Nashville Fit Mommies

Picnics Can Be Fun! Into my third week of Body Back!

2010-11-13T13:58:00.001-08:00

I had a lovely day with my children at the park today but was worried about making the right choices for all of us while wanting to have a picnic! I knew this would be one of the last nice days we would have for a while, so I wanted to take advantage of it! My daughter reminded me that it would not be a picnic unless we brought a blanket and sat on the ground. I was just glad she was as excited about it as I was. So, with hesitation about actually being able to eat as I wondered if my 2 1/2 year old would sit long enough to let me get something down, we headed off.
Packed in my handy thermal tote were 2 turkey sandwiches on whole wheat bread with hummous and lettuce (for myself and my 6 year old) , a peanut butter and jelly sandwich sandwich for my 2 1/2 year-old (natural peanut butter and real fruit spread), carrots, grapes, string cheese, and organic chocolate bear cookies. I of course just had my turkey sandwich and some carrots and was fine, and my children thouroughly enjoyed their healthy lunch on a beautiful fall day! So here I am into my third week of eating clean and on my way to getting my body back, I feel great that I can be a good role model for my children and help to form their ideas of what eating well is all about!

Good Food Tastes Good!

2010-11-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have been working out 6 days a week, eating completely whole, real foods, now for almost 2 weeks. I truly can feel such a difference in the way I feel. Don't get me wrong, I still get tired, but my energy is up and the best part to me anyway is that I have realized that food tastes good! I know how strange that sounds, but maybe it's because I have not eaten any salty, sugary, processed foods and for some reason, that makes good food taste really good. I never have taken the time to cook or prepare good food for myself. For my family, and children, yes...but as far as taking the time to cut the veggies for a salad or sandwich or gather the 3-5 ingredients it takes to make a meal for myself, this is all new to me and I am loving it!! I am proving to myself that if I respect myself enough to make these changes, everything else will fall into place around me!

I want my Body Back!!

2010-10-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I am not really sure I ever had it in the first place, but I am lucky enough to have just started this journey with Kim Strassman who is an amazing fitness guru and is on the Stroller Strides corporate team. The program is called Body Back and is an 8 week results driven program geared towards moms. I want to bring this program on along side my current Stroller Strides program but I think that it will be more successful if I go through the program first my self. So I started Monday, October 25th and I am on day 4. I am feeling good, and sore, which means I am working my body hard! I was working out 2-3 times a week. Well, I thought that was enough. Ha, Kim has me working out 6 days a week. I look forward to sharing my journey here with you!

The Butterfly Effect

2010-10-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Butterfly Effect is an unforgettable story about how our world is an incredible life of permanent purpose. It's about how every move we make and every action we take, matters not just for us, but for all of us...for all time. When you know that everything matters, that every move counts as much as any other, you will begin living a life of permanent purpose. A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse and a more valuable friend.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2010-01-19T12:32:00.001-08:00

Eat Smart www.pureprevention.org/act_eatsmart.php
Studies have found potential links between pesticides and breast cancer risk. Pesticides and other synthetic chemicals are found in our food. Read labels, ask your grocer to stock organic produce and hormone-free meats and dairy products, and look for organic food at your local farmers’ market. Look for natural alternatives to chemical weed and bug killers and take preventative measures such as mulching for weeds and using traps, barriers, fabric row covers, or plant-based repellents to get rid of pests.

The pesticides of greatest concern for breast cancer are used in the agricultural setting. To take a step further, visit the Pesticide Action Network website (www.panna.org) to clean up the environment beyond your home.

Fact: Did you know LUNA bars are made with 70% organic and 100% entirely natural ingredients?

