Fresh Air and the Feelgood Factor
...but for those of us new to it, how can we ensure that every minute spent doing it is actually reaping the best results and - and this is a BIG ‘and' - we have fun at the same time?
Having put on the average 30 pounds of weight during pregnancy and rather depressingly, discovering that your baby only weighed 7.5 lbs and therefore you still had 20 odd pounds to shift, no wonder new mums start off parenthood feeling less than wonderful. With the ensuing sleepless nights and the "now I'm at home all day my house will look like it has just been photographed for a magazine and home baked produce will fill my fridge and freezer" pressure we seem to exert on ourselves, quite frankly we're doomed.
With state funded antenatal classes rapidly becoming a thing of the past, it can be difficult for new mums to have a ready made ‘baby-group' after the birth of their babies. Around 1 in 10 women suffer from some degree of Post Natal Depression (Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists.), so not feeling yourself and the lack of contact with other new mums can just exacerbate the condition. Research shows that a supervised programme of exercise can be as effective a treatment as antidepressants and psychotherapy, particularly in the long term (and is recommended as an effective treatment for depression by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence).
Buggy Workout is the brainchild of Tracy Ryder Richardson, a mum at home looking to meet other Mums and do some exercise without the worry or financial implications of childcare. "Why be cooped up in a gym" says Tracy, "when you can get outside with your baby, benefit from fully qualified Fitness Trainers and have a chat with other like-minded new Mums. The buggies are effective resistance trainers, we use real benches for bench presses and racing up and down real steps beats an exercise machine any day."
It is well documented that we use more calories when exercising outside and as the temperature dips, our calorie expenditure can increase by about 12% as our bodies fight to keep us warm. (Source: University of Essex). And, as one would expect, pushing a buggy burns more calories than just walking alone - in fact, as much as 20% more according to a study carried out by the American Council on Exercise.
So, with no special equipment required, just a sports bra, trainers, something to lie on and a drink, post partum mums can begin to exercise as soon as they have had the all clear from their GP. The benefit of Buggy Workout is that new mums also get to meet others in the same situation as them, creating their own ‘baby group' with all the social aspects attached. The classes in Tunbridge Wells take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Dunorlan Park and always finish at the cafe in time for a coffee and in some cases, lunch!
Being part of a supportive group encourages you to return week on week and over time, reap the rewards that regular exercise will give. Add to the mix a dose of fresh air encouraging the baby to sleep well, what more could a new mum ask for? (apart from a day at the spa....)
FREE TRIAL SESSIONS
14th & 15th July and 4th & 5th August at Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells.
Buggy Workout starts in Tonbridge on 4th August. For a free session simply call me and book onto a class.
For more information about Buggy Workout, go to
or call Tracy on 07990 973313
Article written for Summer 2009 issue by Tracy Ryder Richardson
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