Not just a walk in the park

New mothers can stay in shape and get to know their babies with Stroller Strides, a nationwide fitness program that is now offering classes in Burbank.

Stroller Strides made its Burbank debut on Wednesday at Johnny Carson Park as mothers and their babies came to participate in the grand opening of the program.

"Stroller fitness is really geared toward mom stretching her limbs to get herself healthy," said Lucie Murray, Stroller Strides instructor.

"Moms will have time to chat with each other and that's what makes it special. It's more than a workout program."

The one-hour fitness program includes power-walking, jogging, tubing, strength and flexibility exercise with the use of the stroller, Murray said.

Jana Carson started exercising with her Stroller Strides group in Sherman Oaks in October.

Her 6-month-old daughter, Emma, accompanies Carson to the park in her stroller.

"I'm a first-time mom and I don't want to stick her in a kids club in a gym," Carson said.

"It gets us both out for fresh air. It's a good way to meet other people and network with them."

Carson meets with her group at a local park in Sherman Oaks almost every day of the week, she said.

"The exercises are very challenging," Carson said.

"It's not just a walk in the park. We use strollers for balance and resistance. We sing to the babies to keep them occupied and happy."

Stroller Strides has franchises throughout the country, Murray said.

The Burbank franchise includes the Sherman Oaks and Toluca Lake areas.

"We've already had a great response just opening in Sherman Oaks," said Georgia Mitchell, franchisee of the Burbank Stroller Strides. "We've had people eager for it in Burbank."

Participants can join Stroller Strides at any time, Mitchell said.

"I've met a lot of moms who are not only looking for a fitness program, but a community to belong to," Mitchell said.

For Angela Solleder, Stroller Strides has helped her to lose weight and she's met other mothers who face similar child-care challenges.

"You can get isolated as a new parent," said Solleder, the mother of a 7-month-old daughter.

"It's really nice to meet other moms. We are all going through similar stages with our infants."

Stroller Strides classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Johnny Carson Park.

The cost for one class is $20, $150 for 10 classes and $75 for a monthly membership.

The first class is free. For more information or to register, visit www.strollerstrides.com or call (800) 701-2416.