Stroller-based fitness program Baby Boot Camp comes to Winter Garden

WINTER GARDEN  Visit Chapin Station on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning, and you might see a group of moms working out together — little ones and strollers in tow.

In fact, the strollers and the little ones often play a large part in their morning workout.

Part of a prenatal and postnatal fitness program called Baby Boot Camp, the Winter Garden & Windermere franchise launched four months ago. 

Alexandra Seba, instructor and franchise owner, first got involved with Baby Boot Camp two years ago, after her daughter was born. Baby Boot Camp is a nationwide company that was started in 2001 by a new mom who wanted to find an effective workout that didn’t require hiring a personal trainer — or a babysitter.

“I found (Baby Boot Camp) on social media, and it was just a mommy group going to work out together, and I said, ‘Yes, perfect,’” Seba said. “I was a stay-at-home mom, I needed to get out of the house, and I had no idea what other moms were going through. I got to be outside with other moms and their kids and I got my fitness back. One element that drove me to it was the mommy group — it’s a community of awesome moms.” 

The stroller-based fitness class is for both expecting and new moms. Participants do cardiovascular drills, strength training and interval training — all of which utilize tubes and bands, as well as strollers and the little ones.

Once involved with the program, Seba was asked if she had any interest in becoming an instructor. 

The Winter Garden & Windermere franchise recently turned four months old, and although Seba said it is already a great group of moms, she’s also looking to expand membership and class offerings. Her group currently works out those three weekday mornings at Chapin Station in Winter Garden, but she hopes to be able to snag a space indoors and expand class offerings to six days a week.

Ocoee resident Megan Rivera first found Baby Boot Camp two years ago, three months after her daughter was born. She began with the Orlando group, but switched to the Winter Garden group after Seba launched it.

“My husband actually found the boot camp for me,” Rivera said. “I started that because I had no family in the area — I moved 10 years ago for work. He was all I had and I worked out like a crazy woman before having my daughter. It was a good way for me to get out of the house with her and make friends, and for her to make friends too.”

Within the program, workouts can be modified for pregnant moms and those who have just had a baby, and everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace and to have fun while socializing.

“The kids have become friends, and it’s a great way for me to get out, and for the kids to get out,” said Ashley Diana, another group member. “I love the fact that we can get out of the house and make other mommy friends and do something healthy together. The kids love mimicking us and playing together.”

Seba said one of the best selling points about the program is that the children don’t have to be dropped off at a daycare or left with a babysitter.

“They’re right next to us — they have their snacks and toys, and they’re entertained with the music and games we play,” she said.

Any local moms who want to come out and try a class are encouraged to do so. Seba suggests bringing a yoga mat or beach towel, water bottle, snacks and entertainment for their little ones, comfy workout clothes and, of course, little ones and their strollers.

“You have nothing to lose,” Seba said. “It’s a great group of moms, we all encourage each other. It doesn’t matter where you’re starting, we’re all in it together. We’ll get to our goal slowly but surely, and we’re all in motherhood together, too.”