Knoxville Fit Moms

Post Pregnancy: Keep a Positive Body Image

2009-06-09T11:06:00.011-04:00

More powerful than any food you eat or any exercise you do, are the feelings you have about yourself. According to Stroller Strides's founder Lisa Druxman's book, Lean Mommy, breaking away from a negative body image will help you make - and stick to- positive lifestyle habits. Not only will you be happier, but you'll be a better mommy!

I've never met a mom (including myself) who didn't want to lose the baby weight she gained. Who likes the fleshy belly left after pregnancy? However, how we see ourselves isn't always realistic. It's important for our mental health, not to be a slave to the scale! It's easy to slip into tunnel vision after having a baby. If you have more weight on your bottom that you'd like, is this what you should focus on? NO! It's your choice whether you hone in on what you don't like or whether you adopt a more accepting attitude and see the whole, healthy you. When you are depressed and unhappy, you are more likely to see only the negative. But, you'll be happier if you focus on the positive.

This is easier said than done. You must stop thinking that you, or your body, or its parts are awful. At first you can try lowering the volume of your dark thoughts and you can redirect your self-talk by creating a awarenes of it, then you can begin to minimize it. When you learn to like and hopefully, love your body, you will begin to appreciate it.

Here are seven quick tips from Lean Mommy to help you get started:

FOCUS ON STRONG POINTS

Would you let your husband or your kids tell you repeatedly that you are fat and ugly? So, don't do it to yourself. You deserve to treat yourself as well as you expect others to treat you.

BE WHAT YOUR LOVED ONES SEE

Your baby thinks that you are the most beautiful creature to have ever walked the planet. (Your dog and cat does, too.) Allow yourself to see what they see!

LOOK GENTLY IN MIRRORS

Before looking at your reflection, identify something in your mind that you know you like about yourself. Focus on that when you glance in the mirror.

KEEP SCALES IN CHECK

If you are prone to getting obsessive or having an emotional response to the numbers, throw your scale out the window! It can't measure your worth, your health or your happiness. You don't want your children to mimic your behavior and start weighing themselves as soon as they are able?

REFRAME SELF-DEFEATING THOUGHTS

You think diet, you think DEPRIVATION, You think exercise, you think BORING or TORTURE.

If you are following a punishing routine, you're likely to fail since you're doing it for the wrong reasons. If you respect and appreciate your body, you will want to treat it well.

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

Every negative remark you make about your body ingrains body-bashing beliefs even deeper. In Stroller Strides classes, no one is aloud to make negative comments about their bodies. Start listening to your conversations and stop all the negative talk!

CHANGE YOUR TAPES

Every behavior stems from the desire to feel good or avoid feeling bad. If you associate eating healthy and exercising with pain and eating cookies and sitting on the couch as a pleasurable activity, then you will choose to snack and sit. But, if you redefine your thoughts so you think of being active as invigorating and eating well as energizing then you are likely to choose to engage in healthy lifestyle habits.

Learn more about what you think about the way you look in Lean Mommy. You can purchase the book from Amazon.com or from the Stroller Strides website.

New Earthfare Opening in Knoxville

2009-05-31T20:00:00.001-04:00

Economic times are tough. We all know that. And, Earth Fare, the healthy supermarket, seems to know that too. Have you been to their stores? If so, you would know that they are always trying to make healthy eating affordable, easy and delicious! Seriously - have you tried their homemade, all-natural chocolate chip cookies - if not, it is .99 cents of deliciousness! Well, in celebration of the opening of their new Knoxville store on June 17th, Earth Fare gave me a $50.00 gift card to give away! Yeah, very cool. They just said, hey Stroller Strides Knoxville- give this away for us.

So, now, we want you to tell us why you deserve or just plain want this gift card. We've all got stories. You may have a family of four to feed on a tight budget. You may have lost your job recently and just need some extra help. You may be a cookie lover or organic food nut! Or, perhaps for whatever reason, you've never tried a healthy food store and just want to see what it's like! Give us your best reason, and we'll consider it for the prize.

The best story gets the card. So, ready, set, and get writing. Post your reason in the comments below today! You only have until Friday, June 12 to get your entry in. And, we're waiting..

Got Milk? Mobile Visits Knoxville!