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-12-20T06:05:00.001-08:00

The average consumer wraps 20 gifts during the holidays. If just 3 of those gift were wrapped in reused paper or a paper alternative, the paper saved could cover 45,000 football fields!
Use decorative newspaper ads, colorful pages from magazines, old book pages, music sheets, old maps, calendars, or Sunday comics to wrap with.
Use children's drawings and paintings that you don't want to throw away for wrapping paper.
Cut wrapping paper or children's art to fit the top and bottom of a gift box and permanently attach it, so it may be reused.
Reuse old ribbons and wrapping paper (if wrinkled, press with a warm iron)
Use flowers, evergreen sprigs, rosemary, pinecones, yarn or reusable hair ribbons instead of plastic bows.
Use the fronts of old holiday cards as name tags for this year's gifts.
Create a scavenger hunt in your home by hiding unwrapped gifts and giving each of your family members clues to find them.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-12-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

Give a unique gift that eliminates holiday clutter and makes a difference. Leave the wrapping paper on the shelf and give back in a philanthropic way. You can make a difference in your life, your family's life, in the life of your community and the world. Committing green towards charitable giving is a gift that truly gives back.

Consider: Healthy Child Healthy World, The Breast Cancer Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Heifer International, The Nature Conservancy, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Sustainable Harvest International, UNICEF, Donors Choose

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-11-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

To help get us in a festive mood for the holiday feast, here are some easy decorating ideas, using what you find out on a walk.

Centerpieces: Pumpkins and other winter squashes, Native American corn, acorns, nuts, grapes, pears, pomegranates, and apples overflowing from a wicker cornucopia or heaped in a wooden bowl look abundant and beautiful in the center of your festal table.
Leaf coasters: Autumn leaves make great coasters to protect your furniture from rings and stains. Oak leaves are especially tough, leathery, and durable.
Natural napkin rings: Tie napkins with raffia and tuck in a pretty fallen leaf and an acorn, or a cinnamon stick or two. Guests can add their cinnamon to a pot of hot cider to sip on later.
Pumpkin vase: Hollow out a pumpkin and place a cup inside to hold fresh or dried flowers.
Decorated votive holders: Glue or tie the following around the outside of your glass votive candle holders: dried apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cornhusks, autumn leaves.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-11-10T05:41:00.001-08:00

Buy food (and drink-ideally tap water) from local companies whenever possible. Each pound of local food you purchase prevents a quarter pound of global warming (CO2) emissions. Support your local Farmer's Market. If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices. Find local resources at www.localharvest.org.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-11-03T05:33:00.001-08:00

Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, and the air-conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, health permitting. Three to five percent more energy is used for each degree above or below these marks

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-10-13T05:52:00.001-07:00

Consider this: If you're in a drive through restaurant/ business line or waiting for someone in your car, turn your engine off! Idling is linked to increases in asthma, allergies, heart and lung disease and cancer. Idling gets ZERO miles per gallon. Idling for 1 hour burns nearly 1 gallon of gasoline.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-08-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

Fact: In a recent warning about lead exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifically recommends that shoes remain outside the house. According to a report called the Door Mat Study, lead-contaminated soil from the outside causes almost all the lead dust inside homes and it notes that wiping shoes on a mat and removing them at the door cuts lead dust by 60 percent.
Action: Leave the dirt at the door. Wiping our shoes off and leaving them at the door reduces the amount of contaminated dirt tracked in. Think about this, your babies and kids are the ones who spend the most time on the floor of your home.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-08-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Fact: Personal care product companies are not required to test their products for safety prior to selling them and can put in virtually anything they want. Not surprisingly, there are many ingredients that have been found to be harmful.
Action: Reduce exposure to carcinogens, neurotoxicants, and reproductive toxicants, by purchasing products that do NOT contain: Parabens, Formaldehyde, Triethanolamine and cocamide DEA, PEGs, Isoprpanol, 2-phenoxyethanol, Benzethonium chloride, Talk, Phthalates, or Fragrance . Skin Deep safety guide is a great resource www.cosmeticdatabase.com

Keep Moving!!

2009-07-15T04:06:00.000-07:00

Exercising during pregnancy can help with the physical challenges of pregnancy and help speed postpartum recovery. One other great point is that you mentally feel much better after exercise! I think that's as important as the physical benefits, and also a strong motivator. Another benefit of prenatal fitness is that it can improve your baby's ability to tolerate the stresses of labor and delivery. Research has shown that babies of exercising moms have fewer complications during labor and delivery (possibly as a result of a greater blood flow and fetal reserves resulting from their mother's exercise). Another study found that the placentas of exercising women had greater blood flow from increased blood vessel development than those of pregnant women who didn't exercise regularly. That may be one way that babies of exercising moms are better able to deal with reductions in uterine blood flow during times of stress. All great reasons to keep exercising during pregnancy!

