How can you get even MORE out of your workouts?

Your Stroller Strides® Instructors are trained to deliver new, effective and unique workouts at each class, and while that is an important part of your fitness journey, there is more! The piece that will make a HUGE difference in the results you see comes from YOU. The intensity with which you give every repetition, at every station, at every class is what will take your fitness to the next level. If any of you have been coming regularly and have seen great progress in your strength and endurance, but are now hitting a plateau, YOU can make the difference and up the intensity and challenge at class. Some examples of how to do this are:

• Increase the resistance that you’re using in class: Grab a red tube if you have always used green. Challenge yourself a little more each time. Or consider using 2 reds (or a red and a green) at the same time!


• Add depth and height to your movements: Make your squats and lunges deeper, and then come up higher in the extension of the movements.


• Add greater intensity/energy to your movements: If it feels good for your joints and pelvic floor, add in some higher impact movements (running, jumping…leaving the ground a little more). If high impact isn’t in the cards for you, make your movements bigger and put more energy behind them.


• Keep MOVING throughout the entire class; even if you stop for water or to help your child, etc, keep marching with your feet and/or pumping your arms to keep those calories burning.


• Add an extra day or two per week to your workout routine! For best results (in weight loss, toning, and mental well-being), aim to attend Stroller Strides (and/or get in another equivalent workout) at least 3-5 days per week.

It is very easy to go into “auto-pilot” in your workouts, especially when you have a fabulously interesting mom next to you and the conversation is riveting! However, if you aren’t seeing the changes you have wanted to see in your fitness level or your body, it’s time to add some add some extra intensity as suggested above. Be reassured that even if your body has adapted to your workout and class doesn't feel quite as hard as it used to, you ARE still burning calories and maintaining muscle at each workout; but if you want to push yourself even more, let's see what you can do at your next class!

(Adapted from Farel Hruska's article, National Fitness Director, Stroller Strides LLC)