2009-05-29T15:47:00.003-04:00

From March to August, the national got milk? Milk Mustache Mobile's Drink Well. Live Well. Tour is traveling coast-to-coast to reintroduce Americans to milk, a nutrient powerhouse. Each glass of milk provides an array of benefits. Besides, what other beverage has been endorsed by more than 250 famous faces?

We are going to visit Got Milk? Mobile on Saturday, May 30 at the Children's Festival of Reading (World's Fair Park, 525 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902) The event is FREE and it takes place from 10 am - 3pm.

If you can't make it Saturday, join the Stroller Strides of Knoxville moms at the June 1 event on Market Square. Monday, June 1, 11am- 2pm- Market Square (60 Market Square, Knoxville, 37902)

Post your comments and let us know which event you will be attending and earn a chance to win one of five Real Simple Magazine subscriptions offer to Stroller Strides Knoxville! Hurry! Contest ends June 10!

Other Tour Stops:

Sunday, May 31: 11am-1pm- Kroger (730 Watkins Rd, Maryville, TN 37801)

Tuesday, June 2: 5pm-7pm- Food City (9565 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37931)

Wednesday, June 3: 5pm-7pm White?s IGA (208 W Broadway, Newport, TN 3782)

At the free events, residents can:

� Experience the Wellness Oasis and get tips on how to achieve wellness and balance in their life

� Receive health assessments from a registered dietitian

� Sample low fat and fat free milk from local dairies

� Enjoy fresh Vanilla-Banana Soothie Smoothies

� Relax with five-minute chair massages from a licensed massage therapist

� Pose for their own celebrity-inspired Milk Mustache photos to keep as souvenirs

� Enter for a chance to win a healthy meal prepared by a personal chef and a year's supply of milk

The Knoxville Kick-off event will be held at Market Square on Monday, June 1 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Photos are also available.

If residents are unable to attend the events, they are encouraged to visit whymilk.com where they can download the New Face of Wellness Report which provides science-based research on the benefits of being a milk-drinker. On whymilk.com, visitors can download recipes, receive wellness tips and share their own wellness steps.

Why: The got milk? Milk Mustache Mobile Drink Well. Live Well. Tour will be cruising through your city hosting free events to encourage residents to not only live well, but to drink well with nature's wellness drink? milk.

Happy Mother's Day from Stroller Strides

2009-05-02T21:41:00.009-04:00

Stroller Strides is celebrating moms this month by offering all kinds of sweet deals! We are all pinching our pennies these days so here are a few deals from Stroller Strides that you can save on or give some hints to your family about for Mother's Day!

Doce Vida Fitness is a new line of fitness attire that is very slimming and great to workout in! It's very stylish workout apparel. They say that it’s made with a unique ultra soft, super moisture wicking 12% stretch fabric that instantly slims. How can you not love that? Doce Vida Fitness Wear is perfect for everything from working out to lounging. The folks at Doce Vida were so glad we liked it at Stroller Strides that they wanted to share a gift for our readers. Get 20% off your purchase. Use the code "SSTRIDES09" at checkout.

We're not finished yet! As a gift to you Stroller Strides is offering a FREE copy of Lisa Druxman's book Lean Mommy to the first 200 people to visit the retail store at www.strollerstrides.com. Lean Mommy is an inspirational book providing tips on staying fit during and after pregnancy, how to be a "opti" mom and eating healthy!

Okay, if you are in the market for a jogging stroller, visit Joggermom. With the purchase of any BOB stroller, you will receive a FREE console attachment for your stroller using the voucher code "4mommy."

Ready, Set, Crawl

2009-04-03T09:42:00.005-04:00

Ready, set, crawl! We are set to launch the first Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Diaper Derby – a series of exciting ”race” events for children that will support the Pampers “One Pack = One Vaccine” program to benefit UNICEF.
The Diaper Derbies will take place at Stroller Strides locations across the country in March and April. Knoxville's Diaper Derby will take place at Bob Leonard Park on Monday, April 13 at 10:30 am just after the grand opening class that morning!
As part of Stroller Strides’ partnership with Pampers to strengthen the companies’ joint mission of caring for babies, toddlers and moms, the Derbies will help raise funds and awareness for “One Pack = One Vaccine,” a program that helps UNICEF provide life-saving vaccines to protect women and their newborns against Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) – a life threatening, but preventable disease which can be contracted during childbirth in unsanitary conditions.
Entrance fee for the Derbies is the UPC label from specially marked Pampers diapers and wipes.