This comes from: Catherine Cram, M.S.Owner for Comprehensive Fitness Consulting LLCAuthor of Fit Pregnancy for Dummies (Wiley Publishing, Inc. 2004)

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-06-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Protein provides materials for the growing tissues, including the placenta, the mother's blood and the baby. You can get more calcium into your diet with eggs, fish, poultry and beef, tofu and cottage cheese. It’s suggested to take 74 grams of protein daily during pregnancy

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-06-16T04:02:00.000-07:00

Stay hydrated! More fluids are necessary for a multitude of functions including providing for the expanding blood volume that helps to carry nutrients to mom & baby. And when you’re nursing, you will need the extra fluid to maintain a healthy flow of breast milk for your baby. Drink about eight to ten 8 ounce glasses of non-caffeinated, non-caloric fluids per day. Caffeine in excess can be dehydrating and high caloric drinks such as soda and juice can add up extra calories. Plus the added bonus is that drinking a lot of water is the best way for your skin to get that healthy glow

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-06-08T18:36:00.001-07:00

Omega-3 fatty acids are important in baby's brain and central nervous system development, as well as preventing low birth weight and premature birth. Some reports also say that it helps regulate your baby’s sleep patterns. Low-mercury fish is a good source of omega-3s. But if you’re looking for alternatives to fish, it’s easy to get more of it. Supplement your oatmeal or smoothie with flaxseed (oil, ground, or the entire seeds), always care around a container of walnuts for snacking, and look for eggs that are fortified with omega-3s.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-06-02T03:39:00.001-07:00

No one said that eating healthier would be easier. But here are some tips that will save you time in your quest for more nutritious meals.
When making dinner, make twice as much — keeping the extra for lunches the next day. If you are cooking two chicken breasts, you might as well cook four. If you are making salad, pull out a to-go container and throw an extra serving in it for the next day.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-05-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

Fruits and veggies are fabulous portable snacks that will help you to meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs. As you're heading out for the day, be sure to pack two to three pieces of fresh fruit and some cut-up veggies for healthy snacking. "Ants On a Log" isn't just for kids; it's a good snack for you too. Spread some peanut butter on that celery stick and top it with a few raisins!
Dried fruits and nuts are also handy snacks to have around. Along with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, adding dried fruit and nut mix can help you reach the 20-35 grams of fiber recommended for each day and is a healthy source of non-animal protein.
And remember, LUNA Bars are a great snack for moms. Created especially for women, LUNA bars include calcium, iron, fiber, protein, folic acid and other vitamins and nutrients that moms need.

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-05-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Boost your energy with breakfast. In your morning race to start your day, breakfast may slip your mind. Skipping out on breakfast can rob you of so much energy you feel it into the next day.
Don't miss out on this stamina-building morning eating occasion! Think of your needs while meeting those of your baby. For example, as you fill your baby’s sippy cup, pour a glass of milk for yourself. Or, if you don't like milk, try a drinkable yogurt or flavored milk to get the calcium you need.
Because you can't get by on yogurt and milk alone, instead of grabbing that pastry at the coffee shop or while running errands, reach for whole-grain foods such as instant oatmeal, LUNA bars, or slice of peanut-buttered whole-grain toast to compliment your morning dairy selection.

Mother's Day

2009-05-09T12:52:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite classes each year that I offer at Stroller Strides is a Mother's Day class. Throughout class I weave in small quotes, motherly advice, and interesting Mother's Day facts. The moms had a great time yesterday as did I. We had refreshments after class and the best part....chair massages for all the moms! It was great seeing everyone help out each other...watching each other's child while that mom got just 5 minutes of bliss, it was well worth it if I do say so myself!

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-04-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Do you double your portions because you’re now “eating for two”? Not so fast. The recommended weight gain for the average pregnant woman is 25-35 pounds. It only takes approximately 300 extra calories a day to meet this recommended weight goal. Great, extra calories, you say? A snack equivalent to 300 calories is an 6-ounce container of yogurt and a 1/4-cup of raisins. So you can see while you are eating for two, you are not eating for two adults. You are eating for one adult and a fetus that starts off the size of a grain of rice!

