Just because you have become a mum doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of fitness or hang your runners up until your kids are older. In fact, not only can you workout with your baby and buggy in tow, it's also a great way to get outside and meet new people.
No, it’s not easy trying to get back into the fitness saddle after slowing things down for the past nine months, but it will be so worth it.
Studies show it’s still important to embrace the outdoors and exercise as it can relieve stress, improve stamina and essentially make you a happier parent.
But how exactly can you continue your fitness when you’ve got a baby to mind?
Well, take them along with you, of course.
1. Walk
- To get the most benefit, push your buggy with just one arm, swinging the other as you walk.
- Change after five/ ten minutes.
- Remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, and to keep your back straight.
2. Squats
- Stand behind the buggy with your feet about hip-width apart. Grip the buggy with your hands.
- Keeping your back straight and your body slightly tilted forward, gently push your buggy out as you squat down into a sitting position.
- Push down, putting all your weight on your heels.
- Gently stand up, pulling the stroller back towards you.
- Do two sets of ten.
3. Lunges
- Stand behind the buggy gripping it with both hands; place feet about hip-width apart.
- Bring one leg forward until your thigh it is at a 90° angle to the ground. Push the buggy with long, straight arms.
- Pull the buggy back in as your return to a standing position.
- Do one set of ten on each leg.
4. Jog
- Making sure your baby is secured within the buggy, gently jog around the park for 15 minutes.
- Stay on flat ground if just starting out, and try to keep your back straight.
5. Side pull
- Keeping your feet about hip-width apart, stand so the buggy is to your side. Hold it with one hand.
- As you push the stroller, bring your other arm up over your head in a C-shape, leaning in towards the buggy.
- Return to standing position.
- Do two sets of ten, repeating on both sides.
While it is okay to enjoy a gentle walk before you have reached six-week postpartum, you should always check with your doctor before undergoing any form of exercise.
Remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, stay hydrated and warm up before starting any workout.
But what kind of buggy should you use?
Well, with on-the-go parents in mind, the action-packed iCandy Peach All-Terrain allows your newborn or toddler join in with as much of your life as possible.
The quick release, front swivel wheel ensures your child will experience the smoothest ride possible as you glide up and down pavements and along bumpy trails.
The easy-lift, lie-flat carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping, making it perfect for adventures abroad. This pushchair system has all the manoeuvrability, functionality and style a new parent could wish for.
Understanding the needs of the modern day parent, the Peach All-Terrain is suitable from birth.
iCandy Price: £640.00 / €740.89. Available now www.iCandyworld.com.