Beginners Jogging Schedule

If you are a new beginner to jogging, you may be wondering what type of schedule you should follow to help you become better at learning how to pace yourself and of course to also make it an enjoyable activity for you to do. Working too hard at first can sometimes cause some people to become discouraged – so getting a good start is a great way to make sure you stay on track.

Most jogging enthusiasts suggest to use a run/walk program as a beginners jogging schedule. Doing this will help you to build up your stamina, as well as your distance. Every time that you do your jogging routine, it’s important that you first make sure that you properly stretch and warm up before starting, and of course to give yourself some time to cool down after finishing. This will help keep your muscles and joints from becoming strained, over tired, or worse, injured.

We don’t recommend jogging every single day when you first start out, and it’s not even always a good idea for those who are more seasoned in running and jogging, since jogging can be quite strenuous on the body. Most athletes prefer to instead do a cross training activity that will help them stay active, with the swimming pool being the most friendly on the joints. However, you can do other aerobic activities instead, such as taking a bicycle ride or going to a yoga class for example.

Starting off slow is key, since you don’t want to over do it, and you’re likely not in great shape if you are just beginning. Be sure before starting any exercise program that it is first okay with your doctor, since jogging can cause some issues for those with blood sugar problems or other health conditions.

Also, bear in mind that weather is another factor to consider when jogging outdoors. Do not jog in high heat temperatures or extreme cold temperatures, as you greatly risk heat stroke in the summer months and frost bite in the winter months. Make sure you wear the appropriate clothing and follow the usual safety precautions for jogging.

Here is an easy to follow beginners run/walk schedule:

Week One: Jog for 4 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat 5 times
Week Two: Jog for 4 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat 5 times
Week Three: Jog for 5 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat 5 times
Week Four: Jog for 5 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat 5 times
Week Five: Jog for 5 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat 5 times
Week Six: Jog for 5 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat 6 times
Week Seven: Jog for 5 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat 6 times
Week Eight: Jog for 6 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat 5 times

By the end of two months, you will likely see your stamina has greatly improved and you may be ready to gradually keep increasing the length of the time you spend jogging as well as how much distance you can cover.

Baby Trend Jogging Stroller Guide

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Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogging Stroller, Skylar

If you’re thinking of buying a Baby Trend jogging stroller, you will want to make sure you read our guide to help you decide which one is the right one for you.

While Baby Trend is not a name many parents have heard of when it comes to baby gear, they are a 21 year old company who has marketed a wide variety of products, ranging from car seats to high chairs to complete nursery and travel systems.

The company offers both single and double strollers, which is pretty much standard in today’s market. Their Expedition LX series in single jogging strollers offers many choices, though it seems they tend to favor flexible wheels as there are many more flexible wheel options to choose from as there are fixed wheel strollers.

In the Expedition Double line there are not as many options to choose from in terms of color, and again they only offer one possible fixed wheel stroller for the twin size.

Their products seem to have most of the same basic safety features as you would expect to find: a five point harness system for keeping kids buckled in safely, multiple position seat recline, generous canopies, and under chair storage for keeping things like diapers and snacks handy and easy to access.

Most parents who choose Baby Trend brand will all say the same thing: It is not intimidatingly difficult to assemble, very smooth for pushing, and somewhat bulky. But, most strollers are bulky – especially when getting into the twin and double sizes because the stroller needs to have a greater width. However, the biggest deciding factor for many parents who choose this product is quite simply due to it being more affordable it is when compared to other options available. The double stroller we have pictured above by Baby Trend is only $189, when which you compare with other models such as the more pricier BOB Revolution Strollers is an excellent option if you are looking to find an affordable solution that offers many of the same features of pricier models and are on a budget.

Overall, when buying a BabyTrend stroller, unless you are a serious trainer who plans to use it for rugged use or looking to get high performance, we definitely think these are an affordable option for many parents and will certainly be helpful in trying to tote your little ones around easily.

Do you have any thoughts on Baby Trend Jogging Strollers? Share your comments in the commenting section below.

