Lemont Fitness Class Offers Exercise, Support For Moms

LEMONT, IL — Mothers, especially those with young children, can find it difficult to find time in the day to work out. A new fitness class in Lemont changes this and supports mothers by providing classes for moms in every state of motherhood.

FIT4MOM held its grand opening in Lemont at Centennial Park in June, according to instructor and Lemont resident Michelle Marinello.

"[The grand opening] was a huge success and just two months later, our membership is growing fast," Marinello said. Marinello instructs a class called 'Stroller Strides' which meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Centennial Park on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"Moms bring their kids in strollers and I lead them in an amazing workout," Marinello said. "Not only are moms getting a workout in, but they are connecting and socializing (and so are the kiddos) and building relationships with other moms in the community."

The workout moves around the park while mom push their children in strollers. They run/walk around the park, and stop at locations to do additional cardio movies, strength training with resistance bands and core condition. When the weather is colder, the work out will move inside to Mt. Assisi Academy.

"While moms work out, I entertain kids with books, bubbles and singing," Marinello said. "I also have moms do exercises that include the kids, for example, planking in front of the kids and giving them high fives."

Marinello said she has lived in Lemont for five years, and wanted to bring fitness classes to the community.

Lemont is up and coming. It's filled with young families and friendly people," Marinello said. "The sense of community here is contagious."

Marinello added that the hills, hiking paths and beautiful scenery of Lemont make it easy to live a healthy lifestyle.

For more information about the classes and the locations where they're offered, visit FIT4MOM's website.

Photos provided by Michelle Marinello.