Meet the Trainers: Rosy

Rosy and daughters Isabella (2) and Berea (5)

Rosy writes:

"My story is I gained 55 pounds with my first daughter Berea. My pregnancy was uncomfortable and my labor and delivery was very long, as was my recovery. When I got pregnant with Isabella, I told myself that I would not allow the same thing to happen. I joined Stroller Strides in Monterey, CA when I was 5 months pregnant. I ended up only gaining 27 pounds, my labor and delivery was 2 hours long, and my recovery was quick and painless. I was ready and running by my 6-week checkup. When I saw the drastic change between my two pregnancies, it was my goal to get as many pre- and post-natal mommies to attend Stroller Strides with me. That turned into a desire to teach Stroller Strides (since I used to teach elementary school before becoming a mommy). It was a great fit, and still is. I am excited about this opportunity to teach in Hawaii. This is my third franchise, and I love how everyone is always so nice, we all have the same goals and desires to be healthy, and be with our children. One of my favorite things is to watch the little ones do lunges or push ups with us, that means we are passing healthy habits to our children as well. Speaking as someone who was left a HORRIBLE health history, it is truly a gift we are giving our children to show them that exercising (with friends none the less) and getting outside is important. I look forward to getting to know all of you and your beautiful children. Thank you for those of you who have already given me such a warm, aloha welcome!"

Meet the Trainers (Part 4 - Kim M)

re-post, meet Kim!

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Welcome to one of our newest trainers (but not a new member), Kim! Kim has AFAA Group Excercise, Adult/Child/Infant CPR and First Aid certifications, and writes this message to introduce herself to us:

"My name is Kim, and I am very excited to have the pleasure of joining Stroller Strides as an instructor. As a member of Stroller Strides, I’ve looked forward to each workout and the friendship, camaraderie and support that has strengthened me as a mom and person. Fitness has always been an important of my life, and as a mom, I love that Stroller Strides combines fun and physical activity in a family oriented environment. The gorgeous Hawaiian background is simply the icing on the cake!

Normally, I attend and instruct class with my son, TJ, who is 2 years old. My husband, Brian, and I also have a 5 year old daughter, Abby. I was raised in Steeler Country, aka Pittsburgh, PA, and am a proud engineering graduate of Penn State. I've been employed as a project engineer, worked as a financial liaison for a military support group and taught students at Sylvan Learning Center. Brian has been in the Navy for 14 years and we’ve lived in all four corners of the mainland, including here in Hawaii. I’ve enjoyed our locations near open water, and in addition to teaching and participating in Stroller Strides, I love to hike, bike and take my family to the beach.

I’m eager to see each of you in class, and look forward to many fun times together!"

Thank you Kim for taking the time to tell us a little bit more about yourself!

Kim, TJ & Abby

TJ, Kim, Brian & Abby

Kim & TJ

Meet the Trainers: Jill

AFAA Certified - Group Fitness Instructor
ACE Certified - Personal Trainer
American Red Cross - First Aid, AED, Infant, Child, & Adult CPR

Jill with her daughters, Makaila (left) and Alexis

I am the proud Mom of Makaila (Moo) 6 years old and Alexis (Sweets) almost 4. I am also so proud to say Stroller Strides has been apart of our lives for the past 6 years now. Wow, how time flies! =)

Not knowing many Moms after the birth of our daughter Makaila, I decided to try a SS class when she was four months old. I loved it of course! Buffy's class (for those that didn't know Buffy, she was an amazing instructor along with another that originally brought SS to Hawaii) was the second class I took. For those that knew her, need I say more... I started out as member, became playgroup leader, and then an instructor. I have been teaching now for over 5 years. I have taught SS classes in every location on the island. I sure do love it on the Leeward side. =)

Just a few facts about me... I have been living in Hawaii for 20 years now. After high school, I went away to college on the mainland & then transferred back to school in Hawaii. After school I worked for American Cancer Society for 2 years, and then for United Airlines as a flight attendant for 6 years. In 2001, 6 months after we met, my husband Bryant whisked me away to New Zealand to watch him do his 1st Ironman Triathlon. Off the subject, that is where he proposed. =) How inspiring to see an Ironman Race! Wow! Ever since then I have been doing triathlons right along with him. I have competed in many Sprint & Olympic distance triathlons, and done 3 Half Ironman Triathlons on the Big Island. The one year I was signed up to do Ironman New Zealand, I got pregnant with Makaila. Our suprise angel! I have done many running races, to include 4 half marathons, and 2 whole marathons. We still try and get our races in throughout the year, but not nearly as many we were doing before our girls. That is still a goal of mine, to complete an Ironman Triathlon! =)

I am truly blessed to be apart of Stroller Strides. Fitness is my passion! As long as I can continue to show others that they can reach their true potential in whatever their fitness goals may be, I will be out there saying, "abs tight, only one more set, push it ladies!" What amazing women and children I have met over the years. I am so thankful for all that Stroller Strides has brought into our lives.

Alexis and Makaila

Meet the Trainers (Part 2 - Buffy)

We are re-posting our "Meet the Trainers" series so that our new member can learn a little more about our fabulous, amazing trainers! Look for a new post each Friday.