The Diaper Derbies will include several competitive heats, including Crawlers (under 12 months); Assisted Walkers (12-18 months); and Runners (18-48 months); and will also feature a speed diaper-changing contest for moms. Heat winners will receive a baby body suit emblazoned with the message, “Together We Can Help Save a Life.”

Special New Member Offers for Spring!

2009-04-01T00:33:00.007-04:00

Outdoor classes begin April 13 and we are offering several special offers for new clients! Take a look! Click here to download and print these offers!

Stroller Strides Classes & Luna Moms Events New Web-based Calendar

2009-03-31T09:31:00.004-04:00

I'm so excited to share our new web-based calendar! This is where you can find detailed information about all of the Stroller Strides classes and locations, plus all of our Luna Moms Club events. Just click on any of the events to expand the view to see more details and get directions!

Click on the calendar for an expanded view!

Video: Creativity Has a Name, Santiago Ramirez

2009-03-03T13:18:00.005-05:00

Knoxify.com presents Santiago Ramirez from JAOPRO on Vimeo.

They say necessity is the mother of invention. That's just what my husband is - an inventor! When his employer gave him the opportunity to seek other employment last May, he began pounding the pavement looking for other opportunities in his field. When he didn't find one right away, he decided to employ himself and he created Copa Creative Communication s - a marketing and graphic design business that focuses on small business and non-profit organizations. While the income isn't yet steady, it's been a great learning experience for us. All the while he has continued to pursue full-time employment. But, with the economy in such a low, it's been difficult needless to say. I think Santiago was the first to respond to Knoxify.com's offer to create and publish video resumes for job seekers in Knoxville. I'm so proud of my husband and his innovation!

My Journey to Raising a Happy Healthy Family

2009-02-21T20:15:00.014-05:00

My toddler's brain is like a sponge - it absorbs EVERYTHING! I gave him a piece of a chocolate chip cookie one day and now everyday he says, "cookie", "cookie" and he even says it like the Cookie Monster! I could kick myself! Not that chocolate chip cookies are bad, but I would rather he ask for more strawberries! Thankfully, he does that too. The great thing is, all foods are new and different to the toddler's palette. Your children's eating habits are developed early in life and will will remain with them as they get older, so offering healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grain snacks are essential. Don't worry if they turn their nose up at something at first. Chances are, they will take a liking to it sooner or later if you keep offering it. Try offering the foods in fun, colorful and creative ways.

Familyfun .com has lots of fun and healthy recipes like this whole grain banana and peanut butter hot dog!

Practice what you preach. Children imitate what the adults in their lives do so if they see you making healthy food choices, they will most likely do the same too. For more fun and healthy recipes visit Stroller Strides resource page.

Getting back to life: A candid Interview with Lisa Druxman

2009-01-30T20:50:00.001-05:00

Moms on a Mission: Quick, Convenient & Healthy Meals for your Family!

2008-12-26T13:57:00.005-05:00

When you are strapped for time use all available conveniences to help you make healthy meals for you family. Frozen vegetables and pre-cut vegetables (preferably organic) are a quick alternative if cutting & chopping just isn’t feasible. That's a relief living in Knoxville where fresh fruits and vegetables are hard to find in the middle of winter!

Never make one of anything. If you are making a meal, make enough to give you at least one extra meal.

Eating three meals a day plus snacks can sound daunting when you don’t even have time to shower. How will you find time for healthy choices? Think convenience & rethink meals. Plan ahead, be prepared, ask for help, and use your freezer a lot!

Plan ahead whenever possible, always make extra, and don’t forget your freezer is your friend. Also, don’t be shy. Ask for help – preparing a meal or snack is something family and friends can do for you.
Fitness Tip: Set aside time on the weekend for a family nature walk/hike and turn it into a scavenger hunt (how many different birds can you hear/find, different color plants etc.). You don’t have to be in a wilderness area, a local park can offer plenty of opportunities to seek out interesting flora and fauna (ducks, bugs, flowers…)

MOMS WITH A MISSION: Drink More Water

2008-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

When pregnant and breastfeeding you need 60+ ounces of liquid a day. You will hear this so much that water will begin to not sound good anymore. Try making yourself a spritzer when you have had enough of the plain tap version. Add a splash of juice to sparkling water for a refreshing, hydrating change. Always carry water with you when you are on-the-go so you can sip throughout the day (using an aluminum or stainless steel reusable water bottle is best for your health and that of the environment – brands such as SIGG or Klean Kanteen are great options).

