Childminding service helps parents keep in shape

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN AN initiative to keep stay at home mums and dads fit without them having to lean on friends or relatives to mind the little ones has started in Tuam.[private] Total Tots is a new childminding service that allows mums or dads to go to the gym while their children are professionally cared for close by. Being a stay-at-home parent can be tough and many mums or dads can suffer from isolation and stress. A drop-off service is available at Total Fitness Solutions on the Ballygaddy Road and operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. Gym owner Brian Roache says it's proving to be a huge success. 'The concept is drop them in while you gym. It can be difficult to get to the gym if you are a stay-at-home parent looking after small children every day. But in one hour you can enjoy a workout, an uninterrupted hot shower and have the peace of mind that the children are being expertly cared for,' he explains. The facility is adjacent to the gym area at Total Fitness Solutions and the children can even see mammy or daddy exercising thanks to a large window that looks into the workout area. The childminding facility has gone through all the necessary HSE inspections and has qualified staff and is fully insured. Head childminder Marie Murphy says the service is available to everyone, including non-members. 'The parent doesn't just get the fitness benefit of being able to exercise, it can be a great social outlet too and we have some friends who come together with their children, so both the mums and the children enjoy meeting up,' she remarks. The facility caters for babies from six months up to children aged six years. 'There are a lot of dads staying at home at the moment to mind the children and it is very popular with them. They find it a good way to get out of the house and the exercise is beneficial mentally and physically,' says Brian. Gyming is a great fat burner and can improve cardio health as well as toning the overall body. It will also improve fitness levels so running after the kids doesn't leave you out of breath. 'Even if the child is a bit anxious, they can see mum or dad through the window and know they're not too far away,' explains Marie. Total Fitness Solutions is offering a number of special-rate gym memberships or people can simply pay as they go. Total Tots costs €4 for one child for one hour and €6 for two children. For information phone 093-52112 or visit www.totalfitnesssolutions.ie.[/private]