Stroller Strides

Taking fitness in Stroller Strides
Baby needs a healthy mom (and dad).

by Tai Oyegunle

With more than 15,000 participants and 300 locations nationwide, Stroller Strides, a nationally renowned stroller fitness class for new mothers, is picking up speed in Silver Spring.

Corina DuBois, owner of the Montgomery County Stroller Strides franchise, is the main instructor at the Silver Spring location at Sligo Creek Park. She bought the company in December to give new mothers an opportunity to work out effectively with their babies in tow.

Jump, jump, jump!

Because new parents often meet time constraints and aren’t able to schedule exercise sessions while caring for their children, Stroller Strides successfully combines exercising and motherhood. “I found Stroller Strides as a new mom looking for a way to work out,” DuBois said. It “completely changed my life.”

Stroller Strides’ total fitness program weaves a unique exercise routine into an hour-long class, taking particular advantage of the environment and stroller. Nationally certified instructors lead the group of mothers through body stretches, power walks and strength training with a resistance tube.

DuBois encouraged mothers to get involved whether their goal is to lose baby weight or simply get out of the house. Stroller Strides is “something just to get out and have fun,” DuBois said. “I want the moms to feel good about what they’re doing.”

Now get down and shake 'em

Classes meet Monday through Friday and have about five to ten mothers each day, but Friday stands out as the pick of the week with the largest turnout. “Everybody wants to get the big workout in before the weekend,” DuBois said.

Although most participants are mothers, Stroller Strides welcomes fathers, grandparents or any child care provider. DuBois schedules “family workout free” classes during holidays to encourage fathers to get involved.

From left to right: The Mills family, the Jovanovic family, the Dubois guys, the Atkinson family, the Engstroms, the Bemjamin family and the Bishop family.

Stroller Strides will host a free Parents Impact Seminar and potluck dinner in July to provide “tips and tricks for dealing with toddlers,” DuBois said. “We know if we give free food the dads will come.”

Alison Jovanovic, one of four instructors at Silver Spring’s Stroller Strides, said the program is also a social forum, which invites mothers to socialize without their children.

Stroller Strides is “a wonderful group of women (who are) warm, inviting and accepting,” Jovanovic said.

In tune with motherly bonding, Stroller Strides arranges a monthly night out for the group. “This month we did a little black dress night,” DuBois said.

To your health! Stroller Striders enjoy a well earned night out. left side: Corina DuBois, Kim Engstrom, Meredith DeLano, Paula Moore; right side: Emily Kirby, Allison Jones, Amanda Benjamin

She recommended Stroller Strides as a way for new mothers to incorporate health and family into a busy life. Stroller Strides offers the first session free and unlimited classes for $54 a month. “That way moms can see if it works with their schedule.…before they commit to anything,” DuBois said.

 Jovanovic supported Stroller Strides as more than an exercise class, but a social and health conscious environment. “The program is about healthy living,“ Jovanovic said.

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