Fitness Tip: Train for a “child friendly race/walk” with your child. Set periodic, attainable, goals (distance, time, exploring new terrain like a hilly park) to keep it interesting and challenging.

Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays!

2008-12-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

Eat smaller portion sizes

Be active for at least 30 minutes a day

Lay off the junk food

Spend more time outside away from the kitchen

Don’t leave food out on the counter (out of sight, out of mind)

Buy only the foods you absolutely need from the store

Take the stairs instead of the elevator while shopping Drink more water (helps fight hunger)

Chew gum (helps fight hunger)

Refrain from being bored, do what ever it takes to stay active and away from the kitchen.

MOMS WITH A MISSION: Eat a Rainbow of Foods

2008-12-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

A general rule when it comes to food is the brighter the better because the color pigments of foods are where all the vitamins and phytonutrients are found. Potatoes and jicama are some of the few natural white foods. Most often, if a food is white, it has been processed in some way, i.e. white bread & sugar. White is not a color of the rainbow, so eating a rainbow of foods will help you increase fruits and vegetables in your diet and reduce the processed foods in you diet. What foods make up the rainbow?

• Red: tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, beets, red peppers, radishes, pomegranate
• Orange: oranges, persimmons, yams, butternut squash, carrots, apricots
• Yellow: onions, yellow peppers, Yukon potatoes, spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes, bananas
• Green: kale, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, lettuce, green peppers, herbs, peas, green beans, kiwi
• Blue: blueberries, blackberries, blue potatoes, acai berry
• Purple: eggplant, grapes, figs, plums

Challenge your kids to find the rainbow on their plate!

Fitness Tip: Take the family dog out for a walk together, or if your child is old enough, give him this daily task (or more than once a day – even better for both child and dog!). If you don’t have a dog, help your child arrange to walk a neighbor’s dog.

Congratulations to Stroller Strides Franchisee of the Year Finalists!

2008-12-07T23:53:00.003-05:00

Tummy-Taming Tips from Stroller Strides

2008-12-03T12:59:00.003-05:00

Start working off that Turkey and get ready for your little black dress for your New Year's Eve party! Here is some tips from Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides to help you flatten that belly!

Moms WITH A MISSION: Involve Kids in Meal Preparation

2008-12-01T08:00:00.003-05:00

Kids love to help out in the kitchen and getting them involved in meal preparation will educate them on healthy foods and how they get from “field to plate”. Engaging your children in meal preparation can be a lot of fun and gets them “bought into” the meal – i.e. it’s hard to turn their nose up at something they helped create. Some examples of kid friendly meals are make-your-own pizzas, tacos, fajita or quesadillas. Breakfast foods are also fun to prepare with children – specially shaped pancakes, french toast, different types of eggs. Take it one step further and involve your children in the grocery shopping – enjoy a morning at a local farmer’s market to really immerse them in local seasonal produce.

Fitness Tip: Create challenges out of chores, how fast can you clean?

Exercise You Can do with Your Stroller

2008-11-28T08:47:00.004-05:00

Here are some exercises you can do with your stroller on your own!

MOMS WITH A MISSION: Tips to Prevent Childhood Obesity

2008-11-26T17:56:00.002-05:00

Sleep can help keep your child’s weight down.

Sleep is important for many reasons, but a recent study showed how lack of sleep can lead to obesity in children. As reported in the Chicago Tribune, “Researchers have found that every additional hour per night a 3rd grader spends sleeping reduces the child's chances of being obese in the 6th grade by 40 percent.” In other words, no matter what the child’s weight was in third grade, the less sleep they get, the more likely they are to become obese. Sleep helps to regulate hormones involved in appetite and satiety which is why it can affect your child’s weight. Each child is different but from the study it seems 3rd graders need at least 9 hours and 45 minutes, but the more the better. How much sleep does your child get?

Can’t blame the schools for everything; home life has significant influence on your child’s weight.

