Five Myths about Stroller Strides

Myth 1: I can't go because it is during my baby's naptime. 
The Truth:  I fell prey to this when my first was a baby. I'd feed him breakfast, he'd nap, he'd wake and then it was lunch time, after I got lunch cleaned up, he'd nap again, then it was time to start dinner. I was a prisoner in my own home! Mommies need interaction. Trust me, your baby will adapt, he/she might even surprise you and take a nap in the stroller during class. Mine did!

Myth 2: I can't get a good workout at the mall. 
The Truth:  Trust me, you can! Talk to Stroller Strides moms or, better yet, come check it out yourself. Your legs and arms will burn and you'll break a sweat.

Myth 3: I'd be too embarrassed to workout at the mall. 
The Truth:  Here's the good thing - the only other people there are mall walking, so they are getting their exercise, too! We meet before the stores open. 

Myth 4: I don't know anyone there and would feel awkward. 
The Truth:  Again, the best way to see that this is not true is to come try it! It is a very welcoming group of women and I would bet you will form a special bond with them. It's not like your average fitness class, where you just come in, get your sweat on, and take off. It also provides a support group for you and an instant playgroup for your little one.

Myth 5: It's too expensive. 

The Truth:  I would venture to guess that many of you have your children in gymnastics, swimming, or something similar. The typical monthly rate for those activities in this area is about $45/month. That monthly rate is usually for a 30 minute to 1 hour class one time per week. For just $40/month you get at least 3 hours of exercise (more coming soon!), a few hours of scheduled playgroup (plus the playtime after class), and fun take-home preschool activities each week! Plus, a healthy mom modeling a healthy lifestyle to her child is priceless.

  

Thank you Sarah Jessica Parker!

This Sunday's Parade had an interview with Sarah Jessica Parker. When asked about balancing motherhood (she has a 7 year old and 6 month old twins), Parker said, "I hear a lot of actresses pretend they don't have help, and that can't be true. It's really unfair to working women in this country who read [celebrity news] and think, Why can't I lose weight when I've had a baby? Well, everyone you're reading about has money for a trainer and a chef. That doesn't make it realistic."
Thank you, thank you, thank you, SJP!!!!! While she references working women, it really is true of all of us "normal" moms that don't have a staff to take care of everything so we can take care of ourselves. Heidi Klum walking the Victoria Secret's runway within weeks of giving birth is NOT normal! Most women are still trying to adjust to the fact that there is a new little person in their house and trying to figure out how to just get their teeth brushed and hair in a ponytail - we don't have someone to tend to the baby at night so we can get a good night's sleep, someone to take care of the baby during the day so we can workout, shower, and get ready, someone to plan and cook our meals, and someone else to take care of the daily errands - grocery shopping, bill paying, etc.
Moms, remember, it took 40 weeks for your body to change into that post-pregnancy body, give yourself at least that long to get it back. This isn't saying that you shouldn't be exercising and eating well as soon as you can, but don't get down on yourself for not looking like the latest celebrity who just had a baby 8 weeks ago. Focus on healthy choices and doing the best for you and your baby.