Village Mom Wants to Kick Butt, But in a Nice Way

A new fitness option is hitting Babylon Village and the name of the woman-owned training business — Babylon Boot Camp — got Patch intrigued. Is this a challenge for all fit or wannabe-fit residents? We got the scoop on what to expect when boot camp comes to town next month.

Joann Donnelly knows what it's like to feel out of shape and out of control. After the birth of her sons Kian and Kai in 2007 and 2008, the village mom found herself unable to do a simple frog hop demonstration for her sons.

"I got down on the ground in a crouching, frog-like position and tried popping off of the ground. The only thing that happened was the frog sound. I could not get off the ground. I was mortified," she recalled.

The revelatory frog moment , along with a realization that walking her son a quarter mile to preschool had become increasingly difficult, spurred Donnelly to make a drastic change. She began putting in daily time on the treadmill, joined Stroller Strides, a local group exercise class for moms, and has since become a certified trainer.

"I became this running ball of enthusiasm for health and fitness. I continued setting goals and kept meeting them. On May 1 I completed my first half marathon," a proud Donnelly recounted.

Now she wants to inspire others to make that leap, which she says can't be achieved through quick fixes.

"It takes positive-minded friends, running, and straightforward exercising. Not everyone can do it on their own and I want to help. I want the fitness bug to bite as many people as possible. That is my mission."

It's that personal motivation that Donnelly hopes to be able to provide for others, and she hopes her boot camp can be that kick in the rear often found lacking at a traditional gym or for those who work out at home.

Her group exercises classes will kick off this July, and the pricing, more affordable than a one-on-one personal trainer, will include a set block of boot camp classes held at a local outdoor location.

Donnelly is excited to take her workouts to local parks and believes the community is doing pretty well in the active lifestyle department. She praises Babylon's public spaces that are conducive to exercise, local races like the Post Office Cafe 5K and Mulberry Street's new to-go salads ("just because you are at a pizza shop doesn't mean you need to eat two slices," she pointed out).

Fitness is a communal endeavor, Donnelly believes.

"I think we all need to stick together as Babylon Village neighbors and get moving," Donnelly said, adding she would like to see local restaurants offer more health-conscious and vegetarian entree options and sponsor even more local charity races and fitness events.

If she has her way, dozens of residents will be ready for those races by completing her four-week boot camp sessions, with classes that last 90 minutes and incorporate running and weight-bearing exercises.

And don't even think about claiming you don't have time.

"Drop your excuses," orders Donnelly.

"We all are busy, but we need to find that time, even if it is only a half hour and treat our hearts to some cardio. I would rather let the dishes sit in the sink a little longer and the grass grow a little taller before I say I have no time to work out," she said. She recommends taking a shorter lunch break at work and use the time to run, do some jumping jacks and push-ups.

"Walk to your coworker instead of emailing them.  Control what you are eating and don't fall for silly diets," she said.

The boot camp commander has spoken.