~There is a stroller fitness craze amongst new mommies and I totally get why that is the case. With all three of my babies exercising in the outdoors was what worked best for the both of us. They got some fresh air and scenery and I got some excercise in. One of my favorite places for stroller exercising was the zoo. In both cities, that I lived in at the time that my boys were babies the zoos were huge so that meant lots of walking for us! Enjoy these stroller exercises with Alaina she will take your walk/jog to another level!~
Toning Stroller Exercises
Featured Writer: Alaina Holland -Join us next week for Part II of our Toning Stroller Excercises from this series!
1) Marry Me Lunge: glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, abdominals
Focus: Leg toning. Walk with the stroller in front of you with both hands on the handle bars. Take a giant step about 3 feet out with your right leg forward. Kneel downward and explode up while moving left foot to meet the right foot. Do the same with the left foot forward and alternate legs. Between sets rest by walking the stroller forward for about 30 seconds. Keep your abdominals in tight and make sure to not lock your knees during any part of this exercise.
DO: 3 sets of 6-8* lunges on each leg
REMEMBER: Always keep the front knee behind the front toes and lower straight down.
2) Glorified Bride Stride: calves, abdominals, glutes
Focus: Calf toning. Face forward with the stroller in front of you. As you walk step with the right foot and as your feet come together have your right foot go up on tip-toe. Move your left foot forward in step and go up on tip-toe with the left foot. Continue alternating feet in tip-toe motion as you walk.
3) Table Top Ocean Waves: Abdominals, glutes, back, shoulders
Focus: Whole body toning. Lift left leg straight out behind you as you balance on your right foot. Simultaneously push stroller forward as you lift leg upward.
Bend your torso parallel to the ground and put your head between your elbows facing the ground. The end result is a flat table top formed by your body with your leg still raised.
Bring the left leg back to the ground as you bring the stroller closer to your body as you move forward. Repeat alternating legs.
DO: 3 sets of 6-8* on each leg.
X-TRA: Pulse your lifted leg 6-8* times before switching legs.
4) Squatty Potty: Abdominals, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, back, shoulder, triceps
Make sure your knees stay behind your toes as you squat down 90 degrees. Lift up. As you stand again pull the stroller in towards your body to add some tricep exercise.
DO: 3 sets of 8-12* squats with 30 second rest in between sets by walking.
REMEMBER: If your baby is acting up you can also do this in the front of the stroller facing your baby. Baby is usually distracted enough by mom that the problem is temporarily solved.
X-TRA: Hold squat 90 degrees for 30 seconds to a minute before lifting up.
5) Ballet Reminiscing: obliques, abdominals, back, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes
Focus: Abdominal and leg toning. Stand with the stroller handle on your right side. Put right hand on the handle bar. Left hand curves over your head. Lean towards the stroller with feet together.
Bring your hand back. Pull the stroller in with your right hand as your left elbow touches your lifted knee.
DO: 3 sets of 6-8* leg lifts each side
X-TRA: Between knee raises do a leg lift and pulse it up 3 times.
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Alaina Holland- I live in Ecuador mentoring international youth alongside my wise husband. Mother of a sweet 7 month old baby boy. I enjoy staying home with my boys, having a deep conversation over a cup of tea, scrapbooking, exercising, and pointing others to the all satisfying God. I blog over at lorenholland.blogspot.com. I received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education & Health from Union University, I am a Certified Aerobics Instructor with AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) and I taught Kickboxing Aerobics for 4yrs.