Regular exercise builds bones and muscles, gives you energy, and keeps you healthy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), exercise is just as important during pregnancy. It can help prepare you for labor and childbirth. That is why Stroller Strides has developed Fit4Baby, a prenatal fitness program that teaches women how to exercise safely and effectively throughout their pregnancy.

Each nationally certified instructor is trained in providing the pregnant woman with exercises that are safe and appropriate for her changing body. Fit4Baby classes are interval based, combining elements of strength training, cardiovascular exercises and stretching and balancing exercises.

Pregnancy is a time of beauty and wonder. It can also be a time of discomfort and trial. Regular activity such as Fit4Baby classes can help to reduce many maternal aches and pains, increase energy during pregnancy and may speed the labor, delivery and recovery process.

By following the Fit4Baby exercise program, under the supervision of caregivers, women can increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Pregnancy is the perfect time to commit to you and your baby's health. Exercise is an important component to your pregnant well being, as well as your strength as a new mom. We want to help you be FIT FOR MOTHERHOOD! Be sure to seek your physician's approval before starting any exercise program. Go to the Stroller Strides Class Locations tab to find a Fit4Baby class near you.

Women can begin Fit4Baby classes as soon as they discover they are pregnant. With a physician's approval, women can safely continue taking classes through to delivery. Our instructors will make modifications for any level exercisers at any stage in pregnancy. Fit4Baby classes are for mom only. Childcare may be provided at some locations.

"As a Stroller Strides instructor I already knew that I would stay active while I was pregnant, but was not aware of all the benefits it could provide. During this, my second pregnancy, I taught Stroller Strides classes 5 days a week and taught Fit4Baby classes 1 time per week. Throughout my pregnancy I felt healthier and more in control over the changes that were happening to my body. I also knew that I had to prepare my body for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). Gaining a healthy amount of weight, eating the most nutritious foods I could, and exercising were all part of my plan. Fit4Baby allowed me to stay in touch with the changes that my body was going through, and at the same time increase my endurance, flexibility, strength, and stamina for childbirth. All of this preparation provided me with exactly what I needed to go through 33 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing! The next day I felt as if I had been taken through the toughest workout of my life, and it felt GREAT!"
Maggie Grayson
Stroller Strides & Fit4Baby Instructor

"With each of my three pregnancies, I became more and more active and my experience changed dramatically with each one! I started out as a brand new pregnant woman scared and unsure about what I could physically do. I was active before being pregnant but pulled way back because of ignorance and fear. I knew more with my second pregnancy, however I still didn't really listen to the information I had received at the time and again slowed my activity down while pregnant. As a result, I had high blood pressure and was placed on modified bed rest. My third pregnancy changed everything! I exercised throughout, listened to my body and stayed consistent. I had never imagined I could feel so good while pregnant. Not only was the experience night and day, my labor and delivery was phenomenally faster... reason enough to keep exercising! In a healthy pregnancy, fitness is an absolute must!
Farel Hruska
Stroller Strides National Fitness Director

For more information on exercising during pregnancy, visit our resources page.

Download Physician's Approval Form

	ACOG's Exercise During Pregnancy Guide
	Exercising Through Your Pregnancy, By Dr. James Clapp
	Lean Mommy, by Lisa Druxman, M.A.