StrollerFit at Southwick Zoo

We had our first StrollerFit class at Southwick Zoo and it was great. We even had a new mom - Jesy and her son Christian and I think they are going to become members. We warmed up before the zoo opened and got moving quickly. we ran, squated, lunged all while the kids saw animals. We used the benches for dips and push ups and other moves and did strength training wqith the bands while the kids watched the deer and the gorillas and the new baby giraffe. Thbis will be a great class once a week.

I can not wait til next week.

Circle of Moms on Facebook

This past weekend I was playing kin Facebook and looked thru my Circle of Moms stuff. I decided to start a StrollerFit Group, a way to meet other moms who participate in StrollerFit, Mommymuscle Sculpt and Restore the Core around the country. I hope we get lots of moms to chat with on line. I love the internet!!!

What A Beautiful Day!!!

It was over 70 degrees today, yeah!!!

I started my day with a green tea shake. I will post the recipe on food blog, it was yummy!!!

We went for a run with Robin and Emily, Danielle and Ella and Kacey and Jen and Brian. It was really a great run and I loved being with the group.

Then while we stretched Joey and Kacey got soaked in the water in the empty sand box, time to get sand and get the water out. they were soaked, I felt bad because Kacey was drenched, I know Danielle was not mad at me, but still felt awful.

Then we did StrollerFit outside and had a few older siblings who worked out with us. Having them was good, but Ella and Joey wanted out of the Stroller, since The big kids were not in a stroller. We will have to work on that before summer break when they will have the older siblings more often.

We went with April, Mason and Nana Deb to the Ecotarium where there was a train that we rode. we also saw lots of animals. It was fun. We headed to the Zoo to pick up our passes for StrollerFit. we start class there on monday. I mapped out the route and the first workout, the hills will be fun. Joey and Mason chased the deer, so I know the end of class will be fun for the kids. the moms may want to kill me....The kids and I headed home, to grill dinner and then we met the Jordan's for ice cream. Joey and Nate were mesmerized by...you guessed it Cho Choos!

Now the kids are asleep and I am working. It will be a late night but I am up for it, because tomorrow will be nice again, in the 80's and we are off to an earth day kids fest.

The past 24 hours

Yesterday started off great. We got up, had a family breakfast, set up Julianna's crib, which she napped in and loved and all got out the door on time. We dropped Scott off for his quick 30 minute appointment and I took the kids to the Post Office. Joey helped me pack a box and played with the mail truck that the post man gave him while I did what I had to do. then we ran into the market for 2 items and made it back to the Dr's to pick up Scott just as he was calling my cell.

The sun was shining and with the way the day was going I expected it to stay beautiful and for it to be a good if not great day. Now let me back track to Monday, I had a mommy moment like you would not believe, I knew Julianna had her 2 month check up in the morning, but I went running and half way thru the run, realized her appointment was in 5 minutes. I called the Dr's and they were not busy so they =moved the appointment. I finished my run and took the kids to the drs. She did great for her shots, but the day was crazy. When Wednesday started off so well, I was in a grand mood, thinking, nothing could spoil this.

Then I got to Mommymuscle Sculpt at RBI's and met 2 women who wanted to try the class. They had been calling RBI's all morning. Not sure where they got the RBI's number, they checked out my StrollerFit website and it is not on there, I checked.

Anyway, Thank god I was 10 minutes early and only live 5 minutes away. I explained they needed a bar to participate and I need to run and get them. I called one of my instructors and explained what happened, and thanks to her and Drea a SF member, they got the new moms in and relaxed. I got home grabbed the last bar I have and called Charlotte a client who lives near my house and RBI's (who recently had a baby) and borrowed her bar. Then I realized Melanie a new StrollerFit client was coming to try the class so I was short a bar. So I figured one could use mine and I would teach and coach them thru the positions.

I got back and was a bit frazzled, but I think I taught a good class and they enjoyed it. they asked lots of questions about StrollerFit and Restore the Core, so hopefully they will come and try other classes. Turns out they heard about StrollerFit thru a Restore the Core mom, who told her friend Jules, who I have been corresponding with. Jules just had a baby and as soon as she is cleared will be coming to class. Kelly one of the women is Jules' cousin.

Anyway, I am rambling. Julianna slept thru class, but Scott was not there to play sitter to the toddlers so I had to keep an eye on them too. This made it difficult, but in the end all the moms worked as a team to discipline their own children and the class was good. We got home and the kids napped and I worked. Still a bit frazzled, and sad when the weather turned to rain again.

I was glad it did not rain today, although it was windy and we are due for 70-80 for the next 4 days, here comes summer, YEAH!!! Here's hoping that tomorrow won't be so crazy, although it is a busy day. Running with the crew, StrollerFit, Trip with StrollerFriends to the Ecotarium and need to run a few errands.

It is 8:30 and I am off to bed....

