Stroller Strides class offers fitness alternative for moms and their babies or toddlers

By Catherine Kerr
| 1:08 a.m. July 9, 2015

West Orange Times & Observer
News

WINDERMERE — Motherhood can make it difficult to find the time or energy for fitness, but a popular class called Stroller Strides motivates moms by embracing their relationships with their children and focusing on exercises that work for any skill level.

FIT4MOM, a fitness program based in Windermere, has been offering Stroller Strides in Windermere since February. But FIT4MOM owner Maria Zendejas decided to open a second group to accommodate Winter Garden moms who had been participating in the class but preferred something closer to their area.

Winter Garden Stroller Strides started July 1 in the Summerlake subdivision, but is now looking for a different Winter Garden location.

“We can have some stress relief with other moms,” Zendejas said. “They like that they can make some new friendships and they can have a workout.”

Stroller Strides incorporates cardio exercises to get the heart pumping and strength exercises to tone the body.

At the beginning of the class, everyone circles around for a warmup. The warmup varies from week to week, but the instructors try to keep it fun and upbeat. At the first class, the group played “Would You Rather” and demonstrated their answer by choosing one of two exercises.

The bulk of Stroller Strides is jogging and power walking with the children in their strollers, but there are also times for them to get out and exercise with their moms.

Stroller Strides is designed for moms of any fitness level, whether they are in top shape or are trying to get back in shape after having a baby.

“We’re moving at our own pace,” class instructor Gia Baker said. “It’s not a competition.”

Baker has been participating in and leading Stroller Strides classes around the country for about six years. She and the other instructors are certified and specially trained.

“Anytime there’s a Stroller Strides class, it’s a way to have community and camaraderie,” she said.

Because the class is just for moms, there is plenty of grace for any situation that might come up during the class. It is fine to stop to comfort or feed a child, Baker said. It’s usually easy to jump right back in, but if a mom misses a whole class because of a fussy baby, she will be credited for a make-up class.

In the fall, when temperatures are lower, Stroller Strides will start a bit later in the morning. This will also allow moms with older children to drop them off at school before heading to their workout.

Pre-registration is required for Stroller Strides, but the first class is free. Other locations will soon be available in the Orlando area. To register and learn more, go to windermere.fit4mom.com.

—