Tips for Running with Jogging Strollers: Pros and Cons, Stroller Holding Guides
Every new parent finds it hard to exercise, especially moms who like to run. The schedules and training regimes are hard to re-establish after the baby is born. Joggling strollers offer a way for parents to run or jog while giving the baby some fresh air. A jogging stroller can help you get back in shape and stay healthy by allowing workouts during your busy days looking after your new child. Jogging strollers can be beneficial for both parents, but particularly for running moms.
The major benefit of a jogging stroller is basically that you and your child can run with it, you can walk with it, you can even compete in races with it. They are more expensive than a normal strollers that are not really designed for running. This article outlines what to look for when choosing a jogging stroller and tips for running safely with a stroller. You should also be careful to maintain your ideal running stride and pace.
Jogging strollers have larger wheels and better suspensions systems so you can go off paved paths and down bumpy pathways with a smooth ride for you and your child. They look stylish and sporty and go well with your active lifestyle. However they are very expensive, bulky and may be hard to manoeuvre around the supermarket or for other activities.
It is generally recommended that parents wait until the baby is 6-8 months old before using them. Of course, the Jogging stroller can be used as a walking stroller until the baby is ready for faster speeds, so you don't necessarily have to buy two strollers. Both you are your baby need to get used to jogging or running with a stroller and it may not suit either or both, and so a few trials and practice runs are a good idea, perhaps with a borrowed stroller.
Some children don't like to be strapped in for long periods and may get bored with the experience. Others do not like the speed or may get motion sickness and it may take them time to get used to and adapt to it. Many runners find jogging strollers ungainly and not really suitable for their training programs.
What to Look for in a Jogging Stroller
At the outset you can avoid problems but making sure the Jogging Stroller you buy has the following key features:
Lightweight - Choose a stroller that is lightweight because it will be easier to push and easier to fold and handle. Look for a sturdy aluminum frame instead of steel, but make sure it is strong and well constructed.
Easy to Fold - Choose a stroller that is easy to fold to make it easier to get into and out of your car.
Capable for both Walking and Running - The jogger should be suitable for both walking and jogging. most people lock the front wheel in a fixed position when running as it is safer of your stroller and stops swerving uncontrollably. However, it is hard to walk with a stroller that has a fixed front wheel and it should be released when walling. Choose a stroller that allows you to make these adjustments easily.
Extra Features you may Need -Some special features may be very helpful, such as an infant car seat adapter or a drink console, weather shield as well, trays for food and other items. Make sure the stroller you choose has these features.
Safety - Make sure you get a running stroller that has certified safety features. It can be very hazardous running with a child so ensure the stroller is safe and that your child is properly strapped in and all safety features and guidelines are followed are working. Some of the essential safety features include grip material on the handle so it won't slip, and a wrist strap to prevent the stroller separating from you.
High-Quality Stroller - Make sure you don't compromise safety and stability for a cheap price. Make sure that the stroller won't tip around corners. Choose one that has a hammock-like seat for your child with a sturdy seat belt. Consider second hand stroller to ensure you get the best quality cheaply
Take a Test Drive - Although it may seem silly, wear your running gear to the shop and take a test drive with or without your baby. You need to make sure the stroller matches your style of running and feels comfortable.
Tips for Jogging and Running with Jogging Stroller
Age to Start - It is generally recommended by the stroller manufacturers and health authorities that children should at least 6-8 months of age before using a jogging stroller. Be patient and introduce it slowly.
Check the Stroller thoroughly before use including Tire Pressure - Tire pressure is very important as too little pressure will make it hard to push more difficult to push. Make sure that all the safety features are in good condition and there is no damage.
Route Choice - Think carefully about your running route including how long it will take and exit points if something goes wrong. You don't want to end up in a remote location with a screaming baby of a flat tire. Be prepared so that you can bail out if needed. You have a wide variety of choose from foot-paths, jogging tracks, parks, hard sand beaches or go off-road to hiking trails. Start with short easy routes and become more adventurous and you and your child gets more experienced. Plan your trip in terms of how it will affect on your child's ride. Never use the stroller at night as it is not safe and unfair to other users of the area. Stick to familiar routes with bail out options - multiple circuits may be better than out and back routes. When your baby is young (under 1 year) choose smooth surfaces to minimize shaking. It makes a lot of sense to use a bicycle helmet for your child when jogging.