Help Spread the Word!

2009-03-24T04:52:00.001-07:00

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
The Breast Cancer Fund depends on its community to be a driving force in helping to create awareness and change around eliminating the environmental causes of breast cancer. One great way to help spread the word is to send your friends and family a Breast Cancer Fund E-Postcard at http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/apps/ka/ecard/cardForm.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=44861.

Become an advocate: The Strong Voices Leadership Development Program is a nationwide network of women and men who share their personal stories while inspiring the public to take action to end the breast cancer epidemic. The Strong Voices Leadership Development Program was envisioned when the Breast Cancer Fund founder, Andrea Ravinett Martin, first spoke out on behalf of the environmental links to breast cancer. As a leader and strong voice in the breast cancer advocacy movement, Andrea created the path for the Breast Cancer Fund to take issue with the single most compelling public health issue of this century – environmental health.

To become a Strong Voice, please fill the Volunteer Form and indicate that you are interested in additional advocacy training. http://www.breastcancerfund.org/volunteer.

Visit the Strong Voices website to learn more about the program, access tools and resources and find opportunities for involvement in your region. http://www.breastcancerfund.org/strongvoices

March For Babies With Team Stroller Strides

2009-03-18T04:31:00.000-07:00

Please join Team Stroller Strides on April 19th at Centennial Park in Nashville. Please help our goal of raising $500.

WHY?
When you walk, you give hope to the families of babies born too soon or sick. The money you raise supports programs in our community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the serious problems that threaten our babies. This has been going on since 1970 and they have raised an incredible $1.8 billion to benefit all babies.

Please join our team TODAY and help us fundraise, if everyone gives a little....every bit of it helps! Come out this day and have some family fun, there will be lots of fun things for kids and Stroller Strides will be sponsoring a Stroller Decorating Contest!!

http://www.marchforbabies.org/deenaprichard

Luna Moms Club Weekly Tip

2009-03-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT OF BREAST CANCER
While more white women get breast cancer than African American women, more African American women will die of the disease. There are environmental exposures that are unique to African Americans like the more common use of hormone-containing personal care products. Please help us spread the word about the challenges for African American women. Request copies of and help distribute The Environmental Risks of Breast Cancer in African American Women at http://echo4.bluehornet.com/ct/4284207:5038358624:m:1:225139026:B5916FD491273A7087B5B8BEA0A5685D.
And while fewer Latinas get breast cancer than other groups, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Latina women in the United States. Experts say Latina breast cancer is understudied and that we simply do not have accurate data to know just how hard breast cancer is hitting these women. Help us shed more light on breast cancer within these communities of color. Read more about the Latina experience in BCF’s 2006 newsletter http://echo4.bluehornet.com/ct/4284208:5038358624:m:1:225139026:B5916FD491273A7087B5B8BEA0A5685D. If you would like to help distribute our print newsletter a few times a year, fill out a volunteer form and let us know! http://echo4.bluehornet.com/ct/4284209:5038358624:m:1:225139026:B5916FD491273A7087B5B8BEA0A5685D.

Take a Stand!!

2009-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

SUPPORT EFFORTS TO GET RID OF TOXIC CHEMICALS
Phthalates have been linked to breast cancer, early puberty in girls, reduced testosterone levels, lowered sperm counts, genital defects in baby boys and testicular cancer. These chemicals are also found in products marketed to children. Support legislation that would ban phthalates in children’s toys like BCF-sponsored Toxic Toys Bill in California. Learn how.

Also check out Environment California’s Report, Toxic Baby Bottles that identifies which baby bottles contain Bisphenol A.

Couple's Class on Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

I was so proud of the moms for bringing their husband's and families out last Saturday for our Valentine's Day Couple's Class! It is always fun for me to meet the "other half" and see who baby resembles more! I loved hearing all the feedback from the husband's. Some said they wish they could come every Saturday! Well, you can!!

Stroller Strides on Fox's Tennessee Mornings Show, January 2. 2009

2009-01-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Watch the interview on Tennessee Mornings! It was so much fun to be interviewed in the studio with Kelly Sutton and Stacy Case! I was glad and relieved that Ellis was a happy baby the whole time.