Triple Jogging Stroller

Parents with three children may find some interest in learning more about a triple jogging stroller. Though it’s not nearly as easy to maneuver as most single jogger strollers or even a twin jogging stroller, it does provide some flexibility if you find yourself needing a way to easily transport three young children. What makes shopping one so difficult however is because it’s not a common item, finding triple jogging stroller reviews can sometimes be difficult.

There are relatively few strollers to choose from when it comes to looking at the different varieties available, at least when compared to how many choices are available for single and double models. However, the lack of options doesn’t necessarily mean a good product can’t be found. Many manufacturers also offer them as special order, so if you have your heart set on a specific brand, it probably wouldn’t hurt to check out their company website and calling them to see if what you are looking for may be available.

Here are a few of the triplet jogging strollers that we decided to review:

The SafeTech Triple Jogging Stroller

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This stroller comes in as one of the most affordable options available at just under $400 from most retailers. 16 inch flexible wheels are one bonus feature, since when pushing extra weight such as three children the larger wheels certainly help with moving easily over terrain and helping with steering. It also has safety features such as a five point harness to keep kids in securely and a safety strap to give parents ease of mind for not losing grip of the handle bars. Though it is made from aluminum, the stroller by no means could be considered lightweight – 38 pounds can be considered rather bulky. However, those who are looking for a budget friendly product that is durable and sturdy with common features would likely find this is a solution for exactly what they need.

Learn More About the Safetech Triple Jogging Stroller Baby Jogger

Baby Jogger Q-Series Triple Jogging Stroller

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For those who are serious about training with a triple stroller, this one features fixed wheels. It would appear to be that Baby Jogger has since replaced the Q series line with its Summit Series, as there is relatively little information available on this particular model. If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact stroller however, this probably wouldn’t be the best one for you to consider. With a shipping weight of 90 pounds, it is likely to be very bulky as is common with most fixed wheel strollers. Learn More

Baby Jogger Summit 360 Triple Jogging Stroller

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This is a four wheel stroller featuring two flexible 16″ rear wheels and 12″ front wheels. Padded reclining front seats and adjustable canopies are separate from each other, making it possible for you to accommodate based on each child’s preferences. Again, most triple joggers are not the most lightweight – this one with a shipping weight of 60 pounds. It also comes with a higher price tag, ranging around $1000. Learn More About the Baby Jogger Summit 360 Triple Jogging Stroller

Before buying a stroller meant for three kids, you will want to really consider if it is the best option. For a parent who has to transport all three at once, it can be quite convenient. From a workout point of view, these strollers may make it more difficult for you to run but will certainly give you a full aerobic workout just by walking and pushing it up a mild to moderate grade. They can be difficult to fit on most standard sidewalks, so we recommend them mostly for parents looking to train in a track and field type of setting.

Do you have a triple jogging stroller you’d like to recommend? Share it in the comments section below!

Developing a Walking Routine for You & Baby

walking A great way to get in shape after having a baby is to start going for walks on a regular basis. Walking is a low to medium impact aerobic exercise which helps you become more physically fit as well as lose weight from your pregnancy.

For new moms, it can be difficult to get into a walking routine for you and your baby. Those sleep deprived nights can really make it difficult to find the motivation to go out for a walk with your jogging stroller and get some exercise! This is why creating and setting up a routine is so important if you want to stick with your new goal of exercising and getting in shape.

Having a healthy active lifestyle requires that you do aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week. Many moms may choose to do more, but trying to squeeze those 30 minute sessions in just three out of seven days will take some getting used to for some.

Here’s Some Tips to Help You Stick to a Routine:

1. Schedule It: Put your exercising time on the calendar just as you would a doctor’s appointment or meeting. When you have it clearly outlined on when you will be going for your walks it is much easier to stick to it.

2. Keep it the Same Time: Going on a walk the same time every time you exercise will help you make it part of your routine and help it effortlessly blend in with your baby’s schedule of feeding and napping. For example, you may decide you will walk from 8:00-8:30 am every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday because it works well with when the baby gets up. It doesn’t matter what time it is – as long as it fits you and your baby’s needs it’s just right.

3. Bring a Friend: Not only will you both enjoy a good workout, but it can be great for new moms to have some “adult time” with a good friend. It will also give you another reason to look forward to going on walks together.