Never take your hands off the stroller - The jogging stroller may roll away from your r get out of control and tip over.
Exposure to the Elements - Take care to deal with your child's exposure to the elements. Use hats, canopies and sunscreen to block the sun.. Use extra clothes and blankets in cold and damp weather. Always take the rain shelter equipment with you.
Consider other Runners and Cyclists - Remember to be very considerate of other runners and cyclists on the path. Always allow plenty of space when passing or approaching other runners. Check the local rules before you attempt to enter a race as most races don't allow strollers or may impose various condition, such as starting well after other runners.
Unlocking or Locking the front wheel when running - Most jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel, or a lever that allows you to unlock and lock the front wheel. When running mot people recommend that the front wheel be locked in place. This stops the stroller from turning unexpectedly and causing a crash. Turning corners with a locked front wheel is definitely a challenge, but it get easier after you become more experienced.
Make Sure you Take What you Need - Most jogging strollers have various compartments or holders and a basket underneath, that provide lots of room for things you might need. Make a list so you don't forget wipes, water, diapers, snacks, music, various toys or books to entertain your child.
Strap your child in with the full harness - The harness keeps your child in the stroller and reduces movement and shaking. This will also stop the child from getting fingers caught in the wheels and sudden jerks.
Always be Well Organized - Dress yourself and your child and check and prepare the stroller before use. This will help the stop the child from becoming restless just sitting there waiting. Getting the stroller ready to go, means checking the brakes, checking the tire pressure, harness and safety features. Also pack up all the things you could need: sippy cup, blankets, toys, water bottle for you and child, snacks, food, music, keys, cell phone (a checklist is a good idea). Get used to doing all this without leaving our child unattended.
Loading the Child into the Stroller - Unfold the stroller, make sure the frame is locked, and with the parking brake on place your baby inside. Straps the child in, making all the necessary adjustments. Always ensure that the safety wrist strap is firmly attached to both the stroller and you before you start.
Tips for running Style - The two key things to remember are stride and posture. Running with a jogging stroller is a little different from normal jogging, so you must remember not to hunch over the handlebar and also not to bump your feet on the rear axle. If you havea naturally long stride, shorten it a bit. The correct running posture should have your shoulders relaxed and your chest pushed out, and your stomach muscles firm. Your arms (i.e. from elbow to wrist) should be parallel to the ground, and you should grip the handlebar lightly. Run at a moderate speed and never more than 10 to 12 mph. Check on baby from time to time by glancing down through the peek window, or stopping at intervals.
- Push with your legs - You want to use your lower body strength to push the stroller. You don't want to hunch over the stroller while
running-that will definitely put a strain on your upper body. Plus, it's a great workout for those glutes and quads!
- Be mindful of your form - Even when you‘re running alone, you should check your form from time to time. Just be sure that you're maintaining good posture and not slumping. This is even more important with the stroller because holding onto the handlebar and pushing your little one can make you start to hunch over. Remember to pull those shoulders back and run tall.
- Watch your stride - Running with the stroller can throw off your natural running stride and make your stride a bit choppy. Keep your body far enough from the stroller than you can maintain a comfortable, open stride while you run.
- Swing those arms - Running with the stroller causes you to lose your natural arm swing which is a challenge to get used to. Push the stroller with two hands. Or if you use one hand make sure to switch hands every so often. Don‘t forget to keep the stroller's safety strap on your wrist at all times. Over time, you'll figure out what‘s comfortable for you in terms of your hand placement on the handlebar.
Optimum Way to Hold the Stroller
How you run behind a stroller may determine how much physical benefit you actually experience according to a new study. Most runners used one of three techniques when pushing a stroller. The held the handlebars
- one-handed,
- two-handed, or
- pushed and chased the carriage in repeated spurts.
The tests showed that a test group of runners were not able to maintain their initial pace when pushing a stroller using any three of the methods. Instead, their strides became shorter, especially when they used one hand to hold the stroller. This also occurred when they pushed the stroller and chased it. Because they slowed down so much and shortened their stride, their heart rates and energy costs did not rise above that of with a normal run, even though they were pushing additional weight. The study found that their form and pace remained close to normal when they used two hands.
