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Moms who are reading this know what I'm talking about. For some, the "belly jiggle" may come off easily after the first child, but after the second or, for the brave, third and fourth child, it lingers on and on.
Enter Stroller Strides, a national franchise that focuses on fitness for moms and babies that started a short six years ago in California. After her first child was born in Hawaii, Ginger Couden attended a Stroller Strides class and loved the program.
When her family moved to Florida, she realized there was no program here, so in March of 2005 bought the franchise in Tampa. Since then, she's expanded the program to include two classes in Wesley Chapel and one in Tampa. One group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Brandon Mall at 9 a.m., in the center near the carousel, and a new class in FishHawk Ranch, meets at 8:30 a.m. in Park Square on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The workout includes a one to two mile power walk with cardio bursts to keep the heart rate up. Additionally, there are five stops along the one-hour workout that involve the kids. "We sing to the kids during these breaks," says Couden. "The kids think it's all for their entertainment but really it's about fitness for the moms." All instructors are nationally certified in pre- and post-natal fitness instruction.
Moms with children ages six weeks to five years are encouraged to attend.
Stroller Strides also offers Moms Night Out, field trips, playgroups and even scrapbooking and book clubs.
Couden invites anyone who wants to enjoy a free class to arrive 15 minutes early. Classes are usually sold in packages ranging from $50 per month with a $75 one-time registration fee to $175 for three months (3 classes per week). A pass for 10 classes within six months is $100. For more information and various payment options, visit www.strollerstrides.com.
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