You have probably heard, and noticed, that childhood obesity is on the rise. The prevalence of overweight children aged 2–5 years has increased from 1980-2004 from 5.0% to 13.9%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 18.8%. Your genes have an influence on your child’s weight and so can school food service but a recent study found those aren’t the only factors. In this study researchers implemented a weight loss program that successfully reduced students Body Mass Index (BMI) during the school year. However, when these children returned from summer vacation their BMI had increased significantly. It is easy to blame others for your child’s weight, but this study shows that parents have to take responsibility for their child’s weight too. There are many ways to help your child maintain a healthy weight so you should consult your pediatrician for an appropriate weight management plan for your child. Some healthy basics that apply for us all are to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, do something active everyday, and get a healthy amount of sleep. Take a minute to think about how your actions affect your child’s weight.

Let your children play!

In today’s society of fast paced everything and rising obesity, children are often not given enough time to just play. The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights recognizes play as a human right for every child. Play is so important that it is deemed a child’s right because it helps them emotionally, developmentally and cognitively. Additionally, play can increase your child’s physical activity helping them maintain a healthy weight. Before you latch on to the latest greatest diet strategy for your child, remember their basic rights and let them play!

Exercise helps children’s bodies and brains!

It is easy to see and understand how exercise affects the body physically; not so obvious is how exercise affects us mentally. Luckily they do studies on such subjects to help us figure it out. A new study showed how exercise affects kids thinking, finding that when overweight children started a daily exercise program their decision making skills and organizational skills improved. Of course, physical activity can still lower their diabetes risk, reduce their body fat, and strengthen their bones but just in case you needed another reason, exercise improves cognitive function too!

Fitness Tip: Play games such as tag and hide & seek together.

Describe Motherhood...

2008-11-17T08:40:00.001-05:00

When I think about what it truly means to me a mother, I sometimes feel like crawling under a rock out fear for the shear responsibility of it! But then, I take a deep breath. I remember that we have a built in ability to simultaneously care for our children, support our families, work a job, maintain our homes, provide friendship and help to our friends and community members and that we do this every day. So, sometimes when I am having a down day and I just feel like I don't know how I will get through the day, I think about all the wonderful mothers in my life who also do it everyday. My mother, my grandmother, my sisters and my friends. We all have the strength for motherhood.

The Strength For Motherhood from Lisa Druxman on Vimeo.

First Week Free!

2008-11-16T10:22:00.002-05:00

Coupon is for first-time visitors to Stroller Strides. Please visit our website at www.strollerstrides.net/knoxville for a list of all class locations and times!

A Great First Year

2008-09-07T13:55:00.008-04:00

Do you ever wonder if what you are doing is really making a difference? You keep doing the same day everyday, hoping, believing you are making a difference. Life has so much more value when you know you are making a difference, right? Well, it does for me. Today is the one-year anniversary of the very first Stroller Strides class in Knoxville. When I started I had no idea where the journey would take me. I stepped out in faith and took a chance. When the first few moms signed up for a membership after that first class, I was so surprised! I thought to myself, wow, they believe I can do this. They believe I'll be consistent. Since then so many more have done the same thing! We couldn't have had a better year. Two weeks ago Lisa Druxman, the founder of Stroller Strides was here. She taught an amazing class and re-inspired all of us to continue striving for better health and fitness. I'm sure she felt a since of pride seeing all these moms gather in a place called Knoxville. I'm sure she never imagined this stroller fitness class she started seven years ago could make such on impact. There is a saying I've heard before and it's A Man's Reach is Much Further Than His Grasp... Lisa Druxman is a perfect example of that! I'm so glad that I have been able to make a difference in the lives of the women who are involved with Stroller Strides Knoxville. But, I thank Lisa for creating the concept and for taking it to the level it is now. I'm really looking forward to another great year!