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Our second "Meet the Trainers" post highlights everyone's favorite "kick your booty" trainer, Buffy!

Buffy is originally from San Diego, California and has lived in Hawaii for 14 years. She moved to Hawaii a few years after graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She also received her California Teaching Credential from National University in San Diego.

Buffy is a group fitness instructor through AFAA, Aerobics & Fitness Association of America, and is also trained in First Aid, AED and Adult/Child/Infant CPR.

Buffy writes:

"I met my husband, Pete, here in Hawaii through a local running group. Pete and I both ran competitively for Team Nike Town in Honolulu for a number of years. I resigned from the team when I found out I was due with my second child. I taught with the Department of Education for 7 years before I had my first child, Malia Estella, now 6. It was then that I decided to bring Stroller Strides to Hawaii as a co-owner along with my good friend, Katy Mobley. Here I was able to integrate teaching, fitness and my child into 1 fun program. I was co-owner of Stroller Strides for over 2 years, and have taught classes for over 5 years. I have since had 2 more children, Murphy John, 4 and McCully Regis, 2.

I live in Makakilo with my family and mini schnauzer, Mocha, and keep myself busy with teaching Stroller Strides classes, training for marathons (Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in June '08 and the Boston Marathon in April '09). I recently mentored a group of runners with Team in Training, which is part of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, for the Honolulu Marathon '08, and volunteer at my children's school.

I love Hawaii, the people, the culture and being able to teach quality work out classes outdoors year round. Despite both being from the mainland, Pete is from Boston, we have chosen to make this beautiful island our home. Stroller Strides has been such a bonus in my life and meeting so many women from different backgrounds is fun."

Buffy and McCully

Malia, Pete, McCully and Murphy

Buffy and Pete

Thanks Buffy for letting us all get to know you a little better!

All you other Stroller Strides moms, don't forget to send me a photo(s) and a bio for our mom spotlight posts!

Tin Man Triathlon

Jill participated in the Tinman Triathlon on July 26th with a time of 2hrs. and 25mins.  She placed 3rd in her age group! The triathlon consisted of 800m swim, 26 mile bike, and 6 mile run.  

The Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon/Super Sprint is next!  Scroll down to see the previous post for more information.

CONGRATULATIONS JILL ON YOUR AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT!

An update from Sarah

I received an email from Sarah this morning, ans she has asked me to share this with all of our members, and post to the blog:

Sarah has just learned that she is required to make an urgent trip back to Canada for her passport renewal, as per immigration. She has also learned the sad news that her Grandmother has passed away this morning, making the trip to Canada even more immediate.

Sarah shares that she and Sophia are quite stressed right now, and will be traveling a lot for the month of August. Per her request to Joni, she will not be on the schedule for August, and will be limited in September. They plan to de-stress in September. When they return home, she and Sophia plan to take classes, and enjoy their "family of friends" again in Hawaii. She says to think of them as they are about to embark upon a huge journey, from Hawaii to Canada to Singapore.

Sarah, I'm sure everyone shares my deepest condolences to you during this sad time, and all of our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Safe journeys!!

Where oh where is Jill?

Here is a message from Jill about her short hiatus from teaching classes:

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Hi Ladies,

I just want to let you all know that I will be taking the month of June off from teaching. I am very excited though to be out there with you all attending classes. I am ready to get my butt kicked by our awesome instructors. I look forward to teaching again in July. See you all in class! =)

Aloha,
Jill Natividad ;)

Meet the Trainers (Part 3 - Sarah)

Part 3 of our "Meet the Trainers" series introduces us to our last trainer, and

Stroller Strides Central Leeward owner, Sarah.

Sarah writes:

"Hello, my name is Sarah Hoey. I LOVE STROLLER STRIDES. I have been involved in (the) fitness (industry) for 8 years and am AFAA, ACE, Stroller Strides, Pilates, Spinning, Turbo-Kick and Water Aerobics certified. I also carry my personal trainer certification.

I own and believe in Stroller Strides because of the members. My body changed after I had a baby and I was alone and sad at times.

This was a huge transition in my life. I discovered Stroller Strides at a parade, and all it took was one trail class and I was hooked.

I have been involved in fitness forever but this was different because it came with the support of real mommies, talk time, workout time, mom's night out, and a chance to feel comfortable in my own skin again.

Since having my daughter, Sophia Ella Shirley Hoey, I have moved 4 times, and finally settled in Hawaii. I am originally from north of Calgary Alberta Canada. Yes, a huge change of climate, yet I love it.

Like the other trainers, I spend my time on fitness goals of my own. I have run 3 half marathon, and compete in figure and fitness model competitions.

As the owner of Stroller Strides, I want to meet you if you are reading this, and encourage your to get back into shape and meet our amazing mommies who have so much to share and offer.

See you soon,

Sarah Hoey, LIFE LONG STRIDER

Photos from Sarah's Figure and Fitness Model Competitions:

Thank you Sarah for letting us get to know you better and for sharing your AMAZING competition photos with us. You are definitely an inspiration, and the true meaning of a HOT MAMA!!