Feedback on Joovy Zoom ATS Jogging Stroller by our Strollnetics Model Mom Venus
Hey, hey everyone – it’s Venus again!
Obviously, all walking mamas need a great stroller, so in this post I’d like to tell you how and why I chose the Joovy Zoom ATS as my jogging stroller – and why I’m really happy with my choice!
Perception vs Reality
The search for a jogging stroller was on. I just didn’t know what I was looking for! After trawling multiple websites – and a lot of confusion – I came across WalkingMama.net and their Top Jogging Strollers Comparison Chart. Much to my surprise, size DOES matter… 😉
As a New Yorker, I tend to look for things that are compact, but the guide and some articles on the site taught me that bigger is better and now I know why. I was tempted to go for the Instep/Schwinn Arrow but since the review said the basket was difficult to access, I decided to go with the Joovy Zoom ATS.
Although it was the heaviest out of the five (26.8 lbs), it had the longest leg drop (13”) which, to me, meant longevity. I saw my purchase as an investment.
I needed to be able to use this stroller for as long as Esai was willing to be my co-pilot. With Elena’s personalized feedback, I decided Joovy Zoom ATS it was, and when I saw that a brand new one was being sold on Craig’s List, it was kismet.
Getting acquainted with the Joovy ATS
The Joovy (as I affectionately call it), Esai and I have been a trio for eight weeks now. Getting acquainted was fun but not without its challenges. But let’s talk fun first!
Big, comforable, safe
This stroller is as much Esai’s as it is mine. He loves riding in it. His preference is to sit up as straight as possible and he can. Equally nice is the recline; when he naps he looks so comfortable. There are easily accessible compartments for his toys on both sides of the seat and he can also look up at me through the visor on the roof which, by the way, blocks the sun like no other stroller I’ve ever used. He gets a kick out of going fast and I feel safe doing it; the suspension gives a fun yet sturdy bounce.
Turning errands into workouts
Seeing that Elena’s advice was to just familiarize myself with the stroller for the first couple of weeks, I took it almost everywhere. Choosing the big basket was the best decision; I quickly realized I could turn my errands into workouts. I have been opting to go shopping farther away than usual. Not only does the longer walk become a workout but so do all the groceries that add extra weight for the walk back! I don’t mind though; every little helps, right?
Veering off…
But I did mention that there were some challenges, so now for the tough stuff. Figuring out how to turn corners and/or bear left or right with a stroller that does not have a swivel was difficult at first. Manoeuvering it was awkward and I’m sure I looked awkward doing it! After a while I mastered pushing down for taking big corners and torquing (heeling the handle) when I’m going at a faster pace.
I’m still getting used to the stroller veering off to the side a bit – I’ve read that it’s a common affliction with jogging strollers, the Joovy especially. I barely noticed it at first but it became more apparent as time went on. This made it hard when I started doing some of the arm exercises. A visit to a bicycle shop helped temporarily, however, with more usage it started veering to the left again. I suspect the problems lies in the pressure of the wheels, but considering I’m no expert I believe another visit to the bike shop is in order. A small setback when I think about all the Joovy has done for me.
My Joovy means freedom
It has given me my freedom back – there aren’t any more time constraints and I’m able to work out with my baby. As a new mom this is amazing. I’m working out yet still bonding with Esai! I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing time with him in exchange for doing something good for myself. During every walk or run, I have taken him to a playground or had snack breaks with him. Our favorite has been cooling off at the sprinklers.
Walking is my ultimate workout
I love the flexibility of using a walk with my stroller as a form of fitness. I can turn anything into a training session: a trip to the farmer’s market (.5 miles), visiting a friend (2 miles), having lunch at my husband’s restaurant (5 miles, each way) and so on.
My conclusion of Joovy Zoom ATS
There’s no such thing as the perfect stroller, but for me, the Joovy comes close. I can balance my exercise needs and my daily life so well; I turn my errands into workouts, my grocery shopping into a fitness session. My son loves the Joovy too – whether sleeping or playing. It’s his home from home and my mobile gym.
Leave Your Own Comment