01

September
2010

Does It Count As A Workout?

category: Lean Mommy
by Lisa Druxman, No Comments »

Today I walked my kids to school. Actually, I do this most every day; but on the other days I’m in workout gear and running along side my kids on their bikes. Today, I was in work clothes so I walked slow enough not to break a sweat. Back and fourth, it was a total of about 2 miles. But should that count for my workout?

No! Certainly, it was better than driving. But if you don’t work hard enough to raise your heart rate, you are not strengthening your heart. If you don’t work hard enough to fatigue a muscle, you are not strengthening that muscle. I burned some extra calories which is always a nice perk. Sitting burns about 100 calories in an hour. My walk was probably about 230 calories per hour.

In short, yes walk instead of drive when possible. But don’t kid yourself and count that as your workout!


26

August
2010

Casting Call: REEBOK Easy Tone Shoes

category: Business4Mom, Favorite Products, Lean Mommy, Run Like A Mother
by Amy Thompson, 1 Comment »

Our new marketing partner REEBOK is looking for fit women. We happen to know thousands! Would love to see a Stroller Strides Mom in the ads.

Here is the casting post from Reebok: Looking for Caucasian and Hispanic women between the ages of 22-45 to be featured in their 2011 worldwide campaign for Easy Tone shoes.  If you meet the following criteria, we would love to invite you to our casting the first week in September!

Rate- The fees are still being determined, but it will be a very fair financial compensation.

To Submit- Please send a current photo (if you have a body shot terrific, but not necessary) with your name, phone number, and email address to:  cece@dragonflypartners.com.   Also include a brief summary about yourself and how you may be an inspiration to other women by making fitness/physical activity an important part of your life.

We will contact you regarding the casting date and time, eligibility will be determined by the casting team.

Good Luck!


25

August
2010

Happy Back To School New Year

category: Lean Mommy
by Lisa Druxman, No Comments »

After two decades in the fitness industry, I have found that September is like a second New Year for moms. After a summer time of crazy schedules with lack of a regular diet or exercise program, back to school seems like the time to get back on track.

Here are my top 5 tips for getting back on track:
1) Plan! You know the saying that those who fail to plan, plan to fail? Well this is definitely true when it comes to your diet. Plan your weekly meals and exercise routine. Be prepared with healthy foods and don’t wait until hunger sets in to grab a bite to eat.

2) Portion! Watch your portion sizes. See how much you would normally choose and then cut it back at each meal. Using smaller plates can make a big difference in your food volume.

3) Write It Down! A food diary may be time consuming but it’s a great way to stay on track. It’s the times you don’t want to write down that you most need to. You may see some surprising trends in your eating when you see it on paper.

4) Weigh In! Now you may be surprised to hear me say that you should weigh in daily or weekly as I am not usually one to be a slave to numbers on the scale. But if your weight is creeping up, it may be the reminder to keep you in check so there are no surprises when you don’t fit in to your jeans.

5) Accountability! Join a workout or group where you are held accountable. Even a workout partner is great! You can’t make up an excuse to skip a workout when someone is waiting for you!

Your exercise and eating behaviors will sway from time to time, season to season. Do your best to avoid drastic extremes on either side as your body truly wants to keep a state of homeostasis. Extreme weight losses or gains are worse for your body than maintaining a higher weight. Be good to yourself and realize that you will feel your best when you are consitent in your health routine!


17

August
2010

You Are HOT!

category: Lean Mommy
by Farel Hruska, No Comments »

Seriously, you ARE…literally and figuratively! With August upon us, the heat of summer has arrived. It seems this summer has been an especially warm across the country and it is so important to be prepared to beat the heat. Just like when we are being proactive about making time for our workouts and intentions to eat well, planning is the key to staying cool. Here are some tips when planning for your Stroller Strides and Fit4Baby classes.

~Be a “Shade Chaser”: If your workouts are outside, take advantage of the shade provided by trees or outdoor structures. The difference in the heat between direct sunlight and a shaded area can be profound.

