FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- Seeing the commander of an infantry battalion conducting physical training is not an unusual site -- seeing him lead PT for 22 mother's with babies on their hips warrants a second glance.
Lt. Col. Alfred Williams, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment commander, taught the April 2 Mommy and Me Cardio class at Stonegate Community Center on post, with his own twist -- body armor. The special Mommy and Me Cardio class was called "Bulletproof Mommas."
"It's based on Army Physical Readiness Training, CrossFit and the Marine Corps' High Intensity Interval Training," Williams said. "They did really great. I am tired, so I know they are tired, but they didn't quit."
Williams' wife, J.J. Williams, is the regular Mommy and Me Cardio instructor.
"She wanted to do something different. They don't have weights in this class so I suggested body armor or backpacks," Williams said.
Williams said the hardest thing about the class was the fact that the ladies weren't accustom to wearing flak vests, making their hearts work harder.
"Cardio, they aren't used to having something pressing down on them when they are breathing hard, and resistance with the extra weight."
The Interceptor Body Armor added 25 to 35 pounds of extra weight, depending on what is in the pockets.
Student, Pam Fish, enjoyed having the extra weight on during class.
"It was intense," Fish said. "I like the challenge."
Fish brought her 3-year-old daughter with her to class. Being able to bring her child is just one of the reason's why Fish said she has stuck with the class.
"I love that I can bring her with me. I like that it's relaxed and (J.J.) is very motivating," Fish said. "I love being a part of this."
J.J. Williams has been teaching this Mommy and Me Cardio class for two years.
"They have become such a dedicated, motivated group. It's unbelievable how they have all come together with the same exact focus -- to get healthy and stronger," J.J. said.
"They push me to bring classes to them that are going to challenge them. They like the classes mixed up and unpredictable to push their fitness levels."
J.J., who brings her son to Mommy and Me Cardio said the kids have fun playing together, while the moms workout.
"They socialize. There is nothing organized. They have the jungle gym, the mats, the climbing wall and the TV. Sometimes they come and check in with their moms, but they generally do their own thing," J.J. said.
She is thankful that her class has widened her range of friends while on Fort Leonard Wood.
"It's a community thing. I can promise you that there are few women in here that I would have met outside of this class. It's allowed me to become friends with ladies that I probably never would have known. Marine spouses, engineer spouses -- my husband is in the infantry," J.J. said. "I hope to stay friends with them for many years to come."
Ashley Burkett has been coming to the class since it started. In addition to keeping her fit through her pregnancy, and allowing her to bounce back quickly after birth, the class also allows her to de-stress.
"I am much more relaxed. It's fun to get out of the house," Burkett said. "It's fun and different every week. I love it."
Lt. Col. Williams said the Mommy and Me Cardio class is a great way for mother's to build camaraderie.
"They can participate in class together, they don't have to just run or walk alone," Lt. Col. Williams said. "It's pretty unique."
The average Mommy and Me Cardio class is about 30 moms. The free class is held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Stonegate Community Center.
On a side note, the Williams family is set to have a Permanent Change of Station this summer and J.J. is searching for an instructor to take over two of her classes.
"As of right now we don't have anybody to teach on Monday and Wednesday. It's completely volunteer. We are searching high and low for anyone," J.J. said. "This is so much more rewarding than a paycheck."
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