By Emily Harrington
One of the biggest roadblocks between moms and exercise is lack of time since “free time” is ultimately spent caring for kids, entertaining kids or planning and preparing for the next kid-related item on the To Do list. But, what if you could combine entertaining/caring for your kids and time for yourself to exercise?
Fortunately, we have many gyms and recreation centers in our area with staff and resources dedicated to taking care of your children (on a drop-in basis) while you exercise. One of the options is sure to fit your budget, schedule and proximity to your home or workplace.
Stephens Family YMCA’s Child Watch
Location: 2501 Fields South Dr. in Champaign
Contact: (217) 359-9622
Accepted ages: 6 weeks to 9
Time limit: 2 hours
Notes: The YMCA has different rooms and activities depending upon the needs and ages of your children.
Leonhard Recreation Center Indoor Playground
Location: 2307 W. Sangamon Dr.
Contact: (217) 398-2571
Accepted ages: Walking to 12
Time limit: 2 hours
Notes: The Leonhard Center offers Come Play With Me, Wiggles and Giggles and Tiny Tots Playgroup designed for preschoolers as well as open gyms for teens. Call the center for more information.
Savoy Recreation Center’s Discovery Room
Location: 402 W. Graham Dr. in Savoy
Contact: (217) 359-3550
Accepted ages: Crawling to 7
Time limit: Not specified
Notes: The Savoy Rec offers Tag Along Gym on Thursday mornings from 9-11:30 a.m. during the school year. The gym is filled with toys and equipment appropriate for ages 1 to 6. Tag Along Gym is available free for members or for a small fee depending on residency and number of children. Passes are also available. No pre-registration is required.
It’s important to state that the listed gyms are not licensed day cares. If your child is inconsolable for a lengthy amount of time or needs a diaper change, you will be interrupted and asked to help your son or daughter. You can’t go run errands at this time, either. You must stay on the premises.
Another important note, if your child is sick they are expected to remain at home for the safety of others. Each gym has guidelines the user will be asked to adhere to.
Check out one of these kid-friendly gyms out and pick up your workouts where you left off this summer or start the fall off right. Call or check the gym’s website for membership cost and any possible fall specials.
Emily Harrington is a Chambana townie that left her 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job to be a 24/7 mom to a dreamy son. Still interested in writing, Emily uses some of naptime to practice her passion and keep her mind right. Emily is a happy wife with a happy life because she fell for a fellow townie. Oh, and let’s not forget her other son, a degenerate canine named Heppenheimer.