J: Why We Love Our Joovy Jogging Stroller

Last week Team FAB Mama member Wahida who is also my sister friend texted me saying how much she loves her new double jogger. She has a 2 and 4 year old . She is a working mom and has found it difficult to fit working out into her schedule. Well not anymore. We talked about her getting a jogging stroller for a few months. She took the plunge and she couldn’t be happier.

When Zoë was 6 months and after months of research I finally purchased a jogging stroller. The Joovy Zoom 360. I’m sure you have seen us and our Zoom Zoom whizzing by on at least one occasion. Today I posted a pic of my new Brooks PureFlow3 running kicks and a snip bit of Zoom Zoom including a little Zoë leg action. A few people asked about the stroller so here are the reasons I love it and why it is possibly the best piece of baby gear we have:

Ease of Use

Lift a latch to open. Pull a cord to close. That’s pretty much it.

Comfortable Ride

Zoë has only cried a handful of times in Zoom Zoom. Each time she was tired, hungry, teething or missing me. I left her with my sister in law at the park and she had a meltdown. Needless to say I had to run back to meet them and then carry her in arms for 1.25 miles in order for her to calm down. Bonus miles and a killer arm/core workout. Our Joovy seat adjusts easily by pulling on the strap behind the seat. One of the features I love the most is the canopy. It can be left up or adjusted in two positions. This is great for when Zoë is sleeping, the weather is chilly or blocking out excess sun.

Height & Grip

When I was in search of a jogging stroller, I paid attention to the heights. Although the handlebar is not adjustable, the Joovy sits high enough for my husband to run comfortable with Zoë. He is 6’2. I also like the height for my long arms. I never feel like my arms are stretching too far in order to have a secure grip. The ankle strap is a bit long. My husband double wrapped it and now it perfect.

Extras

Mesh pockets for baby stuff was a great way to add the feature of storage without extra bulk. Hi-5 for this Joovy. I love that the stroller came with a removable storage attachment. The rain cover completely shields the stroller no matter what position the canopy is in. Score! The wheel pump is so necessary. Some jogging strollers require you to buy some of these extras. Not Joovy. They have it all figured out.

Transport

The Joovy is pretty big but I have successful stowed it in our trunk, the front seat and in the trunk of my mother’s Honda Accord. I am contemplating a trip up North with it via plane. Now that will be interesting. LOL

Cost, Style & Years to come

The Joovy retails for $259.99 at Buy Buy Baby. Sure there are cheaper alternatives on the market but most of them are not true jogging strollers. Don’t let the 1 front wheel fool you! And then there are the $400 plus joggers. Loved the look of many of them but I didn’t need the extra cost. You can use a 20% off coupon at Buy Buy Baby to buy your Joovy. Also check Craigslist and local Children’s Consignment shops. Many people purchase these strollers with the thought of getting in shape with the children however lots of people fail to commit. A used jogger in most instances will be practically new. Just a thought.

Having a jogger takes all the excuses out of not being able to get in a run, jog or brisk walk. Just strap your little one in, load up your necessities and get moving. Plus with the jogger you get some weight resistance. They Hubs told me I was going to slow one day. I told him to take over the jogger. He handed it back within 5 minutes. Yes it is a workout in itself now add some hills to the mix. You get the picture.

Stay tune for techniques on running and working out with a jogger.

Do you have a jogger? If so, which one. If not, will you be heading out to get one?