Stroller Strides: Walking Workouts with Friendly Benefits

Credit: Serge Melki

Nicole Crawford, AFPA-certifed pre- and post-natal fitness specialist, is the Women’s, Kids and Family Feature writer over at Breaking Muscle. She talked with Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides to find out how the stroller workout program brings moms and their babies together for fitness.

My first child was born in Belgium, where I was attending graduate school. After she was born, I loved going for daily walks with her in the stroller down the cobblestone streets. Not only did it help me get back in shape, but it was also just a great bonding experience. On one of those walks, I formulated this brilliant idea for a fitness program that used strollers to help moms get back in shape after pregnancy. Well, turns out Lisa Druxman beat me to it.

Lisa is the founder of Stroller Strides, a fitness program for mom and baby. You hear it all the time: if you can’t find time to work out as a mom, exercise with your baby. Frequently, that’s easier said than done. What I love about Stroller Strides is that it teaches moms to integrate family and fitness. The top three benefits of Stroller Strides, according to Lisa? Getting your pre-baby body back (or an even better body), getting support and friendship from fellow moms, and having a great time with your baby!

Like I noted previously about Andrea Nitz and CrossFit Moms, Lisa has tapped into two crucial elements of staying fit as a mom: community and family. When you’re a mother, staying fit is never just about you. It’s also about your children, who look to you as an example. In a typical Stroller Strides workout, the kids are actively involved. There is even a curriculum for the classes so that there are different themes and activities for the little ones throughout class. Your baby may experience anything from bubbles to songs during the workout. And of course, having fellow mom friends to support and encourage you can never hurt.

Lisa also has fitness programs for moms at other stages, not just the postpartum period. Fit4Baby is a program designed to strengthen the body for all the changes it will experience during pregnancy. The 60-minute class includes cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training. The mom-only Fit4Baby is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and various fitness levels. Body Back is a results-based workout program that is for moms only. Whether you just had a baby or had one 20 years ago, Lisa says this workout will help you get your body back!

And one more plus: you don’t need fancy equipment. Lisa recommends bringing a towel or mat for the workout, a pair of athletic shoes, and sunblock and a hat if the workout is outdoors. For Stroller Strides, you just need you, your baby and the stroller. Just about any stroller will do, so long as it’s not prone to tipping. You do not have to have a jogger. So if you can’t afford a fancy jogging stroller, don’t miss out!

I think these aspects, combined with the effective workouts, are what have made the Stroller Strides program so successful. If you’re interested, check out the website to find a class near you.

Any Stroller Stride mamas out there? How was the program helpful for you? —Nicole