A Mommy Workout at the Commons

CalabasasPatch.com
05 January 2012

For parents of little ones, getting out to exercise doesn't have to be a hassle—just bring your tot to Stroller Strides. 

Fitness need not take a backseat to child rearing.

Three mornings a week, a group of mostly women gather at the Commons, by Marmalade Café. Their goal for the day? To work out with their babies and toddlers in tow.

“We use the strollers, park equipment and even our children to exercise,” said Kim Johnson, instructor and owner of Stroller Strides Calabasas.

Johnson showed one mom how to carry her baby while doing squats and lunges. “It’s an added challenge but at the same time you’re still interacting with your children,” she said.

The Woodland Hills mom discovered Stroller Strides when her 5-year-old daughter was still a baby. “I was attending classes then I started substituting for an instructor,” said Johnson. “The franchise opportunity came at the right time.”

The business was a perfect fit for Johnson, a life-long fitness enthusiast with a lengthy stint in corporate training and retail.

For Cat Givertz of Lake Balboa, the built-in support system was a major draw. “The first time I attended class, I had a flat tire and they were so supportive,” said the mom of one. 

“I’ve made great friends here and it’s therapy for me,” she said.

For Kate Duffy, the variety of workouts draws her in. “It’s never predictable unlike the treadmill or the classes at the gym,” said the Encino resident, as she used resistance bands to work on her biceps.

“It definitely works your whole body out,” said Duffy who has a 2-year-old.

The laid-back atmosphere was also a plus for some like Blythe Williams who had to take her seven-month-old daughter out of the stroller for some cuddling time. “She’ll fuss a little so I have to carry her while doing lunges,” said the Calabasas resident.

“Kim and the other instructors are good about adapting the workout to your needs or your baby’s,” said Williams, who also has a 4-year-old son.

The thrice-a-week classes in Calabasas include cardio, strength training, abdominal work and stretching exercises. “It’s for all skill levels from post-natal to post-natal, to the seasoned athlete,” said Johnson.

There are monthly membership fees, as well as a pay-as-you-workout arrangements. If you're not ready to commit, try a free class, Johnson says.

“There are certain muscles you can’t work out while running,” said Karen Kalan, a distance runner and mom of two.

“Stroller Strides complements my runs,” said the Encino resident who is training for the L.A. Marathon in March.

Beyond themselves, their children and their fitness goals, the women also find time to get involved in the community. “Once after a workout, we did trash pick-up,” said Macias.

Johnson has exciting plans in Calabasas. “I want to do more family days, beach days, park clean-ups and focus on the community more,” she said.