Baby Boot Camp

Baby Bootcamp is awesome! Just what I needed. After trying, unsuccessfully, to try to fit some form of exercise in while being a stay-​at-​home Mom to my 2 boys, I finally found a way! I regularly bring my 21 month old son and he has fun playing outside while I get a great workout.
Penny is the instructor in Alameda and she is fantastic! She teaches a challenging class complete with variety and modifications for every fitness level. I am just getting back into exercising (a.k.a. totally out of shape) and, while it has been challenging (in a good way), I don’t feel in over my head. There are all fitness levels in class. There are also different ages of «babies» that come to class with their Mommies. I bring my 21 month old son and have also brought my 4 year old son (who also has fun during class). There are very young babies and toddlers at class.
Not only does the class provide a great workout, it also provides a fun outing for my son (s) and for me (the kids and the Moms are really nice). I can’t say enough good things about the class or Penny! Come join in the fun. I always feel fantastic afterwards and my son always takes a long nap afterwards too! It is a total win win all the way around! I

I heard about the Alameda branch of Baby Boot Camp Oakland via the Alameda Parents Network Yahoo group and was excited to start going as soon as I could after my son was born in October 2013. I had done something similar, albeit less formal, for a couple of months after my daughter was born in February 2010 and really enjoyed the mix of getting outside, talking to/​meeting other moms, and — best of all — getting great exercise. So I was looking forward to trying BBC as an option while I was on maternity leave.
All expectations I had based on my previous informal experience were met and then some — Penny is a *wonderful* instructor who’s empathetic and merciless in the right combination. She never lets you off the hook for trying your hardest, but she always keeps the quirks of the postpartum body in mind and never pushes people beyond what’s safe or healthy. She’s supportive, enthusiastic, a fabulous motivator, lots of fun, and very creative with her workouts. (Burpees, anyone?) You absolutely won’t get bored, and you WILL work hard — and be so glad you did.
The location is great; Crab Cove in Alameda has lots of different places/​stations to use, so we move around frequently and always mix up where we are/​what we’re doing. Parking is free on weekdays and usually easy (unless there are field trips in play!), and there are bathrooms throughout the park. Moms bring kiddos of all ages; Penny’s own two boys are preschool aged, and other mamas have toddlers, older babies, and tiny infants. I’ve met many wonderful ladies through the class and have enjoyed getting to know them both during class and at events like Moms’ Night Out.
Bottom line? Can’t recommend the class highly enough if you’re up for some real exercise and game to work hard. My only regret is that I have to stop going now that I’m heading back to work. I’ll miss it so much!

Baby Boot Camp is amazing! Come BBC morning, I feel lazy and groan about going (only because I dread exercising) – and then the minute I arrive, I am thrilled!
The classes are fun, the setting is INCREDIBLE, the moms are so nice, and Penny, the instructor, is the BEST – she’s knowledgeable and pushes you in a GOOD, supportive way-​without being scary. As opposed to my gym, I actually GO to these classes so they’re not a waste of money. Also, you meet nice mommies and their babies, you feel supported (all levels are body shapes welcome!), and definitely inspired.
I highly recommend you give it a try! (my arms are looking fab btw and my butt is waaay more lifted!) More importantly, you get to spend time with your sweet baby, get some fresh air, and have fun!

I learned about this boot camp through Alameda Family Collective and instantly was drawn to the cohesiveness of the program.
Penny is the instructor for Alameda and is excellent. She is a mother just like us and always comes prepared with killer workouts. She switches things up every week so you get variety but builds on exercises. She is motivating and encouraging and consistently checks on form. The groups are small which is nice for ratio and attention.
Mary is the owner and coordinator of the program and is great with communication. They also put together events outside of the class so the moms can get to know each other.
As a Personal Trainer/​Group Fitness Instructor myself, this is a great workout and non intimidating environment. An excellent way to get back into shape after having babies!