I’ve tried a number of ridiculous infomercial aerobic fads:
the Ab Roller, Hip Hop Abs, the thighmaster, and buns of steel. I’ve sweat to the oldies, P-90’ed my X
off, and walked hundreds of miles in ankle weights and spandex. But before last week, I had never used
my Bob Ironman Duallie (no, they don’t sponsor this column but yes, I would
love to accept anything free from them!) for anything other than running mile
upon endless mile. Fit? Yes. Strong? Well…not so much.
Knox, Fin, and I took a class from Rita Eversole-Doty,
mother of 3, called Stroller Strong
which allowed me to get in a pretty good workout while spending time with my
children. I love the YMCA because
I can drop the kids off and then just run and run trying to outrun the guilt of
leaving my kids with someone else.
With this class I can work out guilt-free. Although, I’m sure I will feel guilty when they have
nightmares from my awesome dance moves, but, whatever works up a sweat, right?
A couple of quick points about this workout to bear in
mind. If you’re looking for a
quiet and relaxing workout, keep the stroller rolling. If you want a chance to work out with
your kids, good luck! If you want
a very strenuous, high-octane workout, not happening. But, if you’re looking for a moderate activity level that
encompasses stretching, some aerobic work, some light strength work, and good
quality time with your kids, then this is the right fit.
I do wish there would have been some opportunity to get my
kids out of the stroller and do some work with them (one of my husband’s
favorite strength builders is bench-pressing Knox and arm-curling Finley and
they love it too; couldn’t something similar have been incorporated?). Also, I run upwards of twenty miles a
week so I would not have minded a higher difficulty level. However, it was still an enjoyable
workout and a fun way to spend an hour with fellow moms. Additionally, Rita was great about
varying the activities and responding to the cries of the younger crowd (i.e.,
kids). So, if a stroller-bound
babe got fussy, she’d change the activity to one that required more movement
to, hopefully, settle the child down.
For more information, email Rita at ritastrollerstrong@yahoo.com, 513-295-5840, or strollerstrongcincinnati.com. Several moms have recently expressed interest in these
classes to me and Rita let me know that moms can try the class one time for
free or can purchase as few as four weeks at a time. The classes are $12 per class if you pay for only one but
are significantly less expensive if you buy more (see price structure on their
website). Also, on hulafrog there is a 50% off coupon for a
10-class pass (normally $100).
Classes are held at varying times at Ault Park with the next one occurring
on Friday May 3 at 9:30 ( a special class including snacks and a raffle). So, get out, get moving, and get
Stroller Strong (ish) and tell Rita “Momma on a Budget” sent you.