WILLOUGHBY, Ohio — For many of us, social distancing brings with it, isolation. But FIT4MOM, an organization that hosts workout classes for moms and their kids, is trying to combat that isolation.
Leslie Radke is an instructor at FIT4MOM for moms in Willoughby and Mentor.
“Most of our classes are done with our babies and strollers. So, our flagship class is Stroller Strides, and that's a full body workout,” she said. “It combines strength training and cardio, as well as interactive songs, and stories and activities for our little ones while we are working out.”
She said once Gov. Mike Dewine ordered all Ohio schools to shut down, they had to think of another way to connect their clients.
“This is so much more than just a workout. It's really a social group” she said.
They moved their workouts online.
“But how, especially with toddlers, do you create this social atmosphere with other toddlers and keep that social connection, that emotional connection between all of your moms?” asked Radke.
That’s when they began to have social events online, too.
The social events range from virtual coffee chats, logging online for story time with the kids, to even parents night out.
Radke said they’ve seen an uptick in virtual attendance and a lot more families are looking for an outlet and a social connection.
“People just share what's going on in their lives right now and what they've been doing and how they're feeling. It’s just so necessary, and at the end, everyone's just like, ‘I’m so glad I have this,’” she said.
There are various FIT4MOM locations throughout our area. To find one click here.
FIT4MOM Willoughby-Mentor is offering a $39 membership for its workout classes for the month of April, but all of its social events are free.
