Stroller Running
May 20, 2021
A fantastic way to get out of the house, stay healthy and enjoy what you love with your little one. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Make sure your baby is old enough
- They usually say to wait until 6-8 months (and they show proper neck control) before starting to jog in the stroller
2. Use proper running form
⁃ Do not ‘hunch’ over the stroller and pull your shoulders down and back. Keep your chest lifted and torso somewhat hinged. This is will decrease strain on your lower and upper neck
⁃ Do not death grip the stroller and keep your wrists in a neutral position with your elbows at 90 degrees
⁃ Try to run with one hand and switch every 15 minutes to balance out the body
⁃ Engage your core and think of your lower body propelling you forward while your upper body directs you
⁃ Keep an energetic arm swing to simulate a regular running pattern
3. Let go of pace
- Running with a stroller is hard. Measure effort based on heart rate and time vs. pace and distance. It is normal to have a decreased pace with stroller running, but it will make you a stronger runner overall
- One study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that running with a stroller significantly increases heart rate, perceived level of exertion, and lactate concentration
4. Stay close to home and be well-stocked
⁃ Babies and toddlers can be unpredictable, and some days do not want to participate ????
⁃ Bring an extra layer of clothing, diapers, sunscreen, wipes, toys etc to keep them as happy as they can be
5. Have fun!
- Try to have a flexible mindset and don’t be discouraged if things do not as you planned. Just be happy to spend some quality time with your babe, even if it’s a short outing.
If you have any questions or notice areas flaring up when running with a stroller, we suggest booking in for an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.
Call 780-458-8505 to book or visit the link in bio for online booking.
Happy Running!
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