The next time you take your babe out forget about strolling, consider picking up the pace! Although standard strollers aren’t great for jogging, you can take advantage of your local great outdoors by using that jogging stroller you (hopefully) registered for.
Whether you’re a seasoned jogger or just want to start toning your body, there is one small hurdle most people note when they make the switch – it is not easy. Fixed wheel or swivel, jogging strollers were built to handle fast speeds and limit wobbling, making the maneuvering feel a bit different. It is an awkward feeling at first, but that won’t last long and practice makes perfect! In the end you will love it as much as we do, and see it’s worth every huff and puff.
Bod Benefits:
- It allows you to tone your upper half by pushing. Many runners are never able to get that upper-half workout, but now you can!
- When pushing a stroller uphill, your workout becomes even more vigorous and your body sees benefits all around.
- When jogging or briskly walking on a daily basis, you will gain great energy and motivation for your overall workouts. Simple tasks will feel like "no big deal" since you just jogged, WHILE pushing a stroller.
- It is therapeutic. Not only can you jog your stress out, the motion and blood flow helps to pacify frustration.
- You will work up a grand appetite, so eat up those carbs guilt-free after a stroller jog. Create a healthy and filling feast in the evening; you deserve it!
Once you have mastered the push and feel comfortable with the stroller, add hand weights and increase speed for more of a challenge and workout. But remember these key pointers:
- Posture: Always maintain an upright posture. When pushing a stroller, your automatic posture is to lean forward, especially when going up any incline. This is very taxing on your lower back, so try to straighten up. Slow down if need be to maintain good posture. Remember: you are pushing it, not the other way around!
- Relax Shoulders: Try to apply this technique when jogging with your stroller. So much is going on so you may forget, but know that it is super important to prevent soreness of the arms and shoulder. Eventually your upper arms will be stronger, making it easier to push the stroller and thus easier to relax your shoulders.
- Switch Hands: Try alternating your hands when pushing the stroller throughout the whole run; it is much easier than using both. If you have any inclines on your route, it is best to use the strap that comes with the stroller. Wrap it around your wrist for more security when going downhill.
Forget Strolling…
Look for a 1 - 3 lb wrist weight with a hole for thumb placement, the weights from Fitness Gear Comfort Wrist are great and affordable.
It is motivating to track your pace and distance, so we recommend the Garmin GPS series watches. They have all sorts for you to choose from.
To create a route and know your distance, visit: Map My Run.
Music is a big motivator, make sure you have a fun, energetic mix on your iPod.
Stroller Striders: Join or franchise! A mommy workout group, with all looking to stay fit and lose weight.
The next time you take your babe out forget about strolling, consider picking up the pace! Although standard strollers aren’t great for jogging, you can take advantage of your local great outdoors by using that jogging stroller you (hopefully) registered for.
Whether you’re a seasoned jogger or just want to start toning your body, there is one small hurdle most people note when they make the switch – it is not easy. Fixed wheel or swivel, jogging strollers were built to handle fast speeds and limit wobbling, making the maneuvering feel a bit different. It is an awkward feeling at first, but that won’t last long and practice makes perfect! In the end you will love it as much as we do, and see it’s worth every huff and puff.
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Once you have mastered the push and feel comfortable with the stroller, add hand weights and increase speed for more of a challenge and workout. But remember these key pointers: