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.

Stroller Strides Moms Rock!!

I just wanted to give a HUGE shout out to my awesome Stroller Strides mommies! The other day at the mall, the maintenance staff had the ramp blocked and without even a moment's hesitation, the moms started grabbing strollers and carrying them up the steps so we could continue our workout. In fact, I was lagging behind and they had already started this by the time I saw the ramp was closed.

(Note: All lifting was carried out in a very safe manner. There are only 3-4 steps to go up and there were 2-4 moms for each stroller. No children (or mom's backs) were in harm's way!)

What a bargain!!

My husband & I have been discussing putting our toddler in gymnastics, so I have been researching programs. It seems that the standard rate in this area is $40 per month for one 30 minute class per week. The more I thought about it, the more it made me appreciate Stroller Strides. Don't get me wrong, I have always known how great Stroller Strides is and the great value it is. I love that I get to interact with my children, that they are learning about the importance of exercise and how it is fun, and all the benefits for me! However, I really realized what a bargain it is - $45 per month gives you unlimited classes - which currently is 3 hours per week, with more to come in spring. So, for $5 more a month, a mom gets a great workout and much needed social interaction with other moms PLUS the kiddos get exposed to healthy lifestyles, learning opportunities (right now each Monday Stroller Strides focuses on a letter through song, flashcards, activities, and sign), music (we might not be the best singers, but my toddler knows so many children's songs that he's learned at Stroller Strides), and social interaction with other children about the same age. Not only do you get all of those benefits, it is also 6x's more time for only $5 more monthly. WOW! It really makes me appreciate it more.

My first post!

This is my first post on the blog for Stroller Strides of Springfield! I guess I will tell you about myself and why I absolutely love Stroller Strides!
As an undergrad, I thought I wanted to go into corporate wellness. So, I have a B.S. in Business Administration with a Health & Exercise Science minor. I had also gotten my national group fitness instructor certification while an undergrad. However, before my senior year, I decided that I wanted to go into public administration instead. So, I let my fitness certification expire and went and got a Masters in Public Administration. After graduating, I worked three years in public finance and then we had our first baby! I couldn't leave him with someone else, so I quit my job and stayed home.
I had gained quite a bit of weight with my pregnancy and wanted to get back in shape. Up until my mid-twenties I had never had to work very hard to stay at a healthy size. I was always pretty active in dance and aerobics, though. After the baby, I found myself at home and out of shape. I bought the post-natal workout DVD's and thought that would surely be the way to go. I soon found out that making myself workout at home was not going to work for me. The baby needed me or there were dishes to wash or laundry to be done.
I started looking into mommy and me fitness programs and found there were none in the Springfield area. I was disappointed, but then I started getting excited! I could bring a program to Springfield! I looked at different options, but Stroller Strides stood out high above any others. I signed on and started training and studying for my national certification. I took and passed my American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor exam in mid-November. Things were looking good for a January start. Then, in late November, we got a huge surprise...we found out we were expecting again! My morning (noon and night) sickness set the opening back until late March/early April.
Stroller Strides has been running classes in Springfield since then! I am amazed at all of the benefits it offers to me as a mom. The best part is that my son comes with me and I get to interact with him while working out. Also, he's meeting other children and learning about physical activity. After just a week or two of class, we were at home and he started doing push-ups against the wall and counting! One of the best things for me as a stay at home mom is the interaction with other moms - adult conversation, yea!!
Another great part about Stroller Strides is the Luna Moms Club, powered by Stroller Strides. I'm meeting some great moms and Brighton is getting to know their wonderful children. The kiddos get to play and the moms get to chat a bit.

Stroller Strides classes are offered MWF at 9am at Battlefield Mall. Click the link at the right to get more information.

Luna Moms Club is free to join and offers Friday playgroups, a monthly Moms Night Out, and a quarterly Mommies with a Mission event. Check out our meetup.com site for details.