Going for the Gold

2008-08-14T13:08:00.005-04:00

When Stroller Strides ran a sales contest for its franchisees last April I knew right away I wanted to go for it! One of two prizes would be awarded to the franchise who was able to sell the most Lean Mommy books. We could choose between going to the Stroller Strides franchisee conference for free( a $400) value or have Lisa Druxman pay a visit to our city. We had to not only prove book sales, but we had to promote the book as well through publicity and any other creative ways we could think of. Well, I won the contest! I am so excited! Lisa Druxman, the founder of Stroller Strides and author of Lean Mommy is coming to Knoxville on August 22, 2008. We are so excited to have her visit. She is going to co-teach a Stroller Strides class with me at the Cove on Friday, August 22 at 9:15 am and then hang out with the moms to talk, answer questions and do a book signing. Then, I will be rushing her off to WVLT for a lunch time news interview and then we'll head off to WBIR to make an appearance on the STYLE show and then it's off to the airport! Can't wait for Lisa's visit.

Fit Moms Find Time for Firetruck visit

2008-07-30T10:51:00.006-04:00

After Friday's Stroller Strides class the Luna Moms Club playgroup had a visit from Knox County's Rural Metro Fire Dept. The firemen were so generous to take time out of their day and bring the truck to our playgroup. We had the best turnout of moms we've ever had for any playgroup. We learned quite a bit about fire safety. They told us about a website at www.fireknowledge101.com that was created by Rural Metro to help residents of Knox County teach their kids about fire safety in a fun way. There is a lot of information for parents on the pages of the website, and there are several links to some fun interactive websites for kids. At previous playgroups we made a beautiful banner for the firefighters. Melanie, our playgroup coordinator presented the banner to the firemen. They were really impressed and said it was the nicest banner they have ever received! It's now hanging in the office of the Rural Metro Fire Dept. on Bluegrass! Thanks kiddos!

Hot Moms Out on the Town

2008-07-21T11:18:00.007-04:00

Wow! Look at these hot moms! Who says you can't be an awesome mommy and still be beautiful! These are the moms of Stroller Strides Knoxville! They work hard all week working, taking care of their families and working out at Stroller Strides, which by the way is no sissy workout! Ask any of the members and they will tell you that it's quite a challenge - but a good one! These deserving mommies dined at Emma's on the Lake a new restaurant on the water off of Choto road. Stroller Strides provides such a great environment for moms to stay physically active, spend time with their children and share and seek advice from other moms. We have moms' night out events once a month to not only reward ourselves for all our hard work, but so we can see what each other looks like dressed up!! Ha ha!! We feel good about what we do because we know we are setting a good example to our children every day by showing then the importance of exercise! Way to go moms!

Reward yourself with things....Not Food!

2008-07-16T17:36:00.002-04:00

Do you struggle to stay fit or to lose weight? I don't know about you, but this is my life-long quest. In the past, I have often rewarded myself with food after a two-week diet or intense exercise program, only to fall off the bandwagon again. So, I instead of thinking about the food I CAN'T eat for two weeks, I instead reward myself with a non-food item like some bath gel or a pedicure. I've been working hard to get the rest of my "baby" weight off. Yes, I hate to admit it, but my son is 18 months old and I'm STILL working to get that weight off! I'm the first to say, "there's no excuses," but I am over 35, running two businesses, a home, husband and a kid... need I say more? Anyway, I have lost 2.5 lbs this week and while I should have waited until Friday for my non-food reward, I couldn't help myself! I visited Bath Junkie today for the first time and LOVED it! I purchased some fun lotion. The cool thing about Bath Junkie is that you can mix and match different scents to make the perfect scent for you! They even have a menu of recipes to choose from if the process is too overwhelming.... That was me! :) They even have mixes for guys too! They do girls night out events, so I thought it would be perfect for a Luna Moms/Stroller Strides moms' night out!

We're Walking for the March for Babies!

2008-03-17T21:41:00.004-04:00

The March of Dimes is the nation's leading non-profit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Their mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects. premature birth, and infant mortality. If you've had a baby he or she has probably been touched by the March of Dimes. PKU and hearing tests are a part of the March of Dimes programs.

Because premature birth touches a million babies and their family every year and because 120.000 babies are born with serious birth defects every year. And because every baby deserves someone in their corner, Stroller Strides & Luna Moms Club of Knoxville are teaming up to participate in the 2008 March for Babies walk on Saturday, April 26.

Please join our team and let's raise some money for the babies of Tennessee! Strollers are welcome at this walk!

Join the March for Babies Team

The 80s were so Rad!