Healthy Momma Challenge

2008-12-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

As I am planning for January, I wanted to share my excitement about the great things happening with Stroller Strides in Nashville! Beginning January 26th, is the 2nd Annual Healthy Momma Challenge where moms in teams of three will focus on total health by gathering and earning points for mind, body, and spirit. Moms will keep track of their points for each of the 4 weeks of the program. At the end, the team with the highest number of points will win! Get ready for some Healthy competition mommas!!

British Study Debunked

2008-12-09T04:58:00.000-08:00

Stroller Strides® Founder Shows Parents How to Avoid Stroller Stress for Baby
Parental Stimulation is Paramount to Stroller Design, Says Lisa Druxman

According to a recent British study, babies
pushed in an away-facing stroller could be more stressed than those who ride in a
pram that faces the parent, as they’re less likely to talk, laugh and interact during
their stroll. But don’t box up that forward-facing buggy just yet. Lisa Druxman,
founder of the country’s largest stroller exercise program, Stroller Strides, says
baby is affected by the quality of the stroller experience – not the stroller itself.
“It’s extremely important for parents to interact with baby during a stroller
walk or jog, but it’s okay if they’re not face-to-face the entire time,” said Druxman, a pre/postnatal fitness expert and mother of
two. “A forward-facing stroller ride can be an exciting adventure of sights, sounds and smells. It’s really baby’s opportunity to
interact with the outside world.”
Druxman built her Stroller Strides program on the premise that baby can both be a part of Mom’s postnatal exercise
routine and reap important social and educational benefits. The total body workout that includes stroller power walking and
body toning exercises weaves songs, rhymes and educational themes throughout, ensuring a stimulating and stress-free
experience for pint-size stroller passengers.
For the majority of families who call a forward-facing stroller their favorite, Druxman (who favors the forward-facing
models from BOB®) offers the following tips to ensure a fun and interactive outing with baby, no matter the stroller design:
1) Stop occasionally during your stroller walk to perform a few exercises and park baby to face you. He’ll get a kick out
of your bends and stretches, and the exercise routine can even help him learn direction, counting and tempo.
2) Sing to your baby during your stroller walk. Recite his favorite nursery rhyme or one from your iPod playlist – he’ll
appreciate the sound of your voice.
3) Talk to your baby as you stroll, pointing out the blue sky, green grass or other interesting objects along the path.
This is a great educational opportunity – you’ll engage his senses and increase his awareness of the surrounding
environment.
4) Play peek-a-boo with baby by occasionally adjusting his sun shade so that he can look up at you. Some stroller
brands such as BOB feature a clear window on the canopy so parents can easily peek in and say hello.
5) Walk with another parent who has a small child or with a group of women in a class like Stroller Strides. Baby and
Mom will benefit from the social interaction.
“Parents who own forward-facing strollers needn’t fret,” Druxman said. “The key to a successful stroller outing is to simply
ensure baby is stimulated by both his surroundings and the sound of a familiar voice.”
Stroller Strides classes are offered in over 800 locations in the United States and now in Canada. The hour-long classes
emphasize cardiovascular activities and muscle-strengthening exercises using resistance bands and strollers, allowing moms to
interact with their babies throughout their workout. To further assist mothers in all aspects of their lives, Stroller Strides
partners with Pampers®, LUNA® and BOB®. For more information about Stroller Strides, including class locations, visit
www.strollerstrides.com.

The Jar Story-My Favorite

2008-11-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

A Story of Priorities and a Jar
Tips for Squeezing More into Your Life -- By Julie Isphording, former Olympian.
The following story is one that’s been circulating for awhile. I believe it holds a very important message regarding appropriately setting priorities in our lives. It is one of my favorite's....

A professor of philosophy stood before his class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was full. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students again if the jar was full. They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar. “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies the remaining “small stuff” and material possessions. If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are truly important. Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Take time to get medical check-ups, play with your children, go for a run, write your grandmother a letter. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, or fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand. Finding time in the day for fitness, like Stroller Strides, or participating in other athletic endeavors should be considered a “rock” for us all. Physiologically, working out releases endorphins in the body. These endorphins are natural pain-relievers produced by the body. This is what gives us the natural high experienced after a workout. This natural high has the potential to positively influence our daily interactions by making us feel better about ourselves. Make fitness a rock solid priority in your life and reap the benefits.

