If you've been thinking of how you can possibly find time to get in shape now that you have kids, keep reading! This is your solution!
I have found some amazing friends through exercising with Fit4Mom's programs and spent time asking some fellow moms about their thoughts on Stroller Strides! Here are some of their answers. (Oh, and stay tuned next week for their kids' views on Stroller Strides!)
How did you find Stroller Strides?
My reason for asking: I think the way moms find programs, groups, etc is super interesting. And honestly, we all could use some suggestions on resources, right?
- My neighbor told me about it.
- I saw a flyer right before the grand opening.
- My best friend.
- I Googled gyms within the area.
- Macaroni Kid Annapolis.
- I heard about it from a friend and eventually stalked the Facebook page for a few weeks before going to my first class.
How long have you been doing Stroller Strides?
My reason for asking: One of my personal favorite things about Stroller Strides is that no matter how long you have been part of the group, everyone is treated the same. You find your tribe with Stroller Strides.
My reason for asking: One of my personal favorite things about Stroller Strides is that no matter how long you have been part of the group, everyone is treated the same. You find your tribe with Stroller Strides.
- 6 years!
- 5 years.
- 3 years.
- 2.5 years.
- 2 years.
- 1 year.
- 3 months.
Did you know anyone when you participated in your first class?
My reason for asking: A lot of times, first time moms (and second time moms... and third time moms...) feel like they're alone, stuck in the house with this new baby. They want to get out, but don't have anyone to do anything with. They're hesitant to go somewhere new to do something new with people they've never met. We've all been there. Check this out...
My reason for asking: A lot of times, first time moms (and second time moms... and third time moms...) feel like they're alone, stuck in the house with this new baby. They want to get out, but don't have anyone to do anything with. They're hesitant to go somewhere new to do something new with people they've never met. We've all been there. Check this out...
- Just my neighbor. She went with me to my first class.
- No.
- Not a soul!
- I brought my two friends with me.
- Not really, my husband knew the teacher.
- Yes, I had met some of the moms through my best friend.
- Nope!
- Nope, and I was super nervous about it!
- I knew someone who had done it at one point but wasn't currently going to classes when I started.
How would you describe the workouts?
My reason for asking: I have met a lot of moms who are hesitant to join any fitness program because they're not already fit. Crazy, right? But for those who haven't done any type of exercise for years (or ever!), Stroller Strides is perfect. And for those who already had an established workout regimen, Stroller Strides is perfect. Here's the proof in the pudding!
My reason for asking: I have met a lot of moms who are hesitant to join any fitness program because they're not already fit. Crazy, right? But for those who haven't done any type of exercise for years (or ever!), Stroller Strides is perfect. And for those who already had an established workout regimen, Stroller Strides is perfect. Here's the proof in the pudding!
- Tough, but fun.
- Wonderful! Tough, but you can do them at your own fitness level.
- Not a walk in the park, as some may think it is. But it's definitely fun and different than your typical gym or yoga class. The other moms are inspiring, and the workouts can be adapted to your fitness level.
- Hard and challenging!
- They are great. They are intense and work your muscles well. The instructors always describe modifications if you need to go lighter.
- Fun and challenging. We never do the same workout twice, which is awesome.
- More intense than I thought they would be, but definitely doable.
- Awesome! There's a workout for everyone from pregnant to newly postpartum to moms with older children!
How would you describe the atmosphere?
The reason I ask: As moms, we all want to participate in groups, events, etc where other participants are warm and welcoming. But taking that first step is nerve wracking for anyone. Let me assure you that the atmosphere at Stroller Strides is one of the best. You may even see a theme in some of the answers below!
The reason I ask: As moms, we all want to participate in groups, events, etc where other participants are warm and welcoming. But taking that first step is nerve wracking for anyone. Let me assure you that the atmosphere at Stroller Strides is one of the best. You may even see a theme in some of the answers below!
- Welcoming, supportive, fun!
- Welcoming.
- Amazing. So glad I found this Mom village!
- Encouraging!
- Positive, supportive, fun!
- Positive. From the instructors to the moms everyone is always cheering each other on!
- Supportive and welcoming. I felt like I belonged there from my first class! And the advice, support, and friendships I have found with the other members is priceless.
- Positive and supportive!
How has Fit4Mom impacted your life?
The reason I ask: Some moms come for the fitness and the friendships are a bonus. Some people come for the friendships and the fitness is the bonus. Either way, something drives everyone...
The reason I ask: Some moms come for the fitness and the friendships are a bonus. Some people come for the friendships and the fitness is the bonus. Either way, something drives everyone...
- In more ways than I can count. I can't picture my life without Fit4Mom.
- It was made me a better mom, inspiring me to pursue fitness, and helped me build my mom tribe.
- It truly changed my life. I didn't know any other moms in my area. Stroller Strides got me out of the house and introduced me to moms who were in the same boat as me!
- Fit4Mom came into my life when I was still a fairly new mom with an 8 month old. It has not only shaped my life as a mom, wife, and friend, but I have been able to help shape other mama's journeys through this stage in our lives, which is the most incredible part for me.
- It's given me the chance to comfortably get out with my baby, workout, feel better about myself, and connect with other moms.
- I finally feel at home in our new town. I know that I've found a group of women I can actually form relationships with, which can be very difficult as an adult. I am so thankful for this community.
- When I joined a year ago, it changed my life. I was finally doing something for myself, without sacrificing time with my kids. I've made new friends (which is HARD when you're a mom!). I've done more things for myself and I feel like it's made me a better mom!
- Fit4Mom saved me when I was a new mom! I didn't know many moms when I had my daughter and I was feeling very isolated. As someone who finds their stress relief from exercise, joining this group was a no-brainier for me! Now I have an amazing network of the best friends and support system! The best part is that I never worry about finding a workout buddy! All of these women know the value in being active and the positive impacts it can have on themselves and their kiddos! I don't know what I would do without Fit4Mom!
What would you tell a new mom who is thinking of joining?
Take some advice from some old-timers and some newbies:
Take some advice from some old-timers and some newbies:
- Do it! It will fill a void you never knew you had. It's so much more than just a workout.
- Do it! You won't be disappointed.
- I would tell her it will be one of the best decisions she will ever make!
- Do not let any of your worries hold you back. All of our children cry. They can and will adapt to the stroller if you are worried they won't like it. This is your time, and then it becomes their time too. You are inspiring them to be healthy and make friends who support and love them for who they are.
- Do it!
- Stop thinking about it. Do it.
- Try it! Your first class is free, so you have nothing to lose. Don't be nervous if you don't know anyone because by the end of the class, you will have made new friends! Oh, and be prepared to be sore the next day!
- Do it! You don't have to be in amazing shape to get started! Stroller Strides is a judgement-free zone and you can be sure to leave feeling better than when you started!
Long story short, you need to give Stroller Strides a try! Check out the Fit4Mom Annapolis website and register for a class, or just show up! Your first class is free!
Fit4Mom also has a mom's club, Our Village. They host weekly play dates and monthly Mom's Night Out's. It's free to join and you don't have to be a member of Stroller Strides to do so!
