Shape, Rattle and Stroll • Cedar Park

Shape, Rattle and Stroll • Cedar Park

Written by Mark Collins Friday, 19 September 2008

What has four wheels, a handle, needs to be burped and is the ideal weight for resistance training? A baby in a stroller, of course.

Meghan Dixon often incorporates a baby stroller into her workouts as co-owner of Shape, Rattle & Stroll, a mother and infant lifestyle fitness program that aims to “build the hottest mommies in Central Texas.”

“Our workouts consist of cardio and weight training,” she said. “I do weight training for two reasons: It’s the best way to lose weight, and I like empowering women.”

As a certified personal trainer and nutrition major, Dixon hatched her business model when she was pregnant and “too big to go to a gym.”

Her husband, Kirtus, had always wanted to manage a small business, and with a baby on the way, Dixon was looking for a way to work from home, so she started doing some internet research.

As she sought workout partners, Dixon happened upon a business for sale: Shape, Rattle & Stroll. The Dixons were then proud parents of a new baby boy and a business in its infancy.

“It was nice because we didn’t have to do the legwork of starting a new business,” Kirtus said. “A lot of the branding had already been done, which made it easier, but there is still a lot of work to be done.”

The previous owner left the business behind to start a family, but having a family has not slowed down Dixon. She teaches six classes a week and has helped each of her mommies lose at least an inch from their waistlines.

“I don’t take it easy on them at all,” Dixon said. “I want the moms to connect with other moms, but I want them to see results. It isn’t a mommy group at all, and the women appreciate that.”

Each new customer meets with Dixon for a consultation to set goals, discuss fitness, nutrition and to take a “before” photo. Classes meet at Anderson Mill West Park. Women without children are welcome to sign up for classes, and women with children are welcome to bring them.

Once a month, Shape, Rattle & Stroll celebrates family day so that the fathers can join in the training.

“It’s nice for the mothers to be able to say, ‘You push the stroller this time,’” Dixon said.

Shape, Rattle & Stroll plans to offer classes through the YMCA this fall and is looking into expanding to another area such as Round Rock or Georgetown.

“It’s our goal to have one new opportunity by the end of the year,” Kirtus said. “We have really high hopes for this business.”

Hour-long workouts include:

• Five-minute warm-up such as light jogging or jumping jacks
• Cycle of cardio and weight training, which is repeated multiple times with different weight lifting exercises
• Abdominal workout

• Cool down

Shape, Rattle & Stroll, 818-5995, shaperattleandstroll.com, Classes: Mon. 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Tues. 6 p.m.; Wed. 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Sat. 9:15 a.m.

Prices: All-inclusive $65/month, with partner $45/month; punch card $8/class

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