For most, it starts out as a mission to lose that baby weight that's been hanging on for two months or even two years! But once you get through your first couple of workouts in Baby Boot Camp, you realize that your desire to be there goes much deeper.
After my first week of classes, I can say that I not only find myself on the path to improved health and fitness, but also with a strong sense of motivation brought on by a great teacher and group of ladies with whom I know I will have a lasting connection.
Sabrina Neely, National Health Educators Master Trainer and mother of three, started Baby Boot Camp (BBC) in Alpharetta in May 2010 in an effort to provide moms and moms-to-be with a fun and effective fitness solution. BBC is an outdoor stroller fitness program for moms with children ages 6-weeks through 5-years-old, as well as expectant moms.
"Baby Boot Camp is a really, really intimidating name and at first I was terrified," said Samantha Atkins. "But, I made myself try it and it is nothing like its namesake. It's not easy, but it isn't impossible. I am in LOVE with Baby Boot Camp!"
Classes are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. On Monday and Wednesday is Strollfit, a 60-minute class made up of cardio drills, strength training, and core/low back work. Strollga is offered on Fridays which consists of 60-minutes of yoga-based fitness incorporating the stroller, with 15 minutes of Pilates/ab work at the end.
"I love it!" says Baby Boot Camper Lori Marks. "It gives Trenton and me some fun time outside together and Trenton gets to be with other kids. It's kind of like a playgroup for both of us!"
Conducted outside, except in bad weather, Sabrina takes you through full-body exercises including cardio and strength-training to help you tone and achieve your weight loss goals. Each participant comes with their stroller (and kiddo), resistance band, water bottle and yoga mat or towel. You are then guided through a variety of exercises, at times aided by the nature around you! It definitely keeps the workout interesting when you find yourself wrapping your resistance band around a tree or stop sign in order to do arm and back strengthening exercises!
Boot camper Melissa Wilson says that she has lost 32 pounds since starting BBC last May. "Sabrina is a great instructor and is super supportive. She works us hard, but understands that all moms are at different stages of ability. She offers ideas for modifications until you don't need them anymore. I can now keep up with everyone else!"
You may be thinking...my kid would never just sit there and behave perfectly during the whole class! I'm here to tell you that the kids will be kids; they'll cry, need a diaper change, a snack or feeding. You won't be judged if you need to care for them during the workout. Just take care of their need and rejoin the group when you are able. Eventually, they'll adjust and enjoy the scenery and interaction with the other children.
"I joined BBC to get some great exercise outdoors with my baby," said Marks. "I get to work out with a trainer who motivates us to push ourselves a little harder each time. I had my 5th child when I was 45 and didn't think I could keep up with these younger moms, but I can do it! It's so much more than just a 'walk in the park!'"
In addition to the classes, Baby Boot Camp is also in the middle of the "Mother Love Fitness Challenge," a nationwide competition where participants train as a group and individually in order to become America's Fittest Mom. Each month, from February to May, moms are assessed weekly on different aspects of fitness, including "Strong Love," "Core Love," and "Cardio Love." To join the challenge, email Sabrina here.
Sabrina is generously offering Macaroni Kid subscribers a 20% discount off of classes. Email her here to learn more!
Check out the album on our Facebook page for photos from our class last Wednesday!
To learn more about Baby Boot Camp Alpharetta, click here. You can also visit them on Facebook here.
Check out Baby Boot Camp's national website here and on Facebook here to enter to win giveaways and prizes in honor of their 10-year-anniversary.
About the Contest: Win one week of classes, a BBC shirt, exercise blanket and "The New Mom's 9-Minute Fitness Solution" book. Here's how to enter:
1. Email me at erins@macaronikid.com with the subject "Boot Camp."
2. Include your name and phone number.
3. You must be a subscriber to enter.
4. Entries must be in by Sunday, March 13th at 5 pm.
5. Get 3 bonus entries each time you refer a friend to subscribe to Macaroni Kid Alpharetta/Roswell. Make sure they put your name in the "How'd you hear about us" box when subscribing so you get credit!
6. Get 1 bonus entry by leaving a comment on our Facebook page with your favorite de-stressing activity! Look for the Baby Boot Camp post to leave your comment.
7. Get 2 bonus entries by "liking" Baby Boot Camp Alpharetta on Facebook. Make sure you told me you did this in your entry email!
Each entry will be assigned a number. The winner will be selected via a random number generator on www.random.org.
