April Markee (left, in pink) leads an hourlong fitness program along A1A in Delray Beach. The program provides
new moms an opportunity to meet other local moms and their babies while getting fit.
Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
By Linda Haase
Squats. Lunges. Planks. Situps. Weight lifting. Jumping jacks. Pushups. April Markee’s fitness class is no stroll in the park.
That’s because the hourlong Stroller Mommy ’n’ Me workout is designed to get moms in shape — while having fun. The group meets at Veterans Park in Delray Beach, then “strolls” over to A1A, combining intervals of power walking and jogging with strength training.
“My program is unique because you get to be with your child while getting fit in the great outdoors looking at the beautiful ocean. No gym can offer you that. Also, it gives mommies a chance to be with other moms and ask questions and share their stories,” explains the 49-year-old Delray Beach resident.
“I find and hear that the first thing new moms give up is their workout and interaction with the outside world, and that’s exactly what they need. Working out is just not for your body, it also benefits your mental health.”
Erin Omiatek Ortiz agrees. “After having my daughter, I had gained 60 pounds from not working out and being on bed rest most of my pregnancy. When I went to begin my training with April she inspired me to get back to ‘me.’ She helped me lose that weight and get back to the awesome body I had before,” says the 30-year-old Delray Beach mom who joined the group a year ago with daughter Ivana. “My entire life before baby was mostly in gyms, but I did not want to subject my child to germs. Stroller class is outside in the sunlight. I chat with my mom friends about all the issues and questions I have about being a mommy. All while we are working out.”
Markee, an ISSA certified fitness trainer, started the classes about a year ago.
“When I decided to start my class, I thought ‘what is missing in town?’ There were no classes for mommies to attend with their babies/toddlers and be outside. There are mommy and me activities but they focus on the kids and not fitness for the moms and the stroller stride classes take place inside the mall,” she explains.
Her challenge?
“Unfortunately, I was not able to have children so my biggest obstacle starting this class was getting a group of moms together, since I did not belong to any mommy groups. So you can imagine when my first mommies showed up to a class and there I was with an empty stroller, a sign on the front and the seat filled with weights and bands. It was a little awkward for the first few minutes.”
But it didn’t take long for her to form a bond with both moms and babies. “I love teaching my mommies and watching their babies grow. I never thought I would get so attached to the babies. And I enjoy the friendships with the moms,” she says.
And, of course, the chance to help others get in shape. “I change the workout daily depending on the fitness level of the moms, the ages of the babies and what area of the body they want to focus on,” she explains.
“I’ve had several moms call and say ‘April, I’m overweight, out of shape and embarrassed to go to a gym, will I be able to do your class?’ The answer is yes. The mommies are all in the same boat at one point, so they are a very welcoming and an understanding group. All my exercises can be modified — they they are for all fitness levels, and the mommies can go at their own pace.”
But, she admits with a smile: “I always kick their butts.” (She’s right: This is one tough class. I couldn’t keep up — and, since my son is 20, I wasn’t even pushing a stroller).
Jean Warner drives nearly an hour from her Wellington home at least twice a week to join the class. “I wanted to do something with the boys and meet other moms,” says the 41-year-old mother of a 4-month old and a 14-month-old. “I love it. We sweat a lot so we must be working hard.”
For Lisa Hawk, the class has an unexpected and delightful benefit. Her 20-month-old son, Barrett, always takes a good nap after a class. “He is outside, he is engaged, he enjoys all the different sights and sounds and gets to meet other babies,” says the 41-year-old Boynton Beach resident.
It’s a come-as-you-are group, says Markee: “We don’t judge, you can show up with spit-up on your shirt, you can talk to other mommies, you can stop to breastfeed or fuss with your child. We are the only fitness class that stops for a pee and poop break, and for $10 it’s cheaper than a babysitter.”
Markee also leads a stroller exercise group at Okeeheelee Park and customizes workouts for groups of five or more who want to meet in other areas. For more information, visit strollermommynme.com.
Linda Haase is a freelance writer on a quest to learn — and share — all she can about how to get and stay healthy. Reach her at lindawrites76 @gmail.com.
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