The partnership between a patron and library staff led to the creation of the Mommy and Me workout sessions.
The Mullica Hill library is hosting Mommy and Me workouts, weekly exercise sessions for mothers and their kids from infants to 4 years old.
The Friday sessions began on Jan. 3 and will continue this Friday; Jan. 31; Feb. 7; and Feb. 14, all at 11 a.m. Each workout is 45 minutes long and incorporates body weight, dumbbells and resistance bands in a way that involves young kids.
The program is a partnership between the library and story time patron Sharron Bowen, owner of FitMoms of South Jersey and instructor for the Mommy and Me classes.
“Sharron creates an environment that welcomes all skill levels.” said the library’s head of youth services, Stephanie Smith. “Each exercise has modifications, and Sharron is encouraging and positive. Women are also encouraged to bring their babies/toddlers, so they don’t have to worry about getting a babysitter.
“Sharron even shows them how to incorporate their children safely in the workouts, like squatting while holding them,” she added. “Some toddlers even participate alongside their moms, which is very adorable, and a great way to release some of that toddler energy.
“Sharron models the exercises and shows moms it’s possible to get workouts in, even if you have a little one.”
According to Smith, there are benefits to the program beyond the physical and mental, among them a bonding experience for kids and mothers.
“Getting back into fitness can be scary for a number of reasons, and women can feel intimidated in a big environment such as a gym,” Smith explained. “By limiting the number of participants and limiting it only to women, moms can feel safe and supported in Sharron’s classes.
“Incorporating children creates a bonding experience and some of our little ones have looked forward to coming to the class.”
The Mommy and Me sessions are free but require registration at the GCLS website. A signed waiver that can be accessed on the website is also required. Though the program ends after Feb. 14, Smith hopes to host more events in the spring and fall.
“As a library system whose vision and mission is to connect the community, I am thrilled that Sharron and I were able to implement this program,” she said. “We hope to continue this partnership for as long as possible and are looking into grants to keep this going.”
