Stroller Strides classes are offered Monday/Wednesday at Halyburton Park, Tuesday/Thursday at Hugh MacRae Park, Friday in the Marsh Oaks neighborhood in Porter's Neck and Saturday at the Carolina Beach Lake Park. These classes begin promptly at 9am. Evening classes are offered at 5:45pm on Tuesday at Halyburton Park and Thursday at Hugh MacRae Park. Please arrive 15 minutes before class. Bring water, sun protection, yoga mat/towel/blanket, and a SMILE!

Starting Monday, September 15, morning classes will begin at 10am.

Join Team Stroller Strides for the second annual Strollathon and help raise money for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation! The Strollathon will be held at Wrightsville Beach Park on Saturday, September 27. Start time is 9:45am. The 1 mile walk is followed by a day of fun including live music by the Sea Pans, bounce house, food and a silent auction and raffle so feel free to bring the whole family! Everyone is welcome to attend and walk in the Strollathon as a member of Team Stroller Strides! All team members are encouraged, but not required, to collect donations to go towards IRSF. Rett Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects girls between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. Girls will develop normally and then suddenly begin to regress developmentally leading to severe lifelong handicaps like loss of speech, hand use and mobility. The IRSF uses money raised for research to find treatments as well as raising awareness about the disorder. To learn more or donate go to www.rettsyndrome.org. Email jodysmith@strollerstrides.net to join the team! We are so proud and excited to be a part of this wonderful community event!

September Luna Moms Club Events:

All playgroups meet immediately following Stroller Strides class (10am through Sept 11, 11am starting Sept 17).  Wednesday at Halyburton Park near shelter #2, Thursday at Hugh MacRae Park near shelter #5.

September 3/4 - Shape Art
September 10/11 - Storytime: "Shapes: Slide and Seek"
September 17/18 - Tissue Paper Art
September 24 - Post partum depression talk and tour of new wing at hospital (meet at hospital)
September 25 - September Birthday Celebrations

Saturday, September 27, 7:00pm - Mom's Night Out!
Mom's Night Out is actually a spa night in! We'll meet at Bella's for mini-facials and makeovers by Meg Nuzzi from Mary Kay. Bring a beverage and/or a snack to share as well as your favorite nail polish for DIY mani/pedis! For more details and/or RSVP go to http://parents.meetup.com/582/ or jodysmith@strollerstrides.net.

Sign up for the LUNA Moms Club and receive a free gift! Visit http://www.lunabar.com/momsclub.

Wilmington Stroller Strides is now on Myspace (www.myspace.com/strollerstrideswilmington) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24331921931). Find us and let's be friends!

Here's what a few Wilmington Area Stroller Strides moms are saying about their experience:

"After I leave a Stroller Strides class I feel I have accomplished something so much more then a work out. I have made time for myself to be healthy and social at the same time. A class is a time for fitness and friendship and I value both so much." ~Mary C. (mom to 9 month old DJ)

"I joined Stroller Strides to get back in shape and gain back strength. I was really active before I got pregnant and I felt winded after just carrying a load of laundry upstairs. The thing that reeled me in was that Zoe was part of the workout. I didn't need to pay a sitter, and it was more bonding time, and time in the fresh air. What I like most is the support. I have Jody's support in helping me acheive my fitness goals, all the moms' support in my mothering, the emotional support of the whole group. The classes really work you to the limit. Of course you can choose your own pace but if you do it at 100%, it is really challenging. I really feel like I pushed myself. I'm taking steps toward being healthy and being a good role model for Zoe. Incidentally, I love that we never talk about pounds or inches in Stroller Strides-just about feeling good, being healthy, and setting a good example of being active for our kids. Stroller Strides has given me an opportunity to get healthy WITH my daughter WITH a group of supportive women. Stroller Strides also welcomes dads, so when my husband isn't working, we get to exercise as a family (Zoe loves those days). Many of the dads now come Saturdays and now the dads are getting to know each other, too. I went from staying inside almost all day to being outside for long stretches 3-5 days a week. Jody brings a really positive, non-judgemental, happy attitute to class, and it reflects in the group. I was really concerned with that-- I wanted to be in a group that embraces whatever choices women are making as mothers. She truly has created a safe space to get healthy-- in 'mind, body AND spirit' as she says." ~Emily C. (mom to 11 month old Zoe)

