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Expert Q&A

	By Kelli Calabrese Exercise Physiologist

I have been jogging about 8 to 10 miles a week while pushing my 8-month-old in a jogging stroller. A friend told me that I am getting less of a workout because I am holding on the stroller. I always thought I was getting more because of the extra weight. Who's right?

Has your friend run while pushing 15–20 pounds around? It is work to push the stroller, especially up hill! You are doing less arm work regarding swinging your arms, but you are getting extra total body work by pushing the stroller up hills and against the wind. You can vary your running by using one arm and running to the side of the stroller so you can swing the other. Then be sure to switch sides. Make sure to have a jogging stroller that is ergonomically correct for your running stride so that you can maintain your same running mechanics with or without the stroller. When possible, push the stroller slightly ahead of you for some extra triceps work and then run up to it without letting the stroller lose momentum. That's a great way to do intervals.

Be proud that you are out there running with an 8-month-old, showing him or her what a great role model you are.

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