2008-02-29T22:59:00.016-05:00

Today was Stroller Strides 80s class at West Town Mall. We had 13 moms in class and we had 5 or 6 trooper moms who took the plunge and donned their leg warmers, flashdance sweatshirts, blue eyeshadow and teased up hair. No 80s class would be complete without the appropriate Jane Fonda Jazzercise moves and some music from WHAM! While we often do "maniacs" in class (running in place fast appropriately named after the move the movie Flashdance made famous), it felt so much more authentic today decked out in out 80s gear. We only lacked the high-top brightly colored Reeboks the 80s made so famous. It made no difference what we were wearing to the kiddos! They all laughed and giggled as we tickled their toes at each body toning station. We ended the workout with some cool 80s abs including the Ab Climber. The difficult part of today was explaining why I looked so ridiculous to some friends I encountered in the mall who I had not seen in over a year! Ha! We had fun and we had a great workout and that's what counts!

Healthy Mamas Chillin' at the Spa

2008-02-22T18:21:00.016-05:00

Last night culminated the first annual Healthy Mama Challenge for Stroller Strides, Knoxville It was also the February Moms' Night Out. All the moms spent an evening at Natural Alternatives Salon & Spa's newest location in Western Plaza getting pampe

red! For the last 30 days the moms have been accumulating points in three different categories - mind, body

and spirit. The goal, of course, with the challenge was not so much the competition but to help the moms create new habits for bettering their health, mentally, physically and spiritually. Being a mom can be hectic and it's easy to put your own personal well-being aside. The competition was tight! We had some real competitors. Prizes were awarded to the top three point earners. Melanie Spurgeon, Stroller Strides playgroup captain scored third place and went home with a $25 gift card to Regal Cinemas. Heather Davis, leader of the Knox County chapter of Hollistic Moms Network, came in second and won one month free of Stroller Strides valued at $45.

Here is what Heather had to say about the challenge, "I am definitely going to keep up what I {have been doing with this challenge}, I am thoroughly enjoying reading again and keeping a journal. This was

a great challenge!" First place winner was Emily McCutcheon, who walked away with the $100 Mommy Makeover from Natural Alternatives! We had a great time. We even met a new mom who saw how much fun we were having and wanted to find out what we were all about!

Stroll on Papas, Stroll on...

2008-02-19T20:30:00.008-05:00

Always and forever crawling the web for interesting fitness and of course Stroller Strides related stuff, I came across these very funny posts from two different daddies who attended a Stroller Strides class in New York! They are a must read! Stroll on Papas! Stroll on! Click here for an excerpt from Brian's Blog! Click here for an excerpt from Isabella Sage!

Nutrition for the whole family!

2008-02-11T20:54:00.000-05:00

Registered dietitian, Siri Khalsa-Zemel of Women's Way Weight Management Coaching came to our Luna Moms playgroup at West Town Mall on Friday, February 8 to talk moms about practical, achievable ways to make yummy foods for the whole family. Our moms were able to ask specific questions about food choices and how to talk to your children at an early age about making healthy food choices. Something I didn't know is that children actually lose how to recognize the fullness feeling at about the age of five. So, Siri stressed the importance of asking your kids if they are full at every meal so they can learn how to be conscious of it. She also told us that it's not a good idea to reward your children with dessert if they eat everything on their plate. Kids love treats, so this really sends the wrong message to keep eating even if you are full. She encouraged us to talk to our children about what types of food are important why we need to eat - not for pleasure but for fuel! Siri offers group or private nutrition counseling. She is a mother of two and is very dynamic and friendly. She is a joy to be around. I think any mom would benefit from her services!

Mm, Mm Good...

2008-02-09T20:29:00.000-05:00

I recently discovered Healthy Times baby food and snacks. Healthy Times products are made from organically grown ingredients, no preservatives or artificial additives. I LOVE knowing that I can give my son healthy snacks because so much of what's on the market is so unhealthy. All the products are made with whole grains and no trans fat. They taste great too and my son loves them! I have only been able to find them at Earthfare. I contacted the company and asked if they could get their products on the shelves of other more convenient grocery stores here in Knoxville.

Mom Inventors Rock!

2008-02-07T12:29:00.000-05:00

Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides is the featured "Mom of the Month on mominventor.com. Read her profile. Lisa was a new mom looking for a way to be home with her baby but still make a full-time income. Because of her, hundreds of moms are pursuing that same dream. Thanks Lisa!