"After completing a stroller strides class I am more energetic and ready to face the day. More importantly, Stroller Strides has improved my physical fitness. I feel really strong, like I can accomplish anything! The best part is that I can bring my kids with me and they have fun!" ~Rica S. (mom to 3 year old Emelia & 1 year old Jullian)

"I hate exercising, but I always feel better for going after class. I always feel like class was easy, then I wake up in the morning and my butt and arms hurt." ~Jennifer N. (mom to 10 month old Preston)

"As a working mom, I found it hard to find the time to workout without sacrifing precious time with my baby. With Stroller Strides Working Mom classes, I love that I can get a good, total-body workout while still bonding with my baby." ~Amy T. (mom to 8 month old Abby)

"I initially joined to get a workout, but I have found so much more. I love the fact that I am doing something for myself by getting in a good workout, but I can also involve my child as well. I also love the camraderie, the support, the friendships. After attending class I feel so good about myself, and so happy that I can set a good example for my daughter. I am a different person, in just this short time. I am happier, healthier, and so much more excited to get up in the morning. Before Stroller Strides, I was living the most isolated year of my life with my daughter. Being a stay at home mom was harder than I expected, and although I was blissfully in love with my daughter, I found all of my friends slipping away. It was hard to find activities to do with such a small baby, and working out was impossible. I decided to give Stroller Strides a chance after meeting Jody, who was so kind and open and friendly. After the first class, I was hooked! Now I wake up excited to go to class and my daughter loves to go walk and see her friends. I am making huge strides in my fitness level, but more importantly I am a different person in my soul. I have opened up again, made wonderful friends, and am enjoying life so much more. I know this sounds cheesy, but it is true: Stroller Strides has changed my life." ~Bella S. (mom to 1 year old Lily)

"Stroller Strides is way more than an exercise class. You meet great moms who either have or are going to have the same experiences with their babies. Not only is there exercise there is friendship, advice, tips and most importantly laughter. Being a Mom is great, being a Stroller Strides Mom is even better." ~Linda W. (mom to 8 month old Hannah)

New photos from playgroups, classes, moms night out and other events are always being added to the photo gallery. Check it out and see all the fun stuff the Wilmington Area Stroller Strides moms are up to!

When you refer a friend and she signs up for a membership you'll both get one class FREE! A credit will be issued to your monthly dues or toward registration fee. There's no limit on how many referrals so bring a friend and see the savings add up for you!

Summer is here and with it comes swimsuit season! Feel your best by getting in a great workout after your day at the office with Stroller Strides! Beginning April 1 the Wilmington Area Stroller Strides will offer evening classes - Tuesdays at Halyburton Park and Thursdays at Hugh MacRae Park. Each class is an hour long and begins promptly at 5:45pm. Call 800.691.6154 or email jodysmith@strollerstrides.net if you are interested or for more information.

As moms, we understand that life is about finding balance while nurturing our minds, bodies and spirits. LUNA Moms Club was created with this aspiration in mind. By becoming a member you will build a tight community of moms to share advice, tips and most importantly laughter. Support and connect with other moms through:

Innovative & creative playgroups - fun for mom, fun for baby.
Entertaining moms' nights out - this is your time.
"Moms with a Mission" activities - help better the community where you live and play.

Join us. Make a difference.
Go to www.lunabar.com/momsclub to sign up today. You do not have to be a member of Stroller Strides to join the LUNA Moms Club. All moms are welcome!

Watch this short video showing just some of what Stroller Strides has to offer.
http://animoto.com/play/fb77e9e584276ecf8ff7d47973

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Stroller Strides instructor, please email jodysmith@strollerstrides.net. Sub opportunities are available as well!

Do you live on the north side of town in the Ogden, Porter's Neck or Hampstead areas? Do you wish there was a class at a location closer to you? EMAIL or CALL me and let me know! I am hoping to offer a class (or a few!) on that side of town if the demand is there. I'd love to hear from you!!
Thank you!
~Jody

Class will be cancelled or moved indoors only when weather conditions appear to pose a hazard. Classes are NOT cancelled for light rain or drizzle; instructors will be available to teach.

Cold Weather - We will cancel or move class indoors in the winter if the temperature is expected to be 40 degrees or colder (or 40 degrees or colder with wind chill) at 10:00am. In the Wilmington Area this doesn't happen too often, so we will just bundle up and keep on walking! I use www.weather.com and the "Hour by Hour" forecast to make the call.

A voice announcement will be posted one hour before class time at 800.691.6154. Press option 4 to hear if class is cancelled or moved indoors.