'Stroller Strong Moms' Kicks Off Thursday in Mount Vernon Area

PHOTO: Get ready to get fit: Stroller Strong Moms kicks off a new chapter in the Mount Vernon area next month.

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Got a little one at home and trying to get fit? Stroller Strong Moms DC/NOVA recently announced the grand opening of an Alexandria/Ft. Belvoir branch.

The health and fitness business will officially kick off with a launch on Thursday, May 5 at 10 a.m. at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway.

Voted Best Boot Camp in Northern Virginia Magazine’s "Best Of" survey, Stroller Strong Moms is described as a child-friendly stroller fitness class incorporating strength training, cardio and yoga. Currently, the class meets four days a week at Virginia Highlands Park in Arlington, and owner Kelli Berger CPT, is excited to expand the classes in Northern Virginia.

“It’s going to make Stroller Strong Moms more accessible for even more moms and dads. It’s more than just a workout group, it’s a community, and having more locations means more opportunity to work together,” Berger explained.

The Grist Mill Park grand opening on May 5 is free and open to anyone interested. The event will include a one-hour long workout class, taught by Certified Group Fitness Instructors, followed by playtime and prize giveaways for those attending. Instructors will also be on hand to answer questions.

In addition to the workout classes, Stroller Strong Mom participants enjoy access to monthly field trips for parents and children, Moms Night Out events, weekly playgroups, yoga classes, nutrition information, as well as other fitness and community building events. They affectionately refer to their workouts as S.L.A.M sessions, which stands for "Sweat Like A Mother."

Instructor and yoga teacher Lindsay Platky explains that the community and friendship-building elements are an essential part of the group. “While it’s rooted in a place of physical fitness, the friendships and the community aspect address the overall wellness of participants," she said.

"I’ve never found a more supportive group," said member Amanda Bifulco. "They’re more than just ladies I workout with. I can get mom advice, I’ve made really amazing friends, my son has a playgroup and he has friends, and there are a lot of great events to participate in. And it’s a killer workout. I move a lot, since my husband is in the military, so being able to come in and instantly have a community is invaluable.”

For more information on the grand opening, visit their Facebook page.

Alexa Smith started Stroller Strong Moms in 2011 in Columbus, Ga. She had just moved to the area, following her husband’s military career. With children in tow, she saw a need for fitness opportunities moms could participate in with their children. In addition to the Columbus location, there are groups in Savannah, Ga., Atlanta, Monterey, Calif, and the newest opening chapter in Los Angeles.