We chat to instructor Melissa Gaul who tells us a bit about Buggy Fit classes being offered for free via Our Parks in parks around East London and provides at-home exercises for anyone who might not be able to make it to a class.
What is a Buggy Fit class?
Buggy fit classes are an excellent way to get back into fitness after having a baby (or even to start getting fit and/or losing weight). The classes are held outdoors in the fresh air and this alone can benefit both mum and baby! They’re also a great excuse to meet other local mums with new babies and toddlers to have a chat with each other and maybe go for a coffee after. The session itself only lasts an hour.
Who can come to a Buggy Fit class?
The exercises in the class are all appropriate for new mums and I offer alternative exercises for different fitness levels – particularly for those who may suffer with carpal tunnel syndrome, painful joints due to breastfeeding (therefore still having the hormone relaxin in their bloodstream), a weak core and anyone who may have an abdominal separation.
The exercises I choose are all to help improve pregnancy & post baby related imbalances i.e. strengthening your back and stretching your chest muscles as you tend to be sitting feeding, stooped over baby for what seems like an endless amount of time!
What are some of the benefits of the Buggy Fit classes?
A few of the benefits are:
Strengthen your core & pelvic floor
Decrease your chance of back and shoulder injury
Improve your cardiovascular health
Meet new friends (for you and baby)
Decrease your chance of postnatal depression
Increase your mood-enhancing endorphins
Learn new exercises you can do at home to speed up the recovery process
Increase your stamina
Where are they being offered?
I’m currently teaching three Buggy Fit classes: one in Lloyd Park in Walthamstow and two in Victory Park in the East Village near the Olympic Park. You can find details about location, times, and how to book on the Our Parks website.
What if our readers’ aren’t able to make it to a class?
If you really can’t get to the classes I’ve completed a short workout for you to do at home.
All the exercises are safe for you even if you have an abdominal separation.
What is an abdominal separation (or diastasis recti)?
Abdominal separation is a separation in the rectus abdominis, or the most superficial abdominal muscles, and can sometimes happen during pregnancy (although it’s not limited to pregnancy). You can find out more about it and how to check for it via this link: https://youtu.be/4I3bs5VuCyg. If you think you may have one it is best to check with your medical practitioner for confirmation.