~Dress Down: Light colored and moisture wicking materials can make a big difference! Don’t be shy about taking out those shorts and tank tops…show off the fitness you’ve gained from your workouts!

~Drench Yourself: Inside and out; water needs to be your best friend this summer: sprayers, misters, iced wash cloths, iced water bottles, etc. Many times we down play the importance of water, when you are exercising in the heat, water is crucial to cooling you down.

Prepare to stay cool this month…it will make a big difference in your workout intensity and enjoyment.


16

August
2010

RSVP: Mom on a Mission Twitter Party with HealthyChild

category: Eco Mom Tips, Mom on a Mission
by Stephanie Ramirez, 1 Comment »

RSVP to join us Tuesday August 17 at 6pmPST/9pmEST as we unite with HealthyChild to cohost and share Mom on a Mission stories, tips for community advocacy, and steps for you to become the 2010 Mom on a Mission. Joining our founder Lisa Druxman on the panel are these amazing women and Moms on a Mission:

RSVP for your chance to win great prizes!


13

August
2010

Gremlin vs. Goddess

category: Lean Mommy
by Lisa Druxman, No Comments »

We all have that little voice in our head. I have two. One is my Gremlin who judges and criticizes me. One is my Goddess who uplifts me and gives me strength. Let’s go over the battle between them this morning.

4:45 a.m. Alarm Goes Off
Gremlin: “Seriously, shut that thing off and go back to sleep!”
Goddess: “This is your only hour of the day for you. Don’t miss it. Get some coffee and you’ll feel good that you got up. You will not regret it”.

5:15 Doing Yoga DVD in my living room. I fall as I don’t have the balance to do the exercise.
Gremlin: “Oh my god. You call yourself a fitness professional? Why can’t you do this? You’re pathetic!”
Goddess: “It’s ok. You might not be able to do this now but you will be able to if you keep trying. Just think about how proud you’ll be when you accomplish this pose!”

5:30 I am not able to accomplish the Crane Yoga Pose. I’ve never been able to.
Gremlin: “Oh my god! You call yourself a fitness professional? Why can’t you do this? You are so weak!”
Godddess: “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You can’t expect to do this if you’re inconsistent in your practice. I bet you could learn this if you had someone help you”.

6:00 a.m Sitting in meditation.
Gremlin: “Oh my god! You can’t still your mind for two seconds. You’ve thought about work, kids, your weekend…………………. How can you teach this to anyone else if you can’t do it?”
Goddess: “Do not judge your mind for wandering. That’s what a mind does. Just gently bring it back. Maybe you can still your mind for a minute. Tomorrow might be a little longer. Keep working on it and you will get better. Just being still must be good for you”.

Ok, you get the picture! Which voice do you think is going to help me? My Gremlin does NOT help me lead the life that I want to live. So knock your Gremlin off and nurture your Goddess! The words you choose, whether from your mouth or your head, are very powerful. Choose wisely!


04

August
2010

Gift With Purchase Promotion!

category: Favorite Products
by Summer Hixon, No Comments »

Tired of your child losing toys, snacks and sippy cups out the stroller? Well, the we think this product is a great answer to the problem! Thirst Clencher™ is sippy cup or toy holder that has an adjustable tether. It attaches to a stroller or high chair to prevent a sippy cup or toy from falling to the ground and getting lost or dirty. A large non-slip collar adjusts to gently hold most types of bottles, sippy cups, toys and snack cups. The other end securely attaches to strollers, high chairs, etc., to keep cups and toys within reach.
All components are non-toxic and conform to the CPSC standards for Lead and Phthalites.
Product Specifications:
• Non-slip material sewn into the collar securely grips sippy cups and toys
• Adjust to fit most types of bottles, sippy cups, toys and snack cups
• Attaches to strollers and high chairs
• Durable, high quality nylon construction
• Conforms to CPSC standards for Lead and Phthalites
• Easy to use and Washable
• Prevents thrown or dropped sippy cups and toys from falling on the ground
• Keeps sippy cups and toys germ free by preventing them from touching the floor
• Reduces waste and saves money by preventing broken or lost sippy cups or toys
• Provides an easy way to give a toddler a drink or toy when you are on the go

Also available in adult version for water bottles, keeping you hands free on the go or at the gym.

