A New Fitness Option: Stroller Strides

In honor of, you know, January, and everyone’s renewed focus on fitness…meet Holly!

Holly is a mother of two and mompreneur who runs a fitness-related business called Stroller Strides. And while Holly’s business is located in Knoxville, Tenn. Stroller Strides has numerous locations around the U.S., which is why I thought this might be interesting to you guys.

I’ve never done it, but my good friend Megan (a.k.a. Snickerback) has taken classes and I know she enjoyed them and made some good friends.

What is Stroller Strides?

Stroller Strides is a 60-minute total body workout with intervals of body toning and cardio taught by certified instructors.  Indoors or outdoors you are given the option to walk, power-walk or run. All fitness levels are welcome.

Pictured left to right: Simone Metzger, Jessica Wise, Lisa Coulter, Francesca Latham, Jane Kahle, Julie Patrick, Janet Nichols, and Alyssa Waldhauser are being led by instructor Melanie Spurgeon (in blue).

Photo Credit: Holly Kryter

Why did you decide to start a business?

I had been taking Stroller Strides classes in Knoxville for two years. And I had reached a point in my life as a stay-at-home-mom when I needed a new direction. I have always been really focused on fitness and I loved Stroller Strides, so I bought a franchise in 2010, and now I am the owner!

How is Stroller Strides different from just taking my baby to the park in a stroller and going for a walk or run?

I still remember the first Stroller Strides class I ever attended.  My son, Caden, was four months old and I had spent the last four months trying to not go back to work because I had a colicky baby who never slept. I felt trapped in my own home.  Then I saw an advertisement for Stroller Strides and decided to check it out.

I showed up looking like I had been run over by a truck. My baby was screaming, but everyone was so welcoming.  My baby calmed down, and I forgot about the sleep deprivation and was soon engaged in real conversation with grown ups. By the end of class I was pouring sweat, but feeling great (and my baby had fallen asleep in his stroller).

What I learned is that my baby was happier because I was happier!  I got back into shape, felt better about myself, and my son and I have both made lifelong friends.

How much does it cost?

Depending on the package you purchase, the cost ranges from $2.50 – $9.00 a class.  We have unlimited monthly classes ($2.50) or you can buy a series of classes that work out to about $9.00 per class. 

We are running a special where new members will get their 1st month and registration fee for only $20.12. And of course, anyone can try a class for free just to check it out. (At least that’s true for Holly, but other Stroller Strides locations might offer that as well).

Do you guys listen to music when you exercise?

Sometimes we will have specialty classes and play different 80’s or 90’s music.  But often it is more talking and less music, because we enjoy socializing with one another while we exercise.

When do these classes take place?

It varies by location. The Knoxville classes have typically been held during the week, but Saturday classes are coming soon and will be announced on the Stroller Strides Knoxville Facebook Page.

What is your best healthy tip for moms?

Take time for YOU!  You are a better mother to your children when you take a little time for yourself – read a book, get a massage, go for a walk, anything you can do without responsibility for anyone else.

What is the some good motherhood advice you have gotten?

The best advice that I have gotten about motherhood was from my 83-year-old grandmother who said, “Holly, do not wake a sleeping baby, you let him sleep!”