Masterpiece Portraits

A group of the StrollerFit moms got together Friday and took the kids to meet photographer Adam Green of Masterpiece Portraits

http://www.masterpieceportraits.us

We had a blast and the kids dressed up was adorable. As soon as I get photos I will post them.

It was a great way to end a crazy week. But I lost another 1.4 this week and have been running or walking daily with Robyn, Danielle (and their kids) and on Saturday I started walking/running with a Restore the Core Mom = Jennifer and her 8 month old son Brian. I will definitely be ready for the first 5K of the season.

Here's looking towards next week. The training runs are now a full 3.1 mile loop, 3 weeks ago it took us an hour to do 2 miles and now we are doing the 3.1 in about 45 minutes, so the pace is picking up nicely, this week, we will run even more of the loop.

StrollerFit will continue the indoor schedule this week, due to school vacation and crowding at the parks, plus we are due for rain, but next week We will hold classes at the Zoo, Louisa Lake and 2 parks-Linwood and Washington street. I have not even started my night StrollerFit class and have gotten requests form many working moms for another night, so I am looking at that too. Here's to a great summer a head of us.

I am also working on the Restore the Core, MommyMuscleSculpt and Mom and Toga Yoga summer schedule, keep a look out for the newsletter with the dates!!

In honor of Ella

Last week at StrollerFit I noticed Ella's pants were backwards on the same day I was wearing my inside out sweatpants (no this was not a mommy moment, I have always warn these pants inside out, since college, that is how long I have had them and they are comfy that way). Anyway, I though in honor of Ella choosing to wear her pants backwards, we should have a backwards clothing workout.

I am not going to be a class onThursday, and Ella has agreed to help her Mom Danielle and be the assistant instructor, which she practiced yesterday at StrollerFit, I thought it should be Thursday.

So moms dress your self and your kids in backwards, or inside out clothing, your choice. Ella will choose the mom and child who wore the craziest backwards workout outfit for a prize. Ella will not be eligible as the judge but her mom and sister will be, but no nepotism will be allowed.

Thought for the day

While my day was crazy busy I had a thought running thru my mind regarding weight loss and getting Fit.

I have one girl friend who is trying to lose weight on her own, another who is thinking about joining me at weight watchers one I may have strong armed into doing weight watchers with me, one who joined on her own and is losing and another who joined on her own but her head is not in the game.

We all have many reasons for trying to lose weight and one of my StrollerFit moms told me I motivate her to focus since I had a baby 7 weeks ago and I am running, doing StrollerFit, Mommymuscle Sculpt and Restore the Core while trying to eat better and change my habits for good.

I have gotten into shape before and then went back to my old habits. This time I am working to making new habits permanent and lose the old ones. But back to motivating my client. I am glad I am motivating her, but I realize that like me, she need to do it for herself and small lifestyle changes are they way to make them permanent, not large changes that work for a few weeks and then we go back to our old ways.

I guess my point is, StrollerFit helps moms work out with there kids and join other moms in a great support network and I am glad for that. Together we can help each other reach our goals as long as we remember it is one step at a time.

My StrollerFit moms and I are Participating in the Love Your New Moms Weight Loss Challenge and I hope this be the jump start to those small changes they each want to make to help them reach there ultimate goal!!!

Today's events

Today was interesting. It started with Joey wanting yogurt when he was to leave for Music with Daddy. I was expecting this be the beginning of a very long and cranky day, but it wasn't. It was in the 60's. Robin and I went running. Without Joey, My Stroller felt empty and I thought I was going to tip Julianna. Then after a brief exchange I ended up with Robin's Stroller and her 3 year old daughter Emily, this was heavier than mine with Joey and Julianna. I give her credit for pushing all 30 plus pounds of Emily while we walk and run!

Then it was home for a few minutes and then off to Weight watchers, down another 1.6, yeah! Then I went home and prepped some things before going to StrollerFit. Since it was so nice out, we held class outdoors. It was a great workout and the kids had a blast. Next stop was home to prepare for the 2nd Passover Seder and Charlotte's coming home meal after her crazy delivery of Baby Olivia, Last, stop before the Seder was my afternoon Restore the Core Class.

It was one busy day, but while I was doing my stuff, Scott worked on Joey's swing set. It is 3/4 done, but the swing is up, so while I was at Restore the Core - Joey was in his swing for 45 minutes. Scott must have gotten a good workout pushing him. I can not wait till it is done. The kids can play and the moms can relax a bit. Anyone for.........

Then the best part of my day was watching Joey rock Julianna in her carrier, it was cute, by the time I got the video camera out of the case, I missed it, so now the video camera is out on my, desk. But I did get Joey Slupring his soup and saying his animal noises and many of his other words.

It was an amazing day. here's hoping tomorrow is bright and sunny for the StrollerFit Easter Egg Hunt!

