COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
When you have a baby or toddler in a stroller, it can be a tough time in a mom's life to feel she can get away for some exercise.
Thankfully, there's a national group offered in Columbia and Lexington that takes the mom, the baby, and the stroller and implements all three into a total body workout.
It's called "Stroller Strides".
Certified instructor Judy Shriner saw a need in her own life to keep up with her exercise and yet care for her little girl, Bryce. So, she brought the national program to the Midlands.
"It's been absolutely amazing not to have to put her in a gym daycare and also help her with counting, singing, and motor skills," Shriner said.
Instructors with Stroller Strides weave songs and activities into the workout routines to engage the babies.
The classes include power walking, running, and intervals of body toning using the stroller. And they're doable.
"It's for every level," said Kati Horton. "'Cause I'm not a runner. I'm not a weight lifter. But you know, I know I can keep up. And I've seen great progress over the last 10 months."
The women use resistance bands and the environment to do dips, pushups, and planks.
As mom works out, she's also setting an example.
"A lot of our children when we go home they do Stroller Strides classes with their dollies," Shriner. "They're lunging through the hallways. They're telling their dolls to squat -- one more!"
Moms drive from all over saying the class is worth it.
"She loves it and actually asks to come out," said Leslie Lefebvre. "And then, hopefully, it sets her up for a really good afternoon nap."
Of course, no class is complete without bubbles and juice boxes. And eventually, as would be expected, the children get antsy, have breakdowns, and so moms take them out of the strollers to walk.
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