How to Get Fit Using a Stroller

Getting fit using a stroller is becoming popular as women decide they can get fit with their baby in tow. Stroller fitness has brought about the birth of organizations around the U.S. like StrollerFit that offer classes, but what about the mom looking to do it on her own? Use these steps to learn how to formulate a custom stroller fitness routine just for you and your little one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide on what areas of your body you would like to work. This information is best for total body fitness routine and goal.
2. Pick out a time daily when you and your baby can go for a walk to do your stroller fitness routine. Make sure that it is a time when your baby is well-rested, fed and happy.
3. Create and practice some exercises with the stroller at home. Stand at the back of the stroller and do squats or leg lifts. Plan intervals in your walking routine. Use baby as a weight to lay on your back and lift baby up to tone your arms.
4. Put your new routine into practice. Set your walking route to go between slow and fast intervals to boost calorie burning. Work a hill climb into your route. End up in a park so that you can get baby out of the stroller for some moves and be on flat ground for other moves.
5. Select CDs that provide a good mix of fast-paced and slower-paced music. Play it during your walk using a battery-operated CD player. It is best to use a small version of a boombox rather than an MP3 player with headphones. That way, your baby hears the music too.

Tips & Warnings

• Always put baby first. If she is not in the mood for a long walk, try a fast, short uphill burst before going home and finishing some moves in your living room.
• Form a support group. Talk to other moms in your town and put together a group of women that meets at the park for their stroller fitness routines. This is a great way to meet other new moms and allow your baby to socialize a little with other babies.
• Always make sure the brakes are engaged on the stroller before performing any exercise where you lean or put weight on the stroller.
• Never start a new exercise routine without first consulting your doctor or before you have completely healed after the birth of your baby.