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Health: In Shape

Make Great Strides Who knew pushing a stroller could be so good for you? By Colleen CorkeryPublished: January, 2008

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Catching up with friends, working out, meeting new people, spending time with baby and enjoying the great outdoors is hard enough for any mom, or anyone for that matter, to juggle all at once.  However, Stroller Strides, one of the largest and fastest-growing total fitness programs for moms (or dads), combines all these benefits in just 1  hour.   Incorporating a stroller-based workout of power-walking or running, intervals of body toning with resistance bands, and using props in her environment to shape up, such as doing push-ups on a bench, a mom can get the ultimate workout while bonding with baby and buddies.  With more than 600 locations nationwide, and about 30 in Orange County, Stroller Stride’s mission is to help moms make strides in fitness, motherhood and life. San Diego resident, Lisa Druxman, the creator of Stroller Strides and a mother of 2, had been working in the fitness industry for a decade before she became a mom.  “I decided to blend my passion for fitness with motherhood and created a class that I could do with my son.  From day 1, the business was built for moms, by moms,” Druxman says.  “I knew I could help moms get back in shape.  Beyond that, I needed support as a new mom.  Stroller Strides offered the best of motherhood: fitness for mom, fun for baby, community for all.”   Michelle Smith of Laguna Hills and a mother of a 1-year-old, was nervous about attending a fitness class with a baby in tow.  “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I went for it and I was immediately hooked!”  Smith has been going to Stroller Strides for 9 months, participates in classes 3-4 times a week and credits Stroller Strides for getting back to her pre-pregnancy weight.  “When I belonged to a gym, I found myself getting bored and quit going,” Stroller Strides is like having your own personal trainer every day, only there are more benefits – spending quality time with your child, being outside and meeting new friends.”   Ilana Rosenberg of Laguna Niguel and a mother of 2 children, both under the age of 5, has been running with Stroller Strides for 3 years.  Rosenberg, who says she isn’t a “natural runner,” has not only built up endurance with a double-jogger, but has also created new friendships.  “The camaraderie with the other moms is priceless, and if your baby cries, no one cares.  I’m in the best shape of my life because I consistently go to Stroller Strides, something I never did with a gym membership.” You’ll be in good company. Not only is Stroller Strides making miraculous strides in women’s fitness, but it’s bounding up the business latter.  The Stevie Awards for Women in Business recently honored Stroller Strides as “Best Overall Company of the Year.” Stroller Strides beat out 15 other finalists and more than 800 companies.  According to Franchise Times Magazine, Stroller Strides is also the 17th fastest-growing franchise in the world, with 218 franchises, and has been named as one of the top 25 small companies to work for, according to Working Mother Magazine.   When it comes to time, Druxman says “consistency is the key if you want to see changes in your body.  Some moms come once a week if that’s all their schedule will allow, and some come up to 5 days a week.”  Classes range from 55-75 minutes, all of which accommodate every exercise level.  Most locations offer weekend classes and some evening classes, perfect for the working mom or dad. A variety of class packages are available, breaking down from $15 to just a few dollars per class, depending on the package.  The first class is always free. If babies are fussy or irritable, specially trained instructors will guide moms on specific exercises that ease the comfort level of baby, all while maintaining a balanced workout.  If babies become so fussy that a mom has to miss a class, Stroller Strides will credit the class for another time. This summer, Lisa Druxman released Stroller Stride’s first book, “Lean Mommy,” which has been recommended by Dr. Laura, the well-known radiotherapist.  Druxman says they’ll continue to add new programs, services and products, and “will continue to give moms ‘the strength’ for motherhood, both physically and spiritually.” For more information on Stroller Strides, log onto the website at strollerstrides.com or call 1.866.FIT.4MOM to find a location near you. Colleen Corkery is a contributing writer to OC Family Magazine.

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