Working Out With the Kids :: Mommy Movement Fitness

If only I had more time, I’d be able to workout more. I don’t know how many time I said that to myself after having my son. I’d go in spurts, getting in early morning workouts a few days a week at the gym. But after long nights of teething, sleep sounded so much better than spin class. And forget going after my husband got home, I was exhausted.

I just wished I could somehow get in a good workout with my kid, instead of juggling so many schedules. Then one day last summer while playing at Sedgwick County Park, I saw a group of women working out with strollers. I ran after them to find out what they were doing and if I could get involved.

That’s when I first learned about Strollers in Motion, a class put on by Tonya Wells and Mommy Movement Fitness. I signed up and was instantly hooked.

I’ve done the Strollers in Motion class for almost a year now, and for the first and only time in my life I don’t try and talk myself out of a workout. I look forward to each class and so does Nico. He even asks me when we’re going to see Miss Tonya.

This is the 7th summer for Strollers in Motion, and the classes are designed for every fitness level. We load the kids up in strollers and take off running/jogging/walking. Every few minutes, we stop and Tonya takes us through resistance training, where we do lunges, dips, push ups etc. While we tone our arms and legs, Tonya leads us in singing songs with the kiddos. Nico loves to clap his hands and sing along, especially to the Itsty Bitsy Spider.

Other times, we sprint and leave the strollers with Tonya. She’ll often put on a funny hat, and either read a book to the kids or blow bubbles. She makes sure the kids are having a blast while the mom’s are sweating and out of breath. Tonya is a pre/post natal certified trainer, always keeping an eye on me and explaining how to modify my workout since I am pregnant. I will stick with this class until  baby #2 arrives and plan to be back as soon as I’m able.

At the end of the hour workout, we let the kids out of the strollers to play with the toys Tonya provides or at the park. While they run around and make friends, the mom’s work on their abs and stretch while chatting about everything from potty training drama to date nights. Each class is a great workout, playdate for the kids and adult time for the moms rolled into one.

Not only do I feel good  about taking care of myself, I’m also teaching Nico the importance of exercise. At home, he’ll pick up the belt of my robe and start doing bicep curls. Or when I run after him outside, he yells “exercise“. This class helps me stay healthy by setting a healthy example for my child. So if you’ve ever wished for more time to fit in a workout, I encourage you to give Mommy Movement Fitness a try.

These are some questions people ask me about Strollers in Motion:

Do I need a jogging stroller? No, I don’t have one. I use my Graco stroller and it works fine. Most of the women do have jogging strollers, but it’s not necessary. {However, no umbrella strollers are allowed as they are unsafe for the kiddos.}

What if my kid is fussy and doesn’t want to stay in the stroller? We all know kids have their days, if my son gets fussy sitting still, we just run/walk more and do less resistance training. You do what’s best for you and your child.

Is it hard to keep your kid in the stroller? No, I bring snacks and toys to help keep him occupied. But he’s often so engaged with Tonya and the other kids that I don’t need them.

I’m not fast and out of shape, should I even bother? Yes! When I started I was way behind everyone else. You work at your own pace, and everyone is encouraging. We’re in this together, mammas trying to get healthy while taking care of our kids.

Interested? Join Us for a Playdate!

If this is something you’re interested in trying, but just not sure about making a commitment, join us for a Mommy Movement Fitness Playdate on June 16 at 9:00 a.m. {don’t worry – some of us haven’t worked out since having a baby!} Register today as we only have a few spots left! We’d love to see you!

AND, one lucky reader will win 5 Free Strollers In Motion Classes – check out our Facebook Page for details! *Does not include the one time enrollment fee for equipment and expiration is 3 months from giveaway.*

Thank you to Mommy Movement Fitness for sponsoring this post. WMB would not promote or work with a business we did not believe to be reputable or relevant to our readers.