There are a lot of different benefits of running with a jogging stroller than hundreds of thousands of parents enjoy each day. Some of them are short term results, others are long term differences that can make a huge impact on the quality of your life. While we still love going on that jog by ourselves, there’s something about being able to take the kids along that makes it equally rewarding.
When someone asks why we’re so fanatic about our little carts for toting the kids around, here are some of the answers we give them:
1. Get in Shape: Perhaps one of the most obvious benefits of using one is that it gives you the opportunity to get in shape while having fun with your kids at the same time. When you are a parent it can be really hard to find the time to workout. Going to the gym is often out of the question because they do not allow kids in most places and finding a baby sitter or being able to afford to pay someone to watch them while you get in shape can be difficult. The added resistance from pushing the stroller can also help you get even more in shape and tone muscles in your arms while you’re at it. Most joggers do not get a good workout for their upper body from running – but when you’re pushing that buggy around you can get a whole body cardio workout!
2. Reduce Stress: Exercise is a great stress reliever. Many people who have realized they are natural born runners and love the feeling and experience of jogging know the wonderful feeling of getting done with a good jog, as well as how it can be an excellent stress reliever. Being a parent is stressful – between taking care of your family and yourself you need a good outlet to help you deal with the “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy…” constantly.
3. Fun for the Kids Too: So many kids and toddlers today just sit around watching TV all the time. While they sit in their seats they can get a nice view of something even better to watch: real life. They can enjoy nature or seeing other people while they ride in their seat. The ride can also comfort and relax some children, it’s not too surprising to see midway through a run that the little ones have fallen right to sleep.
4. Additional Safety Features: If you were to attempt to jog with a standard type of travel system for infants and toddlers it could potentially be dangerous for your little one. Five point harnesses, UV rated canopies, a hand leash to keep you attached to the stroller, braking systems, and other features help make it a safer experience than it would be with traditional models. Safety features will range from model to model – and it’s always important that you choose one that is appropriate for the type of use you are planning as well as the age of the child.
5. Connect With Other Parents: Being parents we don’t really have a lot of time for our social life. The days of going out with friends on a regular basis seems to all come to an end after you have your first child – and especially if you have two or more kids. Getting a running stroller through can help you find a new way to connect with your old friends again and make new ones. A lot of running parents enjoy jogging together – it can bring you closer to your spouse or give an opportunity to spend time with someone you care about and getting a work out at the same time.
These are just a few of the many benefits of using a jogging stroller and the reasons we like ours so much.
Do you have any benefits to add that we may have missed? Share them in the comments below.
