Baby Boot Camp Comes to Marco Island!

By Coastal Breeze News Staff

On Saturday October 10, Baby Boot Camp held its Grand Opening Celebration at Mackle Park in Marco Island.

Most new moms face the challenge of losing the weight they gained during pregnancy. For those who want to exercise, there is an additional challenge of finding someone to watch their baby. Other mothers may not want to take the time away from their infant or young child to exercise. Baby Boot Camp is their answer.

Baby Boot Camp is an innovative stroller-fitness program that helps moms regain or enhance their pre-pregnancy fitness. Sixty-minute classes combine strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills. Pilates, yoga, and abdominal exercises help improve core strength.

Owner and instructor, Carly Babka, mother

of Addy Mae, age 2, says “My goal is to inspire other moms like myself to live a happy, healthy, and active lifestyle, while spending time and encouraging as much involvement with their children as possible.”

“I am very excited to bring Baby Boot Camp to my community,” she adds.

Carly has a bachelor’s degree in science from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is an ACE Certified Fitness Instructor, is Core 9 Birth Recovery certified, CPR/AED certified, and is a life-long runner. In fact, throughout her own pregnancy she ran 3-5 miles a day. “Fitness is where I want to be,” she says.

Carly says she wants to “inspire other mothers like me not to give up! You

can still be active and healthy and include fitness in your life – and include your baby!”

By 9:30 AM the room was filled with moms and babies, ready to try out the exercise program designed for them. The little ones ranged in age from 2-weeks old to age six. Carly led the group outside, strollers and all, for a class, which was both challenging and fun. Carly was upbeat, knowledgeable and encouraging. The exercises allowed for all fitness levels to get a good workout. A warm camaraderie among the mothers made the class inviting.

Elsye Hansen, mother to 8-month-old Harper, was looking forward to being able to bring her baby with her while exercising. She also

looked forward to socializing and “meeting other moms.”

Marco Island resident April Rodden, whose baby Jace is 7 months old, wants to “meet people and get skinny” she said.

Carly’s parents, Rick and Dina Babka, along with sister Casie, were there to support Carly in her new endeavor. Dina owns Trendy Travel in Naples, and along with other sponsors such as Mangos, Rick’s Island Salon & Spa, the Island Gypsy, Valvoline, Allie Ryann Photography and Mitchell Pressure Cleaning, they provided goody bags and raffle items for the event.

Baby Boot Camp will be held at Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30-10:30 AM. The first class is free. For more information, go to www.babybootcamp.com.