By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Shortly after she had her daughter a few years ago, Alabaster Senior Center Manager Alicia Walters started looking for a way to stay in shape while still spending time with her baby.

Her search led her to the “Mommy and Me Time” fitness classes in Jefferson County, which she joined and began attending regularly. Through the program, classes are catered to parents – mostly mothers – and their young children.

“It can get a little crazy, but everyone wants the kids in there,” Walters said with a laugh.

After driving to classes in Jefferson County every week, Walters started looking to bring the program closer to home.

“I asked (class instructor Stacey Jernigan) about starting a class in Shelby County, and she said ‘Let’s look and see if we can find a facility,’” Walters said.

After deciding on the Alabaster First United Methodist Church, Walters scheduled the first class from 5:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18.

“It’s a boot camp-type class where children are welcome,” Walters said. “It doesn’t matter if you have an infant or a 3-year-old, it’s a very interactive class.”

Walters said she enjoys the classes because it gives her an opportunity to pass a healthy lifestyle to her daughter, who is now 2-and-a-half.

“I’m getting an opportunity to teach her fitness and the importance of it,” Walters said.

Walters said classes will be held every Thursday night from 5:30-6 p.m. The first class is free, and is $45 a month thereafter.

For more information, visit Mommyandmetime.com.