Moms need to take care of themselves. We've all heard this message from our friends, our doctors, and the media. We can't properly take care of our families if we are running on empty, if we don't consider our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Just months after giving birth for the first time, I could not wrap my brain around this requirement - this need I somehow had to find time, energy, and strength to take care of. To take care of myself - really take care of myself - seemed like an insurmountable task when I was barely meeting my basic hygiene needs.
With these thoughts rattling around in my brain and my baby sleeping in her carseat, I drove through a local neighborhood and saw something that just clicked for me. I saw a group of moms, pushing their strollers, smiling and chatting with each other ... all while getting a great workout. I had to pull over and watch a little longer. Those moms looked happy. Those moms were taking care of themselves. I wanted to be one of those moms.
I went home and did some research and discovered those moms belonged to Stroller Strides®, a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser.
This is a workout that not only includes childcare but also incorporates it. Stroller Strides instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to entertain and engage baby. Plus I had the opportunity to meet other moms, engage in playgroups with their babies, and to form lasting friendships.
Stroller Strides (and later Body Back) was a way that I could take care of myself - by exercising and getting support from other moms, a combination I found to be good for my mind, body, and spirit.
Don't take my word for it, read what current Stroller Stride moms have to say about their experience and then (mention Macaroni Kid) to try a week for FREE!
"It's lots of fun to get outside with your kids and get moving! And a great way to set a good example too."
"It's great motivation to get out the door in the morning! Mommy gets a workout and some socializing while the kiddos enjoy the interaction and fun too!"
"You will never be judged, you will always be welcomed and it will most likely change you life!"
Within the past year, Stroller Strides "grew up" and became the largest fitness program for moms and got a new name - Fit4Mom - and includes:
Fit4Baby® is a program designed to strengthen the body for all the changes it will experience during pregnancy. These classes exclusively focus on pregnant moms! COMING SOON to our local franchise!
Body Back® is a results-based workout designed for moms who want their body back, whether they just had a baby or their last child was born twenty years ago! COMING SOON to our local franchise!
Stroller Strides® is a stroller-based fitness program designed for moms with little ones. Available in three locations (with plans to add a Snoqualmie location soon!) with the following schedule:
Mondays and Wednesdays: 9:30-10:30 am
On the plateau: Beaver Lake Lodge| 25101 SE 24th Street | Sammamish
Tuesday: 9:30-10:30 am
Issaquah Highlands: In front of Cafe Ladro | 1200 10th Avenue NE | Issaquah
Friday: 9:30-10:30 am
Issaquah Highlands: Trailhead Vista | 1907 Northeast Park Drive | Issaquah
Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays: 9:30-10:30 am
Snoqualmie Ridge: corner of Center Boulevard and SE Ridge Street
Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays: 9:30-10:30 am
Snoqualmie Ridge: corner of Center Boulevard and SE Ridge Street
Sign up for a FREE Trial Week: fit4mom-seking.frontdeskhq.com/welcome
Connect with Fit4Mom SE King County
- Online: sekingcounty.fit4mom.com
- Via Email: kristy@fit4mom.com
- On Facebook: www.facebook.com/IssaquahFit4Mom
