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StrollerFit ; The New Program Lets Mothers of Young Children Get Some Exercise and Do a Bit of Socializing.

Posted on: Wednesday, 1 March 2006, 15:00 CST

By JOSIE HUANG Staff Writer

A mother of two toddlers, Kris Dorer has mastered the art of multi-tasking like many other parents. But how many lead an exercise class while teaching kids that it's important to share toys? Dorer has found a way as Maine's first instructor for StrollerFit, a program that allows busy moms to exercise with their kids in tow.

"OK, Shaelyn, we're going to share the building blocks," Dorer said to her 2 1/2 year-old daughter during a workout last week at St. Bartholomew's Church. She then turned her attention to the mothers doing sit-ups. "Up and down! Up and down!"

StrollerFit, part of the mommy-fitness trend spreading across the country, recently arrived in Maine. Since January, Dorer has taught classes at several locations throughout Cumberland and York counties. A new instructor will start teaching additional classes in Scarborough and subbing at other locations as needed.

For the first half of the workout, the children stay in their strollers while their mothers do warm-up exercises, and ramp up to cardio.

Strollers become part of the workout for a few minutes, with the moms doing squats as they pretend to tickle the children, or play patty-cake with them. Other times they skip around the strollers to children's music, in what resembles the dance sequence of some fantastical Broadway musical.

"When we're running around, they shout, `Go fast, go faster!' " Dorer said.

Midway through the workout, the kids get out of the strollers and run around their mothers. Dorer's daughter Shaelyn sits on her thigh as she does a leg lift.

Later, Kathleen Madden gives one of her daughters a peck on the face as she completes a lunge.

Madden is one of a dozen regulars, women who travel from town to town for hour-long classes that allow them to socialize with other moms. Those who've signed up so far say they love the fact that they don't have to hire a babysitter while they work out, or be forced to rely on a child care center at a gym.

"I would just never feel comfortable doing that," said Cassandra Cichon of South Portland.

While the workout incorporates children, Dorer said the foremost goal is for women to work on "mommy muscles."

"It's not a fluffy workout," Dorer said. "It's a serious, challenging workout that we adapt for all fitness levels."

Dorer said she plans to move the classes to parks and recreation spots in warmer weather. She hopes that will attract more people, such as fathers and other caregivers.

The first class is always free. Dorer offers special deals such as 10 classes for $100 or a month-long pass for $50. There is also a one-time registration fee of $40 that covers a gift bag containing equipment tubes, a water bottle and coupons to stores targeted to moms and children.

Make sure to bring a yoga mat or beach towel as well, Dorer said. And don't forget the snacks for the kids.

Staff Writer Josie Huang can be contacted at 791-6364 or at:

jhuang@pressherald.com

Source: Portland Press Herald

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