Stroller Strides + BOB Fitness Stroller

Striding into Shape

I used to be a yoga nut. Hours spent stretching, meditating and centering myself. Hours spent using my own body to whip my behind into shape. And then I had a baby. In his early days the last thing on my mind was exercise, but lets face it, there comes a time when we start to realize that if nothing else we need to set a good example (and those last few pounds of baby weight aren't going anywhere on their own). So, I started searching for a program I could get into, outside of the house, preferably with my kiddo in tow. There are options a plenty for moms with newborns and many kid centered exercise classes, but my searches turned up nothing for me, the mom of a rambunctious 2 year old, who desperately needs some fitness in my life.

Enter Stroller Strides and lots and lots of lots of thanks. Started, of course, by a Mama in the same predicament I found myself, this 60 minute outdoor workout is the perfect fit for any mom at any fitness level. Babies, tots and even big kids can happily come along for the ride as you power walk and jog your way into shape. If that doesn't sound at all enticing (believe me, I. Don't. Run.) don't worry, it's not all about movement. One of the best things is that everything is in intervals. The class I attended began with a stationary warm up, power walk and then several stops along the way to use resistance tubes to work our upper bodies all while singing silly songs for the kids or chatting it up with the other Mamas. Yes, there were some sprints and stair stepping thrown in there too, but the focus is whole body and everyone is encouraged and expected to work at their own pace.

On that note, I should mention that I was terrified I'd show up to class and find a group of fit, firm, super moms ready to get their warm up in before the ultra marathon. Thankfully that wasn't the case, my class at least, was full of real moms, there for the same reasons I was. Believe me, we all huffed and puffed and groaned in unison.

You don't need any special equipment to participate in Stroller Strides other than your body and your babe but I would definitely recommend a decent jogging stroller if you're serious about sticking with it. Since they're the pros, Stroller Strides has teamed up with BOB to provide the official Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller [$399]. This baby can roll like no other, providing an amazingly smooth ride over any urban terrain. The child compartment is comfy and cushy, complete with lots of leg room and it's very own pockets for you little one's drink, snacks or toys.

The stroller itself is built for fitness with a swiveling front wheel, awesome suspension system and options a plenty. Best of all, it includes a Stroller Strides Fitness Kit made up of a handlebar console with drink holder, exercise tubes, fitness manual and a gift certificate for a free week of local classes. And when your body is aching and sore after class whipped you into shape, the quick release, easy fold will spare your nerves and bod that last task of wrestling the stroller back into the trunk.

Want to try it?
Search for and sign up for a free class here.

Phill & Teds Vibe Stroller

Good Vibrations

It would be untrue if I said awaiting the arrival of the fabulous brand new Vibe Stroller by Phil & Teds didn’t have me in all sorts of anticipation and intimidation. Would it really be as amazing and chic as promised? A whopping $599.95 for the single and another $109.95 to make it a double isn’t necessarily pocket change. But from the moment that big box landed on my doorstep to minutes later when I’d had it all assembled by myself- no tools required!- I was definitely feelin’ the vibe. 

Recommended for children ages newborn to 4 years old, this high-end buggy is made for me. I’ve got a two year old that needs to be restrained from time to time and a baby on the way. To have the option of a double stroller when I need it and a single stroller when I don’t is genius. I’m all about downsizing and multi-tasking. If you know more than one small child is in your future, the Vibe with doubles kit is a very wise investment. The extra seat is compact and convenient- and the entire stroller still has the smart fold with double intact.
 

One of my favorite aesthetics is the luxurious feel of the seat pads and the one touch brake button on the handle. No more kicking behind the wheels to hopefully secure the stroller in place on this baby. And the Vibe’s wheels are top of the line, I must add. The larger very-easy-to-access basket underneath is something I (and my shopping bags) definitely appreciate, too.
 

It rides like a dream and comes in rich black & charcoal or black & red. We’ve been around the block or two with it as a single so far, but in just a few more months there will be a second passenger in our get up. I imagine there are good times to be had with new roads to travel still to come. 

 

-Steph

Mutsy Spider

Itsy Bitsy Spider

My days of all day babywearing are slowly coming to an end and for the first time in my guys two years, traveling with a stroller has become essential. Ahh, strollers. Have you ever googled stroller? I wouldn't recommend it. And, to add to the quadrillion options, we don't have a large car, van or SUV we can just toss any stroller into, but a Mini Cooper with a 1 foot trunk, which means that traveling with anything other than our bodies can be a challenge. Seriously, not even an umbrella stroller will fit.

After much searching, and dimension manipulating, I finally found what might just be the one stroller that will work for us. It comes to us by way of Mutsy and the ultra cool Spider [$199]. Available in 5 colors and basic black, this lightweight stroller easily folds up to about the size of a carry on suitcase, and the built in handle makes it easy to tote if you need to. And while we've fallen for it's traveling size the Spider is anything but small.