4. Keep it Interesting: After several weeks of walking you might get a little bored walking all the same places all of the time or feel like you’re not really seeing the results you would like. To keep it interesting, try going to new places for walks. You can also add variety to your workout by and make it more effective by pushing up hills, doing lunges, or using resistance bands while walking.

Developing a routine will help you get on track for exercising and make it easier to enjoy the time for you and your baby. Do you have any tips for staying m

InSTEP Jogging Stroller Guide

instep-run-around-strollerBefore buying an InSTEP jogging stoller, you’ll want to make sure you’re familiar with the company and their products to make sure you get exactly the right kind for your needs. InSTEP is a division of Dorel, a company which manufacturers many different products under well recognized name brands such as Schwinn and Cosco. Because they are a sister brand to Schwinn jogging strollers, you’ll find that many of their products are comparable in quality and design and that Schwinn and InStep are often synonymous names for the same item.

InStep jogging strollers come in two basic types – those with fixed wheels and those with swivel wheels. Fixed wheels have a larger stationary wheel in the front that is ideal for those who are serious runners and wish to use their jogger stroller exclusively for training. For parents who want a stroller that is versatile not only for exercising but also for everyday use for activities such as shopping, one with a swivel wheel may be a better design, since it can be much easier to steer and control in tighter spaces.

The InSTEP fixed wheel lines include the InSTEP Run Around Jogging Stroller and the InSTEP Ultra Runner series. They are available in both the single jogger types as well as the double joggers. It is very easy to sort through the different models, as they are classified by year (ie: the 2008/2009 models).

The InSTEP swivel wheel models include the InSTEP Suburban Safari as well as the Safari models in addition to the Free Wheeler, all available in both as single joggers and twin double joggers. They also have the Hope Model, which is a single jogging stroller.

There are many features that come standard on almost all of the InSTEP products. They all come with a 5 point safety harness to ensure little ones are secure. Each is made of a lightweight aluminum construction which makes it easy for transporting the product. Storage pockets below and tray give you a place to put your own personal items as well as space for a diaper bag or other things the kids may need. They also have a canopy which can help protect your little ones from getting too much sun. (Though of course you will want to make sure that they are wearing sunscreen anyway just to be on the safe side!) Additional safety features such as tether and handbrake and wheel size specifications will depend on the individual make and model.

As far as pricing goes, they are one of the most economical and affordable solutions available, with single Safari models retailing at just slightly over $100. If you are looking for a stroller that offers better safety features such as a parent tether strap, a handbrake, or looking to do serious training with one however you will want to upgrade to one of the higher priced strollers.

You can learn more about InSTEP strollers by clicking here to browse all makes and models as well as read the very helpful customer reviews.

When choosing a stroller, you’ll want to make sure the one you choose is the best one for your needs and can provide a safe and comfortable experience for both you and baby. By researching and reading reviews you can have a better idea of exactly what to expect.

Do you have an InSTEP Jogging Stroller? What are your thoughts on it? Share your experiences using it in the comments section below!

Can Stroller Fitness Help With Postpartum Depression?

postpartumMore than 13% of all new mothers are likely to experience postpartum depression after the birth of a child according to the United States Department of Human Services. When you think that more than 1 out of 10 new mothers can be affected by this condition, the statistics are staggering.

It’s not surprising that a lot of mother go through what is also sometimes called the Baby Blues after having a new baby. Having someone constantly screaming, needing fed, waking you up, and the demands of taking care of the house or other children can be downright overwhelming.

Researchers have found that two of the best things for most moms to prevent postpartum depression are being active and socializing in addition to nursing and having support from family and friends. A great way to do this is to join a stroller fitness walking program for you and your new baby. Taking a walk with your newborn baby and a friend is a great way to not only enjoy motherhood but also give you a calming and relaxing activity where you can take a break while doing something good for yourself. Having other moms to relate to and realize you don’t have to be perfect can relieve a lot of the demands.

You should always talk to a doctor before you begin any fitness program, and you’ll especially want to make sure your doctor approves any activities you do shortly after child birth. Many physicians recommend that a new mother not drive or do anything strenuous – even vacuum – for at least 2 weeks after a baby is born. You also may want to consider being screened for postpartum depression by your doctor or hospital. Most hospitals now have many programs to help not only prevent it from occurring but to make sure that you can seek treatment as soon as possible.

