Calling all moms: Time for boot camp

FIT Beginnings offers weekly bootcamp for moms and tots Vernon — When Debbie Redding gave birth to her second child, daughter Emma, she was concerned with how little time she had to devote solely to her newborn, what with a 16-month-old to take care of as well. She decided to take a “Mommy and Me” class with her but didn’t quite find the exact kind of class she was looking for. So, she created one. That was how FIT Beginnings came into being. Now, four years later, Redding is starting FIT Mommy Boot Camp on Wednesday mornings from 10-11 a.m. at Woodbourne Park in Wantage. Nancy Margarum, whom Reddings calls “a very talented and well loved instructor” will run the camp. Redding, who is a third grade teacher in the West Milford school district, started her business with a FIT Mommy and Baby class for herself and four other moms. “It started with just a few of us, all stay at home moms, looking to exercise and spend time with our babies,” said Redding. “We had a great time. We exercised, sang to our babies, learned sign language, gave our babies massages, and held discussions about everything under the sun.” When the babies started to crawl, she developed FIT Mommy and Mover. Then summer came and everyone wanted to go outside. Stroller Muscle was born. The teacher inside started to plan more classes come that September and that’s where Music and Movement, Preschool Enrichment and Wee Play came from. Now there is also FIT Kids, Playtime, and Mommy Muscle. FIT Beginnings is located on Theta Ave. in Vernon. Stroller Muscle is held at Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. And of course the new Mommy Boot Camp will be held in Wantage. For more information on FIT Beginnings and all of the programs offered, call Redding at 973-764-5785 or check the Web site, www.fitbeginnings.com.