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Stroller Fitness

by Karen Weinthal
published in Pre & Post Natal News, 1997.

With the undeniable benefits of social interaction for new mothers, the value of a postpartum group is obvious. Add to that the desire of many new mothers to regain their non-pregnant bodies and feel good about their appearance, the value of postpartum exercise is obvious, too. BABY & ME FITNESS is a postpartum exercise and discussion support program that has been helping to fill the early postpartum needs of women for nine years.

But what about the mothers of older babies? We have often found that women are unable to continue exercise class once their babies are active and mobile. And what about mothers of high-need fussy babies who won’t let them exercise? There is also the conflict new mothers may feel when the weather is fine -- do they really want to come indoors for an exercise class, or stay outsdie and enjoy the fresh air in the park with their babies?

These questions led to the creation of a new, innovative program: Stroller Fitness. In these classes mothers meet in local parks with their babies in strollers. We have designed a fitness routine that uses the stroller, park benches, walls and bleachers as fitness ‘equipment.” The workout includes both stationary exercises in which the stroller handles work as a ‘barre’ and brisk, guided walking segments for an aerobic workout. With sunscreen on, hats and water bottles, the women are all set for a refreshing and invigorating outdoor experience. The babies are outsdie in the fresh air with interesting scenery to observe. Some babies will even have a nap during this class -- every mother’s dream.

Particular areas of discomfort in postpartum women are the neck, shoulders, and upper and lower back. Our exercises are specifically designed to provide stretching, toning and strengthening in these areas. We emphasize improved posture and strong lower back, abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Each class begins with a gentle walking warm-up and stationary stretches for the neck, shoulders, sides, hamstring and calf muscles using the stroller handles for support. We then do an extended walking aerobic segment incorporating a variety of movements to provide muscle toning and distraction. These include lifts, leg swings, arm movements ( one at a time, of course, since one arm keeps pushing the stroller) and whatever else suits our mood. We then do abdominal exercises and arm presses using the park benches. The class concludes with gentle coo-down stretches and movements. At the end we relax, have a cold drink and a discussion on the grass.

As childbirth professionals we think it is important to support mothers beyond the immediate postpartum period. While there are services for brand new mothers, there is little available for those with older babies. Mothers of six, eight, even 12-month-old babies are still in a state of change and adjustment and are often isolated. We can reach them by creating programs that involve them and their babies and that take place in their own communities where new friendships can be made and new needs fulfilled.