To learn more about the research done to show how walking with a stroller and your newborn can help with preventing and treating postpartum depression, you can view the results of a study conducted in Australia here.

Keeping the Kids Happy in Their Stroller

kids-baby-smileMost of the moms and dads that we’ve talked to that use jogging strollers haven’t had too many problems keeping the kids happy in their strollers while jogging. Most of them have been delighted to find that not only does the time spent jogging help them stay in shape, but it also helps the with getting a much needed mental break, too. It’s not unusual for many kids to be lulled to sleep by the rhythmic motion or be fascinated by the sights and sounds. However, some parents struggle with getting their kids to love the stroller as much as they do and once in awhile you’ll find that even the best behaved kids can get upset for no reason at all.

If you want to keep kids happy in their jogging stroller, here are some tips:

1. Choose the Right Time: Some kids do great very early in the morning, others would rather wait until evening time. If the weather is perfect, you might enjoy late morning or early afternoon, though in summer months when it is hot you will want to avoid those times to reduce the risks of sunburn or heat stroke. It will depend mostly on your kids and their schedule – making sure your workout routine fits in with their eating schedules, naps, and everything else will make them a lot happier.

2. Make Sure They are Fed: Hungry kids are crabby kids. Be sure before leaving they have eaten and will not get hungry while on the trail. You might want to consider bringing a few snacks along just in case they decide they need something else to eat.It is also good to have drinks since even if they aren’t the one’s exercising they might still get thirsty and it’s important for them to stay hydrated.

3. Consider Attachable Toys: While toys in general sound like a good idea to keep them amused, you’ll want the kind of toys that can be safely attached to the stroller. Why? Because little kids love to throw things and watch your reaction when you pick it up. It’s a great game to them. Unfortunately, it’s not going to help you a whole lot in getting a workout!

4. Take Breaks: Even the Best of Behaved Kids can have trouble staying still for a long period of time. If you’re out going a long distance, you may want to consider taking breaks in a safe area where they can do a little running of their own.

Have any tips on keeping the kids or baby happy in a stroller? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

How to Start Jogging

joggingIt’s important to learn some tips on how to start jogging before you actually do it if you’ve never really been a runner/jogger before. It can be a little frustrating for some who begin only to realize they don’t have the stamina to go more than a few minutes, let alone a few miles!

The good news is, even if you’ve never jogged a day in your life you can learn how to start jogging pretty easily and we hope you’ll find it to be a fun and enjoyable experience. Our tips below will get you from being uncertain about it to feeling confident and enjoying it quite a bit.

1. Start Off Walking: If you are out of shape or not physically fit, the best thing you can do is start off by taking it slow and walking. You can begin walking at a leisurely pace and then pick up your speed into what is called “power walking” where you walk briskly. After a few weeks of walking briskly you’ll be ready to start jogging slowly.

2. Don’t Expect Long Endurance: It takes awhile before you can build up the endurance to walk or jog long distances. You may want to start off with a short run such as a quarter mile and then slowly increasing the length and time each time you go out.

3. Warm Up First: Before you start jogging, you’ll want to warm up by walking and stretching beforehand. This can help you avoid dreaded injuries such as a pulled hamstring or others.

4. Dress Appropriately: Everyone has different preferences on what they like to wear when they are outside working out and exercising. You will have to consider not only your own personal preferences but also the weather. For example, if it is hot outside, you’ll want to make sure the clothes you wear a lightweight, breathable, and will not cause heat stroke. If you are jogging in cold weather, you’ll want to make sure that you keep your fingers, feet, and head warm. Even if you’re building up a good sweat, the cold temperatures can still put you at risk for frostbite.

5. Wear the Right Shoes: Again, the type of shoes you like will be different for everyone and depend on your own personal preferences. Good running shoes provide adequate support for the heels and ankles as well as makes it so you can have decent traction if necessary. While you likely won’t be jogging through any giant puddles of oil or on ice covered roads (at least we hope not!), you’ll still want to know that your shoes won’t cause you to slip if for some reason the roads are wet.

