Staying Fit and Raising Children in Los Molinos

History tells us that actor Leo Gorcey kept an active household in Los Molinos in the ’50s and ’60s, but active takes on a healthier meaning at that same residence these days. The household is up bright and early, even on brisk Saturday mornings. The adults go for a warm-up jog, while the children run in circles, some in pajamas, playing with toys under the watchful eye of their fun-loving Brazilian friend Bruno Lapolli. Bruno is the inspiration for all the early morning activity in the Los Molinos neighborhood.

Two years ago, Jenn Gruber and a few friends were looking for a way to shed some excess post-baby weight. Without a gym nearby, they had to be creative. They found their solution through Jenn’s job at the study abroad program at Chico State’s International Education office. Her co-worker, Cecilia, mentioned that her husband, Bruno, is a physical trainer and “Burnin’ with Bruno” soon commenced. The eager moms and their coach have been meeting several times a week ever since. A few of the dads, grandmothers and neighbors eventually joined, and, at times, the number of children in attendance has been as high as 15! No problem; everyone chips in to watch the kids, and Bruno has been known to swing car seats to soothe infants while coaching adults through exercise stations. When the weather is hot, they meet for pool exercise, and they have even completed competitive runs together.

Regular exercise, babysitting and social time for less than the cost of a gym membership? I just had to see this for myself! My early mornings with infants and toddlers are long past, so it was with some trepidation that I woke early to drive to Los Molinos to exercise. It was 40 degrees outside! Thankfully, I have long believed in the benefits of challenge and exercise, and I knew I would be rewarded for my efforts. What I didn’t anticipate was that I would leave with tears in my eyes. It was so heartwarming to witness the power of an affectionate, tight-knit community.

One of the best things a postpartum mom can do is spend time with other new parents, as well as seasoned ones. Erin Bianchi, North State Parent’s Localicious columnist, says of the group, “This was the very best postpartum bonding, I loved getting to spend time with moms in the same stage of life as myself, having a safe place to exercise with our new babies.”

The Bianchi family makes up a large portion of the participants who meet at the Klinesteker home, the old Gorcey residence. Some other regulars include Veronica Tating, a bilingual assistant at Lassen View Elementary; Stephanie Rust, who works at Glenn County Behavioral Health; Cathy Lair, Becky Klinesteker’s 67-year-old mother-in-law, and Tristan Marriott, a stay-at-home mom. The group is about ten families in total, all with children under the age of eight. They also meet regularly for potlucks.

Challenge and commitment have kept this group together and active. These friends don’t want to let each other down. They keep attending and everyone reaps the benefits. Bruno shared with me his philosophy that children will mimic what they see their parents doing. The more positive things parents can mimic for their children, the better. We all know the benefits of fresh air, play, and exercise for children—how wonderful that their parents can stay fit and gain muscle mass at the same time! Research also shows the benefits of resistance training in children as young as six years old. Does pulling on Bruno’s arms count?

All parents know that time goes too fast, bringing change, and the same will be true for this group. Bruno is moving to Portugal soon to complete his Ph.D. in health and exercise. Will the group stay together? They say they will. No matter what the future holds, they will never forget doing life together while their children were young. What is stopping you from doing something similar with your friends and neighbors?

The ancient word “Tehama” once meant a place where rivers could be crossed. With our county’s rich currents of history, happenings and hope, this is our crossing place today — where we meet to celebrate our beautiful Tehama County.