(Australia-NewsWire.Com, November 11, 2012 ) Victoria, Australia -- A mixture of babies, strollers, and running has hit Kodiak, Alaska and is intended to keep moms in shape.
Stroller Strides is an hour-long class that focuses on fitness that caters directly to moms, giving them time to work out while spending time with their babies.
Co-owners of Stroller Strides in Kodiak, Jamie Herron and Brooke McLaughlin, started the franchise that was started by a California mom in 2001.
In the program, moms use natural movement, stroller exercises, and exercise equipment to get in shape. This allows mothers to learn how taking the child for a stroll does not have to be the end of the activity.
"We provide the outlet that moms need to enjoy time with other moms, while also focusing on the much needed exercise to fuel their demanding lives," McLaughlin said.
A typical class beings has a 10 minute warm-up before the individuals begin the harder exercises. Herron and McLaughlin lead the women through power-walking, light and brisk jogging intervals with strollers, as well as strength training like lunges and squats. The owners sing songs to the children and blow bubbles to keep them entertained when the moms are partaking in an exercise that takes their immediate attention away from the children.
The two owners decided to start the business after meeting in a Kodiak Facebook group.
"We met on Kodiak Swip Swap exchanging baby items," McLaughlin said. "We were thinking, 'What can we bring to the community?' and this was our answer, a mom and baby fitness class."
McLaughlin and Herron aim to help moms make exercise a priority.
"Moms fall into the trap of saying they don't have enough time," Herron said. "They are juggling too many things — laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, paying bills while taking care of the children. They push their needs to the bottom of the list."
McLaughlin and Herron are planning to add classes to the Bells Flats area, as well as on the Coast Guard Base Kodiak.
About BayCityStrollers.com.au:
BayCityStrollers.com.au (http://www.baycitystrollers.com.au/) provides visitors with information about how moms can stay in shape while their kids have fun with Bacy City Strollers workout programs. Find locations, benefits, and products that can be purchased right off the Bay City Strollers website.