FIT4MOM to Expand into Elmhurst With 'Stroller Strides' and Prenatal Program

Opening in La Grange this month, and expanding into Elmhurst and 10 other nearby communities over the next year, FIT4MOM aims to make it a little easier for moms to work out. When strollers are incorporated into the program, there's no excuse to stay home.

FIT4MOM will begin offering two of its exclusive classes, Stroller Strides and Fit4Baby, in the La Grange area starting next week. In addition to Elmhurst, expect to find FIT4MOM locations popping up in Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Riverside and Western Springs, according to a news release from the company.

Stroller Strides

“Stroller Strides is a great way to get back in shape, as well as stay in shape,” said Sara Franko, owner of FIT4MOM of Chicago Western Suburbs. “We present a fun opportunity for the moms of the western suburbs to turn their strollers into a workout.”

Elmhurst moms who want to get a taste of the new fitness program before it arrives here can check out the new McCook/LaGrange location next week. Stroller Strides of the La Grange area is celebrating its grand opening at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at The Max, 4750 Vernon Ave., McCook. The first two Stroller Strides classes, Oct. 28 and 30, are free to those who register online at chicagowest.fit4mom.com.

Stroller Strides is a total fitness program moms can do with their children. It includes power walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller, according to the release. 

"In 60 minutes, you will get a total body workout improving your cardiovascular endurance, your strength and your flexibility. The classes are equally beneficial for children, as instructors will weave songs through the workout and incorporate activities to make it fun."

In addition to the classes, Stroller Strides offers play groups and mom’s night out, giving women an opportunity to socialize.

“We provide the outlet that moms need to enjoy time with other moms, while also focusing on the much needed exercise to fuel their demanding lives,” Franko said. “You can make new friends, get into shape and enjoy time with your baby.”

Fit4Baby

Fit4Baby is a prenatal fitness program. Like the Stroller Strides postnatal program, Fit4Baby offers a total body interval workout including strength training, cardio and flexibility exercises that can be completed in either an outdoor or indoor environment. 

During the one-hour class, exercises will be adjusted to accommodate clients’ various stages of pregnancy, and further education from instructors on each phase will help participants understand the bodily changes taking place, how to best care for themselves, and the preparation process for motherhood.  

"There is still quite a bit of misinformation out there in regard to exercise during pregnancy,” Franko said. “Our clients can rest assured that we are well-versed in the latest research and recommendations pertaining to this important population of women, and are therefore able to offer the safest and most effective program to date." 

There’s increasing awareness that exercise is beneficial to both mom and baby during pregnancy, Franko said. 

"Virtually every prenatal ache, pain and discomfort in a healthy pregnancy can be alleviated or lessened with exercise, and the added bonus of exercising in a group setting is the strong bonds and friendships that are built along the way."

For more information on FIT4MOM, contact Sara Franko at (708) 942-1666 or sarafranko@fit4mom.com.