‘Strollerobics’ Classes Help New Mothers Shape Up

CINCINNATI —  New mothers weary of stationary bike saddle sores, bored with their treadmills and exhausted from stair-climbing machines are starting to feel the burn behind baby strollers.

Fitness trainer Kristen McAuliffe started “strollerobics” classes in May at a neighborhood park as an option for new moms who want to shape up and keep their babies nearby.

“I noticed that women who worked out before and during their pregnancy suddenly stopped coming to class when they had the baby,” McAuliffe said. “After I had my own child, I realized why. They needed a more convenient way to exercise and keep the baby with them.”

Many gym nurseries do not accept infants and some women aren’t comfortable leaving children so young with strangers.

Strollerobics is “a lot more fun and challenging than just strolling around the neighborhood,” said Chris Berger, mother of 15-month-old Grace.

The 50-minute workout starts like other aerobics classes, with marching in place and stretching. There are toning and strengthening exercises. Push-ups, step-ups and triceps dips are done on park benches.

Mothers use a stroller with a baby or two inside for balance when performing squats, lunges and leg lifts. They push strollers as they jog laps around the park’s flower garden.

The babies seem to be happiest when they’re eating or positioned to see each other.

“My older children hated being stuck in the nursery with all those younger kids,” said Kacey Schmitt, mother of 7-year-old Max, 6-year-old Emily and 2 1/2-year-old Nicholas. “I like this class because Emily and Max can play outside in the park and enjoy themselves. I can work out with Nicholas and keep an eye on the other two.”