Let’s Stride-Awesome Workout For Mommies
In March I posted about great gifts for postnatal mommies. My best friend just had her first baby and has morphed into an absolute rockstar of a mom. Like a seasoned vet she had baby S changed and in the car last Wednesday before I could have my first sip of coffee. Whenever I am in New York I try to spend as much time as possible with her. These little people grow up way too fast. It doesn’t matter if it is a quick pop in to say hello, feed the baby or turn into a babysitter so mom and dad can have a night out…I will take any time I can get! This past week I had the opportunity to take part in something called Stroller Strides. S.S. is part of FIT4Mom, and is a place where rookie to pro mommies can go to get a workout in with their little ones. It does not matter if you are trying to lose that baby weight, need a place to workout without the need of a sitter or a place to get to know other mommies who are interested in getting fit.
Aunt T got baby S ready for bed all by herself!
We packed the stroller up with a yoga mat and fitness bands and hit the park grounds running. Let me tell you something…women are no joke. I ran with with princess S on our second leg as she giggled and smiled in her stroller. An added 50 lbs of delight added to your jog. Running through trails and on pavement, who doesn’t like a little challenge? Every day the workout is different. You start in a circle warm up to introduce yourself and there is a question of the day. Our question was “What was your first job”. BTW mine was working at the local farm stand. Low and behold that was one of the other moms first jobs as well! You instantly start making connections, and feel at ease, but don’t be fooled by the catchy name. If you are looking for a group to stroll through the park while sipping your coffee and chit chatting about pumps and poop…then this is NOT the group for you.
Post warm-up we were off and jogging. We stopped after ten minutes to pull out our bands and engage in a series of squats and pulses. While you are getting the blood flowing the instructor is also leading a sing along for the little ones. Not only does it keep the peanuts entertained, but it also dictates the amount of sets and reps that you do. From there it was off to the basketball courts for planks, sprints, squat jumps and “maniac mommies”. A little water and we were off to the benches near a fabulous bbq wafting over from from 50 ft away. Box jumps, plank push ups tricep dips to “Old Mc’Donald Had a Farm” were up before jogging to the ab circle and cool-down. Back to where we started. The class goes by so fast. Before I knew it the kids began to get fussy and we had worked out our entire bodies. Some of these mommies can push two kids at a time! I have never seen anything like it. There was one incredible mother who just had her little guy five weeks ago and made it through.
Stroller Strides is the perfect place for a great workout and kids entertainment. All the exercises are modified to meet your needs and the needs of postnatal bods for example : Modified jumping jacks, box steps instead of jumps. Everyone moves at their own pace. Stroller Strides can be found all over the country and offer a variety of different programs. You all know about my barre obsession. They actually have “Stroller Barre”. Check out www.fit4mom.com today to find a program that works for you. There is nothing new mama’s need more than support of other women and I am so grateful to have shared this experience with my best friend and one of the loves of my life…princess S.
Love and Fit Mommies,
Taylor