Working out with my Kids

I read a blog from another StrollerFit owner this morning about the cost benefits of StrollerFit and it made me think about the benefits in general of StrollerFit. First of all I am getting in shape and teaching my 2 children to be healthy and the importance of working out. Secondly, I have met a great group of moms that keeps growing, which help me and I hope I help them and lastly, my children have made some great friends!

Now lets look at the cost benefits. I workout with my kids and do not have to pay a sitter or put them in the babysitting room at the gym, which will not take my daughter til she is 6 months old and she is only 7 weeks old. Plus it is really great quality time with my kids. With the economy as it is, that is a bonus, plus moms who come to class more than once a week pay less than $5 a class, another bonus!

Another benefit is the regular exercise lowers the cost to overall health costs for illnesses due to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol - all which continue to rise in our society! And by exercising with our children and teaching them to be healthy, maybe the risks will be lower in them.

Exercise is a great Stress Reliever - proven yesterday, when one of my StrollerFit moms was having a bad morning, our run helped clear her mind and release the anger! A big bonus for me. Exercise helps to manage & reduce stress. We are all under a lot of pressures to in our daily lives. Having a positive outlet to relieve stress is important for our sense of well being and our health.

With StrollerFit, Restore the Core or mommymuscle sculpt classes, you get a workout in and you get a few laughs with friends, which is great for your health. You also get to to relax and then go home feeling great. Exercise releases endorphins that hep to improve our mood and gives us a boost of energy that every mom can use in her busy day!

A great benefit while burning calories and toning muscles is the social network that the moms and kids build. The moms understand what each other is going thru and they support each other and can give advice or just listen when you need an ear.

By joining StrollerFit you are a role model for your children - setting a positive example for them early on can do wonders for their overall health & sense of well being as well. Diabetes & obesity in children & adolescents have more than tripled since 1990 - if we can show that physical activity can be fun & enjoyable, then our little ones are more likely to establish those habits early on & stick with it for a lifetime.

And the best benefit of all is the kids run around and play after class and then go home and take a nap, or at least mine do!!

Now off to do my daily run before the day gets too crazy!

StollerFit and Training

I had two new moms sign up today, they tried class last week and decided to join one day a week and may up that to more. I love getting to know new moms in the area and hope they bring more new moms and we can grow the program. I am planning my outdoor classes to start weather permitting in the next few weeks. I think I am going to start by using the parking lot in the back of RBI's that way we can go inside for rain or stretching and slowly as the weather gets better, move to my official outdoor locations.

We shall see.

Running Crazy

What a day yesterday was......

I got up, Fed the kids and then went for a run with Joey and Julianna in the Stroller and Robin with her daughter Emily. Then I was off to Natick to teach Cindy's Strollerfit class. Julianna ate thru most of that so I taught either from the sidelines or with her attached to my boob, it was funny. Then back home for 5 minutes before I went to teach my Strollerfit class.

I tried to nap while the kids napped, but my husband called and woke me up, thank god the phone did not wake the kids. I did go to bed early and Julianna slept for 6 hours, yeah, so I am up early, getting ready for today and getting some work done as well as doing stuff for my Cancer walk team.

Today, we will run with Robyn and Emily and Danielle and Kacey, then home to do house work, then StrollerFit.

It poured yesterday, so I hope for no rain today. Tonight I must finish getting ready for the 2 passover seders and the 8 days of Pesach. Another busy day ahead.

Weight Loss Challenge

As you all know I joined Weight watchers to help melt the ponds away. I still stand by it is not the number on the scale for me, but how I feel and I would like to be in size 8 jeans by the fall. So here is a little more incentive for me and for my Strollerfit and Restore the Core Moms.

Anyone that wants to join Danielle, Robyn and I, we have started running in the morning with the kids, training for the Red Hook Brewery 5 K at the end of May, you do not have to be a runner to join our run training, it is a 9 week couch to 5 k type program, but the real goal is the Tufts 10K for Women, Columbus Day. One step at a time.
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StrollerFit and Babytalk magazine have combined forces in the "Love Your New Mom Body" April promotion. It is a nutrition and weight loss challenge...and to add some human interest they have teamed up to do the Pound for Pound Challenge presented by The Biggest Loser!

I know many of your moms have lamented over how to make changes to their post baby bodies. StrollerFit is teaming up with Babytalk magazine during the month of April to present moms with great workout ideas and resources that help mom boost her self-esteem, while burning calories. We will also be competing as "Team StrollerFit" for the Pound for Pound Challenge.

For each pound pledged to be lost by Team StrollerFit, the biggest loser will donate one pound of groceries to Feeding America, which will deliver groceries to local food banks across the country.

Not only will the moms who participate be losing weight and getting healthy, they will be helping families in need of food during this rough economy. It is definitely a win win for your moms!

See the attached form and respond if you want to participate. The challenge is open to any mom who is a part of Strollerfit, Mommymusclesculpt and Restore the Core.

I am in for 10 pounds between April 5 and May 5 and hope you will all help me get there! And I hope I can help you work towards your weight loss goal. Lets do it together!!!