The idea is simple: Why not get the maximum effect out of your daily stroll, while having fun with your child at the same time?  Moms have turned traditional child strollers into effective workout equipment.  Groups of Strollercizing mothers can often be found in and around Central Park, performing synchronized routines, all with child in tow.

The techniques claim to target muscles generally associated with motherhood and child birth.  The convenience is a plus because, unlike calling a babysitter just to get to the gym, you can now strengthen and tighten anywhere you take your stroller.

While classes such as these can teach some great strengthening and toning techniques, you may wonder if you will receive a decent cardio workout as well.  This is the time to get creative.  Products like the Zigo Leader could be a fantastic addition to a Stroller Fitness workout.  Hop on and, with your child in the front ChildPod, ride to the park.  Then uncouple the ChilPod from the bike, and get into the rest of your workout routine.  You could even add the jogging stroller attachment if you’re really looking to up your endurance.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle - Bike, Walk, Run With Your Child

If you’re a working mom with a hectic schedule, why not give something like Strollercize or Strollerfit a try?  And if you’re feeling adventurous, look into a carrier bicycle as well; the combination of the two is sure to instill a healthy routine in both you and your children.

Zooper Bolero

If you are in the market for a stroller that is unusual, beautiful, practical and can be used from newborn on up, consider the Zooper Bolero.

The Zooper Bolero has some brilliant design point.  For instance, while Peg Perego Pliko P3 and Maclaren Quests are great strollers, any parent who has owned one will tell you that the 2 handle style is great for a compact fold, but hard to push with one hand without hurting your wrist.  The Zooper Bolero has the compact fold of the Peg Perego Pliko P3 and a traditional single handlebar that makes steering with one hand a breeze. 

The Zooper Bolero seat also converts into a bassinet for newborns, so you don’t have to put a bassinet attachment onto the frame like you do with Bugaboo Frog and Bugaboo Chameleon strollers.  Also the Zooper Bolero is compatible with popular infant car seats including the Graco Snug Ride, which some strollers in the same $300 price range such as the Maclaren Quest are not.

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Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle - Bike, Walk, Run With Your Child

The Zooper Bolero is also a great value.  Zooper products are very durable, I had a Zooper Waltz for about 3 years as my main stroller, and it was in great shape when I passed it along to another mom.  They also come with accessories that other stroller manufacturers such as Maclaren charge extra for including: a cup holder, rain cover, UV shade, and boot or sleeping bag.  My son was shy so the UV cover was wonderful for him because it kept strangers from touching him in stores (if you are an expectant parent you will be surprised at how often this happens).  The UV cover is like a mesh shade that covers the stroller and also darkens the stroller’s interior to make napping on the go a more calm experience.

Inglesina Zippy Stroller 2010

Ever look at those cute petite moms with perfectly proportioned Maclaren Triumph strollers with a little envy?  If you are over 5′10″  and have a baby you have probably figured out that most strollers were not designed for you.  The longer stride of a taller person can lead to stepping on the back of the stroller or hunching over to push your precious pumpkin.  Not fun.

Consider the Inglesina Zippy.  The stroller seems to have been designed for taller parents.  The stroller measures 42 inches tall with the handles set to their lowest position.  Then the handles telescope out another 2 1/2 inches to make it one of the tallest standard strollers on the market.  Other reasons to buy an Inglesina Zippy, removable washable seat covers (something that doesn’t exist on a Maclaren) and it comes standard with a cup holder for mom and baby.

The only reason not to buy a Zippy is if you have your heart set on the highly rated Britax Chaperone or Companion infant car seats or on the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio infant car seat, since Inglesina is not compatible with anything other than Graco infant car seat products.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Maclaren Techno XLR Stroller

Another strong choice is the Maclaren Techno XLR, slightly taller than the Maclaren Triumph or Maclaren Quest it also features the telescoping handles.  The 2010 Maclaren XLR is also compatible with a wider variety of infant car seats than the Inglesina ZIppy including the Peg Perego Prima Viaggio, Britax Companion, as well as the Graco Snug Ride.   The only thing I don’t like about the Maclaren XLR and their other strollers is that the basket is a little small and there is no cup holder.  Maclaren does sell a Universal Organizer for $25, but it is really only made for soda or water bottles.

Both of these models will set you back about $365, but it may save you on chiropracter visits in the long run.

Foundations Quad Stroller

So you have mastered night feedings, cashed out your 401K for Pampers and are starting to come out of the fog of being a new parent of multiples.  Finally you are ready to leave the house.  Then you realize the world was not made for mommies of multiples. How are you ever going to walk around the mall again?

Classic quad strollers are gigantic tanks made more for a daycare center then a busy family and others such as the Runabout Quad are so big they need their own car trailer to move them around.   Some people opt for 2 double strollers, which is fine if your mother is always around to help push, but what if you want to go out alone?

 The Foundations Quad Stroller is the best choice. Not only is its Maclaren style more attractive than the Runabout Quad—it is collapsible and the side by side style is far easier to maneuver than the tandem stroller.  For a multiples stroller it glides smoothly even at the higher end of the weight range.  While the Foundations Quad Stroller weighs in at a hefty 57 pounds, it can hold up to 160 pounds in weight, which should last at least 3 years if you have quads. The stroller will also glide through standard width doorways which makes going out alone with four kids easier.

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Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System