Turns out running with your stroller might actually protect your body more than you think

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Think stroller runs are risky? A new study shows they may actually protect your joints and reduce injury risk—yes, running with baby can be smart
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For many new parents, the idea of going for a run while pushing a stroller can feel intimidating. Between balancing a baby and worrying about joints, it’s easy to assume stroller runs are riskier than solo miles. But a recent study out of Penn State Berks turns that assumption on its head: running with a stroller may actually reduce the impact your body absorbs with each step.
Reduced impact can lower injury risk
The study, published in Penn State Berks, examined 38 healthy runners: both men and women, who ran with and without a stroller while researchers measured step forces. Surprisingly, stroller running reduced vertical impact by 8 to 17 percent.
As Allison Altman-Singles, biomedical engineer and lead author, explained to Newsweek,“When we’re running with a stroller, we unweight ourselves vertically because we put our hands on the handlebars and lean into it a little. That allows some of our weight to shift and go through the stroller instead of our legs.”
Lower vertical impact can help reduce common running injuries such as knee pain, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis (especially relevant for postpartum parents easing back into exercise).
Related: Our Fave 5: The best jogging strollers to keep mama running year-round
Be mindful of twisting forces
While stroller running reduces vertical load, the study also noted a biomechanical trade-off: holding the stroller restricts natural upper-body rotation, increasing torsional, or twisting, forces under the feet.
Singles told Newsweek that these forces can be four times higher than during regular running. However, torsional loading is not as strongly linked to injury risk as vertical impact, meaning the overall safety benefit still holds.
How to run safely with a stroller
Experts advise that safe stroller running comes down to technique and equipment. Altman-Singles recommends:
- Choosing flat, smooth terrain to minimize twisting forces.
- Using a stroller designed for running with adjustable handlebars for comfortable posture.
- Keeping extra weight minimal: every added pound increases resistance and torsional loading.
Hidden perks beyond safety
Stroller running isn’t just about injury prevention. Postpartum physical therapists and women’s running coaches note that leaning into the stroller engages the core and upper body, offering a full-body workout while keeping the baby safe and nearby.
Singles told Newsweek, “It’s possible that wheel size, handlebar height, or stroller weight can affect how hard it is to turn the stroller. Increased difficulty to turn would increase the twisting forces necessary to control the stroller. Handlebar height could affect how much the runner leans into the stroller, which could affect the impact loading, as well.”
Expert tips for safe stroller running
Running with a stroller can be a safe and effective way to stay active postpartum, provided certain precautions are taken.
According to Annie Linville, PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS, a pelvic floor and orthopedic physical therapist, it’s important to ensure you’re symptom-free without the stroller before adding it into your routine. She emphasizes establishing a baseline of pelvic floor and musculoskeletal health through several runs without the stroller to prevent potential issues.
Linville advises, “Your biomechanics change when running with a stroller. One of the biggest changes seen in postpartum runners is a stiff trunk, leading to restricted rotation. To promote natural movement, alternate pushing arms every few minutes and maintain a slight forward lean to engage your core effectively.”
Implementing these strategies can help mitigate the biomechanical challenges posed by stroller running, making it a safer and more enjoyable postpartum workout.
An empowering takeaway for moms
The takeaway is simple: stroller runs are biomechanically smart, body-friendly, and a way to reclaim movement postpartum. Listening to your body, adjusting your route, and choosing the right stroller can turn what could feel like a compromise into an empowering form of exercise.
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