Moms, babies stroll toward getting in shape

The exercise class was the grand-opening event for Killeen Fit 4 Mom-Stroller Strides, a local extension of a nationwide fitness program for moms.

After leaving the Army in July, Erin Laker was searching for her next step.

“In doing the research during my transition, I realized there was absolutely nothing even remotely like (Stroller Strides) in the area, and for the demographic of this town, I could not for the life of me figure out why there wasn’t something like this here because there’s a huge demand for it,” Laker said.

The 60-minute sessions

are at 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and are open to moms and babies alike, with special kid-friendly activities throughout the hour.

“The kids are engaged, and they’re active participants in the workouts themselves. It keeps babies entertained and happy while mom gets to work out,” Laker said.

Karla Sweeney, a Harker Heights mom with a toddler and another baby on the way, said it was nice to find an exercise program that incorporates her young son, freeing her to participate.

“I’ve had other friends in other states do these kinds of things, so I was really excited when I saw this kind of group. It’s a good way to meet people, and good exercise, especially when pregnant,” Sweeney said after Wednesday’s class.

All of the instructors are certified prenatal ad postnatal trainers, so the classes are open to moms of all stages, including pregnant women, but Laker warns not to expect an easy hour.

“It’s not a stroll around the park. You’re going to get a whole-body workout every time you come to Stroller Strides. You’re going to see a difference,” she said.