THE STRENGTH FOR MOTHERHOOD

2008-11-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

Watch this video when you need a little inspiration as a mom. Stroller Strides helps gives moms the strength for motherhood through friendships, support and fitness. If you are a mom, then you are an athlete. Pass this video on to give your friends the strength. www.strollerstrides.com.

http://vimeo.com/2092520

Stay Strong Stay Confident

2008-10-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

Have you read, "The Secret"? If not, the gist is to always keep a positive mind and positive things will happen. Well, that is quite basic, but it is the truth. Negativity shuts people down, closes people off. You know that little voice inside of you? It can be shut off! I write this not only as a reminder to everyone, but also a reminder to myself. With changing times, in order to keep things afloat, sometimes we have to work really hard to find those positives in our life. SO, some things I do are to take a deep breath and look around. Take some perspective is what I tell myself. Some days are easily bogged down with the nitty gritty. SO I try to smile and look for the sunshine it it all. Please join me to do the same.

Going to San Diego

2008-10-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

I can not possibly contain myself! I am off to San Diego in one week! Each year, Stroller Strides holds a National Conference. Franchisees and Instructors come from all over the country to meet and greet fellow Stroller Striders. It is an amazing way for us to get rejuvinated. We come back with new techniques and fresh ideas for teaching classes and running the business. The hardest part will be leaving my 4 year old and 4 month old. I am already dreading how much I will miss them, but it's just a small sacrifice I will make. I can't wait to post about all I learned when I return.

Being a POSITIVE role Model

2008-09-20T04:46:00.000-07:00

This was taken from my dear friend, Rachel in Richmond. But as I was reading this article I just had to post it here and talk about it. You can read her post about it as well on her Stroller Strides Richmond Blog.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/15/health/healthspecial2/15eat.html?_r=2&ei=5070&oref=slogin&emc=eta1&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin

It is so challenging feeding a 4 year old! I have that mommy guilt every time I feed her pasta-even if I put a vegetable of her choice in it because I feel like she eats so much, she is going to turn into a noodle! We try and offer her new foods, and sometimes it does work, but I worry so much about what she eats now and how it will affect her future eating habits. I am going to try some of the things the article talks about. Especially not rewarding her or praising her every time she eats something healthy. I sure don't reward myself with extra TV or a dessert if I eat all my salad! I want her to learn, as I have, that the reward to eating healthy foods is how you and your body will feel in the long run!

Instructor Training

2008-09-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I hosted a Stroller Strides Instructor Training here in Nashville. Farel Hruska, The National Fitness Director for Stroller Strides came from San Diego to teach 24 women how to become GREAT Stroller Strides Instructors. It was so wonderful having her here and as always, I learned so much from her, as did all the ladies. We had women from Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Missouri, and even Washington State! On both Saturday and Sunday morning, Farel taught AMAZING classes at Centennial Park in Nashville, whoo was I sore! You can view some pictures here
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingReg.jsp?Uc=vga2sbn.6fdpq5ab&Uy=5sujdm&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=614306703115_885062201211&localeid=en_US

I am so excited to have had Farel here to train 7 of my own instructors and I look forward to getting them out to teach classes and touch more women's lives in and around Nashville!

Thank you SO much Farel!!

Join The Franklin Classic With Stroller Strides

2008-08-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

For the past three years, Stroller Strides has been part of the Franklin Classic, a race benefiting the Mercy Children's Clinic in Franklin, TN. Mercy Children's Clinic http://www.mercychildrensclinic.org/ provides quality healthcare to ALL children regardless of their economic background. What a wonderful way for moms to give back to the community! Please join us this year by registering at www.franklinclassic.org and sign up under TEAM STROLLER STRIDES. Last year we won for having the most spirited team, can we do it again? You can either register to run the 5K,10K or walk the 4K.

