By Megan Reece Thomas
Berthoud Recorder

Elaine Waterman had always been the type to work out, and after her second child that was no exception. But finding a safe and effective workout with a 6-week old was no cup of tea. Waterman had heard of the Stroller Strides program — an activity class held outdoors with strollers – before, but the name gave her pause. “Strides?” It sounded like just walking around to her. One class convinced her otherwise. The combination of cardiovascular and weight lifting moves left her sore the next day.

“It’s really a total body workout,” Waterman says. And she should know. Two weeks after starting with Stroller Strides, Waterman learned that the current franchise owner was looking to sell. Waterman seized the opportunity and has been the owner of the Longmont branch of Stroller Strides since October 2008. Running the program locally has helped Waterman connect with mothers, their babies and their children all over the area. That’s right — children. Contrary to what you might think, young kids are welcome to the classes as well. Waterman’s own 5-year-old comes to the classes and performs squats and jumping jacks with the moms.

“Kids learn that working out isn’t tedious, but fun,” Waterman says of child participation. Holding the classes at their usual location (the Memorial Center near Roosevelt Park in Longmont) adds to the playground-esque atmosphere. “But I don’t like being rained on,” Waterman says, so when the weather turns cold or wet, the class moves indoors to the Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont.

Moms from Longmont, Firestone and Berthoud are welcome to come join in. The first class is even free. If you like it, you can purchase an unlimited monthly membership, a two classes per week membership, a 10-punch card or just pay a drop-in fee.

Stroller Strides offers more than just the opportunity to get fit with your children. It also offers an instant new mom support group and the opportunity for all sorts of health-related challenges. Waterman also participates in the Luna Moms Playgroup, a social opportunity for moms to get active, talk and learn from each other. It’s social for the moms and for their children.

Another opportunity is the Fit Moms Challenge. Waterman’s group took part in the challenge earlier this year and on Sept. 15 a new challenge will start. Moms earn points for activities in three areas — mind, body and spirit. Taking a new class, working out, eating nutritiously and getting a massage all earn the moms points. Prizes — aside from hot new bodies — are abundant. Participating moms get really involved in the process and offer friendly competition as well as companionship. Spots are still open to join the Fit Moms Challenge. “The more, the merrier,” Waterman says.

If you would like to try Stroller Strides or get involved in the Luna Moms Playgroup or the Fit Moms Challenge, visit www.StrollerStrides.net/Longmont for class locations and schedules. You can also call Elaine Waterman at 303-775-2289.