Mother of Two Brings Fitness and Camaraderie to New Moms

Former New York City lawyer, now mother of two and Stroller Strides franchise owner, Erin Cowan is a poster woman for strength, determination and absolute dedication.

As a former two-year member of Stroller Strides, Cowan’s decision to purchase the franchise in January seemed like a no-brainer.

“I absolutely love the Stroller Strides program,” said Cowan. “I wanted to be able to bring such an empowering program to local woman.”

Contrary to popular belief, Stroller Strides is not just a walking program for new moms and their youngsters. Rather, it is a full-body workout which includes interval and strength training using resistance bands, abdominal work and stretching. 

“Throughout the class we entertain the children by singing songs and playing games,” explained Cowan.

While the goal of the program is for women to get back in shape after giving birth, it provides so much more than just a convenient exercise regimen that mothers can bring their babies to.

“We also aim to provide a support network for new moms by having playgroups and just hanging out after class and discussing the joys and hardships of motherhood,” said Cowan.

Each class is taught by an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) or American Council on Exercise (ACE) group certified instructor who has also taken a Stroller Strides class and test. Numerous classes are offered in several surrounding areas including FishHawk Ranch, Hyde Park Village, Brandon, Citrus Park and Wesley Chapel.

As part of her franchise, Cowan also offers two additional programs known as Body Back and Fit4Baby.

Body Back, geared toward any woman who has ever had a baby, is a high-intensity interval training program, with before and after fitness assessments. According to Cowan, the program includes a nutritional component with meal plans and food journaling. The next series of classes, offered bright and early at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, will begin on June 14 and run for 10 weeks at the Brandon Parkway. 

Fit4Baby is a pre-natal fitness program. According to Cowan, this program is specifically designed to strengthen the pregnant body and lessen the postural changes that occur during pregnancy.

“We concentrate on strengthening the muscles used during pregnancy and delivery. We also concentrate on strengthening the pelvic floor,” explained Cowan.

Free classes will be offered at the Brandon Regional Hospital starting in June.

“The obvious benefit to these programs is to get in shape, but the intangibles are what it is all about,” said Cowan. “It’s about the friendships and support.”