and there are always new obstacles to overcome. Highlights that some of our moms have achieved include getting below their pre-baby weight, running their first 5K and half marathon, and establishing healthy habits for the entire family. It’s not just a workout class for moms – the kids also get to be a part of class. They grow up singing and counting during class, and learn that being active is an important part of everyday life.
Describe a typical class. A Baby Boot Camp class is a very comfortable and relaxing environment for new moms, as well as experienced moms too. It is a workout for moms of all fitness levels. There are modifications given for all exercises, so each participant can work at her own level. Class begins with a 5-10 minute warm up, and a bit of chatting about what is going on with everyone’s little one. The class format then alternates between a cardio segment and strength training segment. The cardio is either walking or jogging to a new station. We utilize resistance tubing for the strength training portion of class. Moms can use various resistance tubing based on their workout experience and length of time in class. There is always a way to take it up a notch or down a notch. During both the strength and cardio segments, we involve the kids throughout. Singing nursery rhymes, ABCs, counting in languages, tickling toes, playing peek-a-boo and more. It truly is a developmental, fun class for the babies as well. The workout concludes with 10 minutes of core work on the ground. We gather the strollers together and the moms have the option of letting the kids out of the stroller to play or leaving them in to relax. Moms finish up with some ab work and the older kids get to socialize.
If someone does not have a BBC in their area, what is involved in starting one? Starting a Baby Boot Camp (then StrollerFit) franchise in St Petersburg has been the best decision I’ve made for myself and my family. I have been able to work from home, meet really great friends I know I will have for life, introduce my children to a healthy lifestyle, avoid daycare woes, become a community activist and enjoy time with my children as they grow up. If there is not a Baby Boot Camp franchise in your area, you can check out www.babybootcamp.com and fill out a form on the website for franchise information. You do not have to be a fitness professional or have a background in fitness to begin the process of starting up your own classes. Baby Boot Camp offers both business and fitness training for new owners, and a wonderful support system. Franchise owners do have to become Nationally Certified, and the Baby Boot Camp offices also help with gaining information about those certifications.
As excited as I was about trying Baby Boot Camp before, I’m even more excited now that I’ve read her answers. I will be sure to report back to you!
Do you prefer group fitness or working out by yourself? Why?
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I’m sure you’re going to love it. We already know how awesome Christie is! Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
Caroline Calcote recently posted..Thursday that feels like Friday
I really wish we had something like that in my city. I am 2 days into my running with my 7 week post-baby body. Rusty doesn’t begin to describe it! I’ve been following your blog since just before mini-athlete was born and it gives me hope that I can also figure out how to raise my daughter, continue my career and learn to run again! Good luck with the class (and the 8 miles! eek!)
It’s funny, because I always say that I do not KNOW how people with kids do it all. I work full time–but that’s it–and have a hard time getting to the gym, making dinner, running errands, cleaning house, and having a life. If I threw kids in the mix I think I would explode. Big props to you! I love your creativity!
janetha recently posted..app happy.
SO excited to see this! I have heard of Stroller Strides which I think is pretty similar. I think you are going to LOVE it! I will definitely be looking to see if they have this in Hawaii when we move … if not maybe I’ll franchise it
Thanks for the info!
Madeline @ Food, Fitness, and Family recently posted..Featured Blogger Friday: The Splattered Apron
Yes – I think it is very similar! You should definitely look into starting your own. Christie loves doing it!
Good for you! Enjoy Callie
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength recently posted..Strength Training Progress
You’re going to love BBC! (And maybe a little crazy for taking it right after a long run!)
Most of the women I run with are “graduates” of BBC now that their kids are a bit too old for it & they can’t say better things about the program. I’ve even seen the results in a few of them that had babies in the last year!
Can’t wait to hear how it goes for you!
Theresa @ActiveEggplant recently posted..Running in Circles
sounds great! an awesome to be around other moms and motivate one another! have fun
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When I first saw the acronym BBC I thought “British Broadcasting Channel”? Hah.
But seriously, it sounds like a really cool program! I’m not a mom, but I can definitely see the appeal of both getting quality time with your child AND getting in some good, healthy exercise.