MomOlympics

2008-08-09T04:04:00.000-07:00

I am getting so excited about the Olympics! As I was watching the ceremony last night it was so intriging to see all the different countries a people involved, all for one common reason. I love that healthy competition, exercise and wellness is one thing that brings our worl together.
As one of our many specialty classes this month at Stroller Strides, one of my instructors is doing a MommyOlympics class. The week before they are decorating tshirts for the event. They are going to have a blast!

A Mom's Day

2008-07-30T04:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write a little about my day because at the end of the day sometimes I just think, can't there be more hours? I just have so much more to do, but I am just too tired! Granted, I am still getting used to a newborn, but life does not stop because of that. But, I realized, why not? It's all about my personal perspective on things. So, I decided at the end of the day, to just take a deep breath, remember to keep my schedule and my calendar, and go to bed knowing that I was the best mom I could be that day.

Mommy Makeover

2008-07-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

So, I keep hearing this term, Mommy Makeover...over and over again. There was a segment on the Today show this week talking about these things and I couldn't believe they barely mentioned what we all know we should do to get the baby weight off...exercise! Believe me, I know it is hard, I am only six weeks post partum and I am just dying to get my body back. But I know it takes time, as all my members keep reminding me about. Wait, shouldn't I be telling them that!
Anyway, the segment said that Mommy Makeovers (talking about surgery) can cost between $25,000-$30,000!! Um, let me see, what can I buy with that? A nice car, a huge down payment on a house, um...oh yeah, I know... I could buy 50 mommies one year memberships to Stroller Strides!!!

Smile Mommy! Diaper Service in Nashville

2008-06-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

So, I adventured into new territory with my second child. Cloth diapering! And I absolutely love it. I am not sure what part I love, but maybe it's the feeling I get that I know I am doing my little part for the environment. I can't tell you how easy it is. believe me, I would not do this if I had to wash them myself. But, Nashville has a new service called Smile Mommy. You can visit their website at www.smilemommy.com
The owners are two moms themselves and they are great! They came out to my house to show me and teach me how to do it all, and it really did not take long, and after 5 weeks, I really have it down. They are even their for new mommy support. Check it out!

Will life get back to normal?

2008-06-13T05:14:00.001-07:00

I am in baby bliss. My son, Ellis Harmon, was born on Friday, May 23rd, 2008. That was 3 weeks ago. In a way it seems like 100 years ago, and in other ways it feels like just yesterday. But, the best part is I feel like I have known him forever. My four year old is adjusting so well. Better than my husband and I could have ever imagined. I think it was the "Big Sister Party" we threw for her the day we brough Ellis home. She loved that!

Now, when will life get back to normal? If I am not feeding, I am pumping, if not that, I am consoling him as he is so gassy at times, if not that it's, laundry or the dishes, or cleaning up. So, how am I writing on my blog? I made myself! I said it was time! I put it on my calendar. So, I think that is going to have to be my new time clock, everything will be scheduled on my calendar!

I can't wait to get back to my Stroller Strides classes! I have some great instructors teaching my classes in Nashville, Spring Hill, Franklin, and Brentwood, and I couldn't do this without them. But, I can't wait to get back and get to exercising again. I think that will be the ultimate feeling for me of "getting back to normal"...or something like that.

Vote For Lisa!

2008-05-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

Lisa Druxman is the founder of Stroller Strides. Did you know it all started in San Diego almost 7 years ago! I was just discussing with a friend how many women Stroller Strides has touched. Her and I happen to be two...a great friend I have made, and fellow Richmond Stroller Strides franchisee, we never would have met if it weren't for Stroller Strides and Lisa Druxman!
So, Lisa is a semi-finalist for America's Favorite Mom Contest! You can go to www.strollerstrides.com and click on the links to vote for her! She will also be on the Today's Show on Tuesday!

My Blog is born!

2008-04-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

One of my business goals this month was to start blogging! So here I go. I am the owner of DP Fitness, Provider of Stroller Strides Nashville where moms and dads can come WITH their babies and toddlers in strollers and get a total body challenging workout in an hour from instructors who are certified to teach these specialized classes. I personally have been teaching for almost three years and love it. I am 3 weeks from giving birth to my second child and this pregnancy has been wonderful...due to exercise!