Spend $100 in the retail cart and get one free! Offer valid to first 40 people to place an order for $100 or more in the month of August.  Also available for purchase in the store $4.99- $6.99 Get yours today!


04

August
2010

Do you know a Mom on a Mission?

category: Eco Mom Tips, Mom on a Mission
by Stephanie Ramirez, No Comments »

Healthy Child Healthy World’s Mom on a Mission Award was introduced for the first time in 2009.  They received am amazing 128 submissions from across the country in response to their 2009 Mom on a Mission search.  They received many compelling stories about dynamic women working to make their communities healthier and safer for their children.  At Stroller Strides we too strive to be Moms on a Mission and we are excited to join forces with Health Child to promote and search for the 2010 Mom on a Mission.   Are you or someone you know an exceptional mother (currently living in the United States) who seeks to make a difference for the better, who generously gives back to others, or who has overcome adversity with courage?  If so, nominate them for this year’s award!  Healthy Child wants to honor one special and inspiring American woman dedicated to creating healthier and happier environments for children and families.  Submit nominations here! Nomination period ends on August 31st, 2010.

Shelby Rodriguez was last year’s winner. She Successfully fought for clean air in her community. After a massive roof tarring project caused her family to have symptoms like burning throat, sores in the nose, and a persistent cough, Shelby distributed flyers, created an online petition, appealed to her local representatives, registered complaints with the Air Quality District, and organized an EPA meeting to demand an end to the pollution. Read her full story here.

Our own Mom on a Mission, and Stroller Strides founder Lisa Druxman will be a panelist on an upcoming Twitter party to promote the Mom on a Mission search for 2010.  The party is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17 so save the date!  We’ll be posting here on the blog more details about the party and how to follow along on Healthy Child’s custom tweetgrid as well as how to RSVP so you can win some of the awesome prizes they’ll be giving away throughout the party!


03

August
2010

We are what we repeatedly do

category: Pre / Postnatal Fitness
by Farel Hruska, No Comments »

In Body Back Class this morning I was reminded about a quote that I have loved for years: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” ~Aristotle

The topic in class had to do with the struggle of an exercise but this quote runs so deep in every aspect of life; parenting, relationships, health, strength, confidence, etc. To be the positive, empowered, confident, beautiful creatures we all strive to be means we must start being that. Just start. You WILL become that which you repeatedly do. Practice patience and it will come more naturally. Continually redirect your thoughts from negative to positive and that switch will become easier. Choose healthy foods more often and your body will crave them. Consistently show up to your Stroller Strides class and soon you can’t imagine missing it. Keep practicing your push ups and you will get to 25! (OK, that one was personal)

Practice living in the body, mind and spirit you are striving to acheive and you WILL get there!


02

August
2010

Happy 9 Year Anniversary Stroller Strides

category: Franchisee Testimonials
by Lisa Druxman, 4 Comments »

Stroller Strides had its debut class in Encinitas in August 2001. Jacob was just 3 months old. I had 4 moms in that original class and my hopes didn’t surpass getting back in shape and having support as a new mom. Nine years later, we have over 1,200 locations in 45 states plus Canada! I guess I wasn’t the only one looking for support as a new mom! I am touched by all of the stories that come to us about how our little mommy business has impacted so many lives. Our misson statement, in case you don’t know it, is to help moms make strides in fitness, motherhood and life. We hope that Stroller Strides helps you make strides in all areas of your life. We hope that it gives you the “strength for motherhood” and that you pass it on to a mom in need! We thank you for your support and your business. They say it takes a village and we are so glad you are a part of it. Thank you!

Please do share your stories about how Stroller Strides has touched your life!

In Stride,

Lisa Druxman, Chief Founding Mom



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