Running/Walking With a Stroller: Are You Doing It Right?

I love offering classes that moms can bring their stroller-aged kids to. Not only does it allow moms to work out alongside other moms, but it gives a great example of how fitness can be fun to the little ones in the strollers! However, as with anything, walking and running properly with your stroller takes a bit of practice and know-how.

Here are some tips from the founder of the nation’s largest pre- and postnatal fitness program, Lisa Druxman:

Stroller Workout

Mom On The Run

By Lisa Druxman, M.A., Founder of FIT4MOM and Stroller Strides™

So, you’re a runner! And now you’re a parent! Yes, you can be both. This article is written to help you make the most of your runs when you have your stroller along. First off, make sure you have your doctor’s permission to start a running workout. Most doctors will recommend a 6 week “break” from exercise after childbirth. From there, take care to build up slowly and listen to your body. The better shape you were in before baby, the quicker you’ll recover. But, you do need to recover. Exercise should be stress reducing not stress promoting.

Proper Form

1) Walk with good posture at all times.

2) Keep shoulders low and pulled back.

3) Lead with your chest. Imagine that you had a string attached at your sternum (the bone between your breasts) and it was pulling you forward.

4) Hold in your abs, not your breath.

5) Keep a soft bend in your arms and keep wrists in neutral alignment.

5) Stroller Stride. When walking or running, feet and knees should be facing forward. You can do long, powerful strides and/or short, quick strides.

Stroller Tips

• The most common postural dysfunction when pushing a stroller is to hunch forward. Make sure to keep shoulders down and back throughout your walk.
• Many moms experience carpal tunnel syndrome during or after pregnancy due to swelling in the wrist. Pushing a stroller incorrectly can exacerbate this problem so be sure to keep wrists in neutral alignment on handlebars.
• Do any of your walking stretches go down hill? If so, always use the safety strap on your stroller! Sit into your stride a little and get those thighs working. Be careful not to let the stroller pull your posture forward.  Going down hill can still be a workout!

Safety First

• Safety is number one. Always be careful of cars and the environment when working out with your baby.
• Always keep stroller a hand’s reach away from you if you’re working out besides your stroller.
• Never lean or pull on stroller during workout or stretching.

What Kind of Stroller Can I Use?

A Jogging Stroller (often called an off-road stroller) is recommended for running workouts. Benefits of the Jogger are that they are easier to steer and maneuver and are designed so you can get a proper stride. Make sure your baby is the appropriate weight and age for your brand of stroller. Ideally, find a stroller that has shock absorbers and is easy to fold. Stroller Strides and B.O.B. released the first “fitness” stroller. Contact B.O.B. Sport Utility Strollers or darcypeters@fit4mom.com (FIT4MOM Front Range Franchisee) for more information (www.bobgear.com).

*** Please remember to get doctor’s approval before starting this or any exercise program. TheAmericanCollegeof Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends waiting 6 weeks postpartum before beginning an exercise program.

*** Lisa Druxman is the founder of Stroller Strides®,America’s stroller fitness program! For more information onStroller Strides, go to www.fit4mom.com.

Interested in working out with other moms and their stroller-aged children?

If you are in the Northern Colorado area, contact darcypeters@fit4mom.com.

If you are elsewhere, look up your zip code at www.fit4mom.com.