Health: In Shape

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 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 the Inland Empire, 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.”
    Fay Holmes, resident of Rancho Cucamonga and the mother of a
9-month-old, has been attending Stroller Strides for 2 months, 2-3 times a week. “I thought that it was a much better way for a new mother to work out and never have to worry about her child. I am happy to meet new people, get a great workout and be outside all the time,” she says. “I love that my baby is with me, and that I know her needs are being met, while my need to get in shape and feel good about myself is also being satisfied.”
    Jeremie Lara of Rancho Cucamonga, a mother of 2 children both under the age of 3, has been attending Stroller Strides for a year. Lara credits Stroller Strides to getting her in serious shape. “Stroller Strides has made a big difference in my life over the past year. I am in the best shape I have ever been in and I also lost 20 pounds.” Not only does Lara get a great workout, but she’s also teaching her children valuable lessons, as well as making new friends. “My children are learning that exercise is important to me. It is also a great way for moms to meet other moms,” she says. “We have playgroup activities every week and a ‘Mom’s Night Out’ once a month!”

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 – 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 your 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 Churm Media.