Review: Kool Stride Paramount Baby Jogger
One of the major problems I had in trying to live healthier was finding time to exercise. When my daughter was a baby we walked a lot. This did not feel like proper exercise, but I know it is still quite healthy. When she grew older she wanted to walk herself and the times of long walks with her in a baby carrier were over. I had a baby seat on my bicycle (in this flat country bicycles are a normal means of transportation for many people) and for a while that worked fine, but now that she is older again, she does not like sitting in a bicycle seat. I hated the fact that my life became more and more sedentary and tried a gym membership, but found it too expensive for what I got.
It seemed silly to buy a stroller when my child was already 2.5 years old. Don’t most people dispose of their strollers by then? I decided to try it anyway; thinking I could always sell it again if it did not work. We bought a second hand Kool Stride Paramount baby jogger. We have been using it for over a month now and I wish we had bought one a year ago.
What I like
- The wheels: the back wheels are 20 inches, the front wheel is 16 inches. The back wheels are tilted a bit, like racing wheelchairs. The huge wheels make the stroller very easy to maneuver.
- The rain cover: My daughter loves the huge “window”. Unfortunately, this is essential if you live in a rainy climate.
- The weight: The stroller is very light and easy to steer. I can comfortably push it with one hand, while running next to my daughter (instead of behind her).
What could be improved
- The stroller is not very easy to assemble/disassemble. This can be a hassle if you want to put it away after every use.
- It is huge. Even when disassembled it takes up a lot of space.
- The brakes do not work very well. I have not found a reliable way to put it on a brake without me holding the carriage.
Recommendation
If you have a child (or two) and are or want to be a runner, I cannot recommend a running stroller highly enough. My daughter loves it and I love the fact that I can get exercise without giving up family time. I think most higher end brands are fine and I am very happy with my second hand Kool Stride. If you can find one for a good price, I recommend it. I can live with the downsides for the price I paid.
Kirsten said,
June 12, 2006 at 3:45 pm
I don’t jog, but I do walk. Hours a day, if possible. The weather protection is so important for getting out with kid/s in tow. These days, with three kids three and under I use a double Chariot. It seats two, but I can fit a third kid where the other two’s feet are. It’s cozy and sometimes problematic, but mostly it allows me to clip along and the kids give me some upper body work inclines! I’ve never been a fan of running, but with less weight on my frame, I have broken into a spontaneous jog a few times, now. Maybe it’s the start of something new? :)
helena said,
June 12, 2006 at 10:33 pm
I have such great memories of our long walks. I can imagine it gives you well needed time for yourself with three kids under three. I realize it is not really time for yourself, but you enjoy it and it is a break from entertaining children.
I can imagine that with three young children you get enough exercise just doing what needs to be done. I am amazed you still have the energy to spontaneously start jogging! I guess that proves how powerful eating healthy is.
Running feels totally different now that I am thin. I hope you’ll keep enjoying your exercise with the kids for a long time. I love it not just because of the reasons I stated in my post, but also because I think it sets a good example. I would love my child to grow up thinking exercise is a great thing to do.