It's time! We are excited to be offering our FITMOM Stroller Strength classes this July 2021 Here are few things you might want to know...

What Should I Bring?

For You:

• Water

• A small loop band or resistance band

• A small towel/blanket/garbage bag for any ground work

• A jacket for rain

• A hat/sunscreen

• Proper foot wear and clothing suitable for outdoor fitness (light coloured clothing, supportive sports bra, etc)

• We ask that members continue to self-screen for COVID-19 prior to attending their in-person classes.

For Your Baby:

• A stroller (it doesn't need to be a running stroller specifically, but it should have only one handle and should be sturdier than an umbrella stroller)

• A hat

• A sun or rain shield (if you have one)

• Sunscreen (for babies 6 months and up)

• This season we ask that all babies remain in their stroller for the entire class. Please bring a structured baby carrier to class in the event your baby needs a change of scenery

• Toys

• Snacks (for older babies)

Some babies aren't as happy in the stroller as others. Please feel free to bring your baby carrier with you and use it, if that's what your baby prefers. Modifications will be provided:)

What if it Rains?

Even though none of us really likes the thought of working out in the rain, we still feel better when we move, which means that all of the FITMOM Stroller Strength and FITWOMAN classes will run, rain or shine! If it's raining, please bring your rain jacket and rain cover for your stroller and enjoy your workout! Sometimes the rainy days are the most fun! All of our locations also have shady areas to protect us from the sun.

A few more observations on the weather…..

• We have only had a few classes rained out over the past 10 years; weather predictions often don’t pan out or are done by the time we start our class

• Most parks offer covered areas where we may be able to have some shelter (however, not all parks have this)

• In truly inclement weather you will receive an email to inform you that the class is cancelled. Cancellations will also be announced on our Facebook and Instagram page so please make sure you are following! Cancellations are rare and only due to lightning/thunder, unusually heavy rain/hail. If you do not receive an email assume class is on. Make up classes are not awarded due to personal preference of avoiding rain/cooler days etc.

• Don’t rely on the morning weather report when you wake (from your window or your app) to decide that the weather isn’t ideal. Rain is often forecasted, but the day turns to sunny gorgeous weather or slightly cool and overcast (which is great for working out). As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices.

When are FITMOM Classes Cancelled?

All FITMOM Stroller Strength classes will be cancelled in the event of thunder or lightning. In the event of heat warnings we may modify the workout slightly to keep everyone safe & comfortable.

As weather can be very unpredictable and last minute, classes are sometimes cancelled only a short time before they are scheduled to begin. Any changes in classes will always be posted on the FITMOM Durham Schedule

Please "LIKE" FITMOM Durham on Facebook or Follow on Instagram so that you can automatically see any updates that are posted. Our page is a public page, so even if you aren't on Facebook, you can still follow the link above and find the information you need.

As many of you know, I am an active Birth Doula. I do have families who are expecting a baby in July. There are back-up instructors in place in the event a birth conflicts with class time. In the event that a back-up instructor can not cover the class, the class will be rescheduled for another date.

Is Running Required?

Definitely not! In fact, most people chose the lower impact option of walking for any of our distance type circuits. At FITMOM we recommend that people have met the following bench marks prior to resuming higher impact exercises like running/jogging:

• Completed Pelvic Floor Physio/Rehab

• Babies are a minimum of 4 months of age AND

• You have been walking consistently up to 30 minutes without pain/discomfort/leaking etc AND

• You have completed 4-6 weeks of strength training a minimum of 2 times/week AND

• You have a strong desire to run and have a stroller designed for running

Want a sneak peak at our in-person Stroller Strength Classes?

One Last Note...

Our outdoor FITMOM classes are some of my favourites and I'm always excited to see everyone more often so that I can get to know you better. Personal motivation is always difficult for us (it's human nature!), so I love to see friends who come to classes together. But, I also really love when you make new friends through the FITMOM Programs (mom and baby exercise classes were how I met some of my favourite people, way back when my kids were babies!) and I've witnessed many new friendships as a result!

If you're just starting out, please take things at your own pace and choose lower impact options. Don't feel compelled to "keep up" with anyone. Some women have been coming to FITMOM for a long time! There are always modifications for sore joints, abdominal separation, pelvic floor issues and anything else you might need them for. We encourage low-impact vs high impact options (which protects the joints) and help you work at an intensity that is appropriate for each person.

I hope you enjoy getting fit, having fun and meeting new friends this summer!

#jointhemotherhood