Mom's Night Out

One of the perks of participating in Strollerfit is Mom's Night Out (or MNO). Last Thursday, Leah hosted an evening of fun at Sogo in Denville, NJ. We all met at 7:00 at the bar area while we waited for our table to be ready. Then we got the sign that we were all set.

We went to the back where the hibachi tables were set up (did I mention that we went out for Hibachi?) We all settled into our seats and began unwinding after a long day.

MNO are an opportunity to get out WITHOUT our cherubs. It gives us a chance to be people rather than moms who are always watching what the little ones are getting into. It seems like as they get bigger, so does their desire to "explore".

These once-a-month rituals are a time to get dolled up and show everyone that "Yes, I do own clothes other than tee shirts and sweat pants."

As our food was prepared to a culinary delight, we sat around making new friends and remincing about old ones. We talked about our kids and ourselves, but mainly about our kids. Its funny how the conversations always seem to gravitate back to the children. But that's okay, isn't that what we all signed on for?

After dinner was done (and Leah got her birthday cake), we decided to keep the night going by going to South City Grill for another round.

MNO gives you a chance to remember what life was like before the children came. But then you get to go home and see your baby's face and know that by taking a little time for yourself, its makes you a better mom!

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What does Strollerfit Mean to Melissa?

What does Strollerfit mean to you? To me, it is a part of my daily routine and has helped me recover from having my daughter. I love it as a social outlet for myself and my daughter. My name is Melissa and I’ve been attending Strollerfit since the middle of May when my daughter, Taylor, turned 6 weeks. I heard about Strollerfit from a fellow member who encouraged me to try a class.

I had my daughter on April Fool’s Day (no joke!) and she is the light of my life. However, in the beginning it was quite an adjustment. I wasn’t prepared for quite the amount of change this little girl was making in my life. I planned on being a stay-at-home mom so she became my “job” and I pictured baking cookies, going on walks, and happy days. I wasn’t expecting this little 7 pound cherub to just want to eat and sleep! Between the hormones and sleep deprivation, by the third week I realized I had the “baby blues”.

Before having Taylor, I was constantly around people working in Human Resources and a very active person, being in gymnastics since age 3, so the lack of social communication and not being able to do much exercise since having her was getting to me. My friend, Linda recommended that I look into Strollerfit knowing what I was going through and needing some sort of outlet. To be honest, I thought Strollerfit was a bunch of moms walking with their strollers. I mean how tough could it be? At 6 weeks post-partum, I was ready and cleared to start exercising and hit a Strollerfit class the next day.

Within the 5 minute warm-up, I was sweating and rethinking my view of “walking with their strollers”. It was an intense workout and despite the lack of sleep my daughter gave me, Strollerfit rejuvenated me. It’s hard to explain, but even if Taylor has me up half the night, I’ll walk into class a little tired, but leave feeling fit, strong, tired but energized. Exercise gives you natural energy and the class is so upbeat and positive you can’t help but smile. To prove how hard these workouts are, I wear a heart rate monitor and found that with each class I burn an average of 500 calories! That combined with the wonderful women that participate make it something I look forward to every day.

The moms are amazing and have become people I can definitely consider friends. They have been supportive, great listeners, and provided valuable, honest advice. After my first couple weeks of Strollerfit, I noticed a tremendous difference overall. The first 6 weeks of Taylor’s life was a struggle, but after starting Strollerfit I started a routine and feel better about myself. I’ve lost most of my baby weight, love bonding with my daughter and enjoy talking to the amazing moms in class. Even Taylor loves Strollerfit!

Each time we walk into the gym she gets a big smile and kicks her legs throughout class. I strongly believe she sat up early because she sees the other kids crawling, walking, playing in class and wants to be with them. She even has her own “friends” in class and I believe has grown socially as well! Strollerfit helped me get out of my “baby blues” and is something both Taylor and I look forward to going to every morning – no matter how many sprint runs Stephanie or Tammy make us do!

Melissa