I (heart) Stroller Strides

I am so excited to start back to Stroller Strides this week! Why? you might ask. Because I LOVE it!- crazy, I know. First, just in case you are unfamiliar, let me tell you about it. Stroller Strides is a fitness program that moms can do WITH their babies. While the class includes a total body workout for the moms, the kids stay entertained through songs and activities. I started Stroller Strides three months after having Caiden (Aug 2010). It pulled me out of the new mommy funk I was in. Prior to joining, there were days I didn't get out of my pyjamas. Why should I? I was only going to be at home with a little baby and he didn't care what I looked like :) I am not what you'd call a fitness person, so why do I love this fitness program so much?  Here's 7 reasons why:

1. Farrah. She's the franchise owner and main instructor. She is super woman! She really inspires me in so many ways, in the health and fitness area clearly, but also as an entrepreneur. She has such a genuine care for our well-being and I really think she loves each of our children as her own. Farrah even came to the hospital to visit when Caleb was born. Can you say that about your fitness instructor?
2. It's an awesome workout. At first Eric thought it was just a bunch of moms walking through the park chit chatting. Until he went to the family class one day and was put to the test. We use resistance tubing and our stroller for strength training and do cardio bursts as well. I really think that continuing to work out in Stroller Strides while I was pregnant with Caleb helped me to have such an easy labor/delivery and recovery! 
3. Friends! Prior to joining, I didn't really have many other mommy friends. I am really motivated to go to class because I want to see the girls and catch up. Plus, chatting about green poo or pureed squash actually takes your mind off the physical pain of working out. They are some of the most down-to-earth ladies I've met and they are going through the same season of life that I am. We are always asking each other for advice, sharing funny/gross/frustrating times and supporting each other when needed. We are always looking after each others kids, chasing them down or picking them up, sharing snack and toys to keep the kids entertained. These wonderful women have been bringing us meals three days a week for a month now since Caleb was born! They are AMAZING!
4. Friendly competition- everyone loves to be challenged a little. I love participating in the Healthy Mama challenge, wall sit and plank competitions. Even though I complain because they hurt, the inner competitor inside comes out and pushes me do do better. I even won a plank competition last year. I don't remember how long I held it, but it was awesome! I was shaking like crazy, wanting to come down, but all the other mamas were cheering me on!
5. It includes the kids. During exercises, we sing songs or play peek-a-boo or give tickles and high 5s. We also have different themed classes where we include shapes, numbers and the alphabet. They really seem to enjoy themselves too!
6. It's an hour a day focused on ME! while this somewhat contradicts number 5, it is MY hour of the day. As a SAHM, your world revolves around the kids, so it is so nice to have a place to go where people ask you about YOU and want you to do things that are good for YOU!

Some of the other perks are the super great Plum Mom's Club and perks from sponsors. We frequently get samples from Plum, Luna, Episencial and we get a lot of discounts too! I'm sure there are more reasons, but I have to publish this post or it will never get done!
Here's a few pics from class:

Caiden even gets in on the action. He was stretching with us this day. (I think it was in February and a little chilly)