Earlier this year, Jenn came to my studio for a maternity session and is now part of our Baby Plan. So I have really enjoyed getting to know her and her passion for her small business. I am so excited to feature her on our blog and share her story with all of you. Enjoy!!
Name: Jenn Dusenbery-Warnemuende
Business Name: Stroller Strides of Kalamazoo
Locations: Summer classes are currently being held at BiCentennial Park in Portage
Website/Blog: www.strollerstrides.net/kalamazoo
Describe your business: Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their kiddos. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser. Stroller Strides instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to entertain and engage baby, while moms are led through a series of exercises specific to her role as mom.
What’s one thing that everyone should know about you? I am passionate about health and fitness!
How long have you been in business and how did you get started? I purchased the Kalamazoo Stroller Strides franchise in April of 2010. I had been looking for something to do that I could do with my then one year old, Kyelar. I heard that the previous owner was looking to sell the franchise so, it just kind of fell into my lap.
Does your specialty require specific training? In order to teach any kind of fitness class you need to be certified. There are all different kinds of fitness certifications that are available. In order to teach Stroller Strides you need to either attend the Stroller Strides academy and pass both a written and a practical exam or be certified as a group fitness instructor and successfully pass a Stroller Strides written exam.
What change are you looking forward to this year? Both professionally and personally? Professionally I am looking forward to growing Stroller Strides. Personally I am looking forward to watching my little girls grow and change every day!
If you were given $500 today, what would be the first thing you would do? I would go shopping with my girls.
Where do you go for inspiration? My family, mainly my girls, are my inspiration.
What is a great tip or quick bit of advice you can give us? For the pregnant and post-partum mommies out there, just remember that it took 9 months for your body to get to where it was/will be at delivery. You need to give yourself 9 months for it to go back!
What is the favorite thing you like about job? I love being able to work out with my kiddos in tow and being able to help other mommies teach their kiddos the importance of exercise.
Tell us about your family: My family consists of my wonderful husband Joel and our four beautiful daughters, Keycia 14, Kalina 10, Kyelar 2 ½, and Kinsey 5 months.
How do you get a connection between you and your clients? I ask a lot of questions to get to know them and their kiddos.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I will be in an administrative position within the criminal justice field, half of my girls will already be out of the house, which is crazy to think about, and I will be enjoying life with my husband!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I haven’t done anything with my Criminal Justice degree and that is the plan once all of the kids are in school.
What profession would you not like to do? Anything stinky!
What one thing can just “make you day”? Right now, it is every morning when Kinsey wakes up and she has a big smile on her face. It melts my heart and I love it!
What is the main goal of your business? To help moms in fitness and in motherhood!
What is your favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo? Fandango
Do you have any specials or first time offers for us? The first class is always free. Plus, mention this blog post and receive 15% off a class package.
Anything else you would like to say? Each Stroller Strides franchise has a free moms group associated with it called the LUNA Moms Club. This is a free moms group where the main goal is to help other moms through motherhood. The LUNA Moms Club of Kalamazoo has daily playgroups, family events several times per month, book club, couples night out, moms night out, and a Mommies with a Mission program. It is not required to participate in Stroller Strides in order to be in the moms group.