6. Consider Jogging With Others: When you are new to running, it can be a great experience to meet with others who are jogging and keep each other motivated. You can often join running clubs in your area to help you find others with the same interests.

7. Practice Safety: It’s very important that you practice safety tips. Never run with your back to oncoming traffic, run on the opposite side of the road. It’s best to stay off busy streets entirely – try to find a jogging trail or stay on the sidewalk. Many drivers are distracted and may not see you – especially if you are not wearing bright colors. You will also want to make sure you don’t jog in extreme heat or cold and stay hydrated.

8. Talk to Your Doctor: Before starting any exercise program, it’s never a bad idea to talk to your doctor. A simple check up can help make sure that jogging is the right fitness activity for you.

9. If It Hurts, Stop: You don’t want to push your body to limits where you start feeling physical pain. While you may have heard the phrase “no pain – no gain” it really does not hold true for running and exercising. If you feel pain, it could be a sign that you may be prone to an exercise related injury such as pulled or sprained muscles and joints if you are not careful.

Do you have any other tips on how to start jogging for beginners? Share your helpful advice in the comments section below!

Using a Jogging Stroller Safety Tips

safetyWe love our jogging strollers and being able to get a good workout with our kids who enjoy the ride at the same time. However, it’s very important that you follow some important jogging stroller safety tips to make sure that you don’t fall or worse the stroller would tip over. Our tips below will help make sure that everything you do will be not only a really fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your children, but also a safe one as well.

1. Read the Owner’s Manual: The owner’s manual that comes with your jogging stroller should supercede any tips we have listed below. Each manufacturer is responsible for providing a safe and competent product and so their manuals and instructions will be the most reliable source for how to properly use and care for the product you own. While many of these tips below will work for just about any make and model, and many models are simliar in design and structure, each is a different item and you’ll want to make sure that the information you use is relevant to exactly the type of strollers you are using.

2. Make Sure it it the Right Size: Putting a child in a stroller that cannot support its weight safely can cause a lot of problems. Even if the frame is strong enough to support him or her, it can be an issue that can cause the product to tip over or possibly even have problems with the braking system if it has one. Always make sure that you do not go over the manufacturer’s recommended weight. If you’re carrying a lot of additional items in the storage pockets you’ll want to consider that as well.

3. Make Sure Your Child Is Old Enough: While right after we have a baby we want to get right into our old regular routines again, most manufacturers and pediatricians advise against jogging with a stroller before the child has reached the age of 6 months. If you have a type that is designed to fit in with the baby’s infant car seat carrier, you may be able to use it for walking as long as the baby is safely secured inside the car seat.

4. Never Run Down Steep Hills: Running down a steep hill when you are alone is usually no problem, but when you are pushing something that is weighted and on wheels it can be a recipe for a disaster. You could easily lose control of the stroller or fall if you are not careful. Even walking down one can be a source of trouble for some parents, as the stroller will begin building momentum as you go down it. Be sure you have the tether strap carefully attached to you as recommended per the manufacturer.

5. Stay On Sidewalks, Paths & Trails: It makes us cringe anytime we see a mom out jogging with her kids on major busy roads. We also worry even about back roads with a lot of bends, curves, and dips since they can make it difficult for drivers to see you. Always jog where there are sidewalks or a path especially for runners so you do not have to worry about oncoming traffic.

6. Practice Without the Child First: You’ll want to make sure you know exactly how to use your stroller without the baby before you go for that first jog. We recommend buckling in something similiar to the child’s weight to give you an idea of how much it will weight with the child in it. When you practice, make sure you know how to stop it safely and smoothly and feel comfortable in steering and pushing it before you strap your little one in. This way you’ll also be able to adjust the handle bars to make sure it’s at a comfortable height for you as well.

7. Remember the Weather: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and other weather elements might make it harder for your kids to enjoy the ride as well. Always put sunscreen on you and your kids, even if it is an overcast day and they do have a protective visor on the stroller. If you are jogging when it is cold, be sure they are properly bundled up. If it is below freezing, you may want to consider leaving them at home or finding an indoor track near you that you can use instead.

We hope you love exercising with your kids as much as we do and that it’s a safe experience for all of you. Do you have any other jogging stroller safety tips to share? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!