Your little one will ride high in a buggy with full featured, innovative design. The reclining seat, protective hood and adjustable handle ensure Mama and your cargo are comfy. While, the storage basket is a bit to small to store anything substantial, the stroller itself is sturdy enough you can slip a bag over the handle with no tipping. And the three wheeled design makes navigating just about any terrain do-able, you can even jog it with ease. The only problem we've come across is the wide footprint of the rear wheels. I'm sure this contributes to it's ability to fold up nice and tight, but the rear wheels sit much wider than the rest of the stroller and after a month of pretty significant use, I'm still running into walls (and people) left and right.

Accidental hit and run's aside, we're more than impressed with our new traveling companion. Mutsy, my arms and trunk thank you. And as my two year old will tell you, "It's a not the scary spider kind."

 

Win it!

Want to stroll in style along with us? One reader will win a Mutsy Spider! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Spider as your subject. Giveaway ends Feb. 25, 2008.

Bugabike

Sweet Ride

No training wheels needed here for some cool moves on the Bugabike [$285] by Sabamba. Biker dudes & chicks ages 2-6 can ride in style while their bike travels with foot action only. The Bugabike teaches the bare basics of riding- it's all about balance, pushing, and just figuring how how things move. The easily adjustable seat and frame sized just right will grow with your toddler until they're -or maybe you're- ready for the pedaling & braking kind of bicycle.

We're already crazy about wooden toys, so it just makes sense we'd love our Bugabike Nature [$307] so much. Made of strong birch plywood and steel rimmed wheels, and in colors subtle and hip enough, you probably won't be banishing this bike to the garage. Ours is a new staple in the living room (thanks to non-marking tires!) And it's just so nice to look at! Oh, and um, our precious little ride has already passed the attack-of-the-artist test. (To my horror and then delight that the dark blue crayon wiped right off!!!!) An investment it is, at a few hundred bucks, but you can trust that it will be around for quite a while- Sabamba promises a three year guarantee against defects.  And did I mention it's just so nice to look at?!

The Bugabike is compact and convenient to travel along wherever you go. Give 'em a break from the stroller and burn some energy. Let your little rider Bugabike-it on walks through the neighborhood, trips to the museum, and adventures at the zoo. Or just let them ride it through the house like I do! That is until they start using my pillows for stunts...

-Steph

Red Castle Whizz Stroller

Whizz On By

Some Mamas & Papas won’t even give a stroller that costs more than a car payment (or two!) a second look, but I’m personally singing a different tune now as I shimmy along in style with my little guy’s new ride, the Red Castle Whizz [$500]. On the very first push- which feels like you aren’t pushing anything at all- I gushed, “Ohhhhh, this is sooooooo worth it!”

Your child can move it with the Whizz up to 44 lbs, and add the matching Carrycot [$150] for babies up to 19 lbs. With an 8” front tire and 10” back tires; this is more a vehicle than your average stroller. And at the same time it is more graceful and stylish than your average stroller. Keep the front tire swiveled for a trip in the city or through the mall, or adjust it to fixed position and off-road it through bumps and even sand.

The accessories alone make this stroller stand out from the rest. My favorites: the easy-access basket that you can get to through the back or side zip, and the wheel covers… so convenient for those rainy, muddy days when you don’t want to mess up the car! The sun screen with its own storage pouch is a wonderful plus, too. Forget gingham and plaid- check out the many stylish color options you can choose from, like black with fuchsia or brown with turquoise.

But most of all, I love how easy the Whizz folds down and fits into my small car. That alone is often the deciding factor for most stroller purchases. Or maybe I love how it makes me want to take more walks. Or how my toddler gets all serene and quiet and happy when he’s in it. And suddenly everyone is smiling and easing on down the road. Yeah, it’s soooo worth it!

-Steph

Micralite Stollers

The Way We Roll

Drive through any parking lot in America and you're certain to witness the following scene. Mom, loaded down with parcels, purse and diaper bag, baby hooked over her arm (or wailing in the car), is half hunched over, half flailing, trying to get the darn stroller folded up. Again. Been there?

This problem is being solved worldwide with a squeeze and a tug thanks to Micralite. Launched in Europe three years ago and recently brought to the States, the Fastfold [$369] offers a truly one handed fold. I know other strollers claim the same but I assure you, this one will not disappoint. This compact ergonomic stroller is perfect for little one's 3 months and up, and the Newborn Plus will accommodate babes straight from the womb. My son loved the way the sling like seat snuggled him in and I loved the fact that I could safely steer with one hand. In addition to being super lightweight the Fastfold will stand up on it's own when collapsed, perfect for those of you squeezing it into a suburban garage and cramped city dwellers alike.

If you're looking for something a little more "look at me" then the Toro [$599] is for you. Combining the concept of the Fastfold into an all in one this raises the bar without losing any of the benefits. With a fully reclining seat, bumper bar and bold bright colors it's no wonder it's flying off the shelves. When combined with the optional carrycot or car seat adapters this stroller can carry you from birth to 40 pounds and it's ability to cover all terrains ensures this is the only stroller you'll ever need.