|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are you looking for the perfect way of maintaining your fitness, regaining your
figure and increasing your energy after the birth of your child? If the answer
is yes, then why not try Powerpramming.
Powerpramming is a unique workout programme for new mothers that uses a pushchair
or pram as a fitness apparatus to get into shape. In addition to the obvious health
benefits to yourself, your baby will also benefit from the motor stimulation as you
move and jiggle about rhythmically.
How it all began
Powerpramming is the brain-child of fitness instructor Liz Stuart, who after the
birth of her son Ezra, undertook her YMCA Personal Trainer award in ante and postnatal
fitness. In November 2004, Liz took a couple of mums from her local mother and toddler
group to the park, where she improvised a routine that included their children. Liz later
decided to make Powerpramming a business and changed the workout to make it harder. In
June 2005, she started additional classes in other parks in South London. As a result she
now teaches Powerpramming four times a week as well as an exercise slot on the Baby
Channel.
There are regular Powerpramming classes in several parks three times a week, with up to
20 mums taking part in each session. New groups are popping up all the time, based on
Liz's workout. You can find out about Powerpramming class times and venues by checking
the Powerpramming website.
Powerpramming mums come in all shapes and sizes and from every conceivable background.
The workouts are designed to suit all levels of fitness and most mums see a difference in
just a few weeks.
The right time for exercise?
The benefits of exercising after childbirth are well-documented. It can lift your mood,
increase your energy, improve your posture, your back, your flexibility and strength, and
help you to lose the baby fat.
As well as burning off calories by running around with their prams, the mums use their
babies as weights to make the exercises more demanding. From squats to arm exercises,
holding infants as added resistance helps to make the workout more intense.
You should always consult your doctor before undertaking post-natal exercise. Many
new mums feel pressure to trim down their tummies right away after giving birth, but it
is advisable to get fit in a reasonable and safe way. Pregnancy causes the abdominal
muscles to stretch significantly making them become very weak. Be sure that your body has
healed from childbirth. If you've had a caesarean, this could mean waiting until about 10
weeks after the birth.
Liz recommends that if you have recently had a baby and are planning to attend an
exercise class always check that your teacher has studied and passed a recognised
qualification in postnatal exercise instruction. This is important because your needs are
very specific. Plus, if they don't have the right qualifications they won't be insured.
The workout
You should start with basic pelvic tilts and general posture correction. When you are
sure the muscles have fused back together you can start to do some shoulder raises whilst
lying on the floor with your knees bent. Once you start to feel stronger take more of
your back off the floor and over time progress to a full sit up.
Liz's Powerpramming workout is interspersed with intervals of powerwalking or gentle
jogging and pelvic floor exercise. If you think you can't jog or run, then just imagine
you've got a screaming baby who you need to get home for a feed! The workout itself
consists of a varied programme of squats, shoulder raises, lunges, press ups and tricep
dips. Each of these exercises is specially adapted for new mums and involves interaction
with your baby.
For the chance to get back into shape after the birth of your baby or even if you fancy a
breath of fresh air and the opportunity to meet other mums, Powerpramming could be for
you. If you fancy taking part or would like to become a Powerpramming instructor, visit
the official website or
call Liz on 07976 778413 for more details. You can find out if there's a class near you,
but if not there is information on how you could set up one of your own.
|
|
|
|
|
