Run Baby Run!

Muddling through the post-pregnancy maze of flagging fitness levels, aching shoulders from breast-feeding, poor posture from cot-settling and tired muscles from lack of stretching I've realized the following things about post-pregnancy exercise:

1. Just Go : I grab the opportunity whenever I have it to move. I go for a run as soon as hubby comes home. I don't worry if it's threatening rain - I can always turn back. If I can't find my favourite exercise top - doesn't matter - I just pop on any old t-shirt and get some fresh air, get out, grab the opportunity to stretch my legs and get the head space. Even if it's just 20 minutes I know it will be worth it.

2. Music carries me. Moods improve, I last longer and I feel like I'm stepping into a different head-space. On my headphones (although a year old) these are some of the beats that pump:

  ♬ Beautiful People - Chris Brown
  ♬ Changed the Way You Kissed Me - Example
  ♬ Give Me Everything - Pitbull
  ♬ On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez
  ♬ Where Them Girls at - David Guetta
  ♬ Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida (feat. David Guetta)
  ♬ Oh Hark - Lisa Mitchell
  ♬ Everbody - Martin Solveig
  ♬ from the Music - The Potbelleez

3. I use my environment - if I'm running through a park - I fit in some quick sprints up stairs, tricep dips on benches, quick pace between trees or lamp posts or some push-ups on benches as well. It will break up running if I'm sore and will also work a variety of muscles in my body.

4. This will sound odd - but now that I've stopped setting goals - ie. I haven't signed up to any long runs, I haven't committed to triathlons - my goal is just to get out and move EVERY day or EVERY SECOND day weather permitting I've been exercising more. Weirdly enough the simpler my goals the more I get moving. My aim is just to get out and get moving regularly.

5. Try different things, go different tracks. Life with a baby is routine enough. I try to choose different directions to run in, different parks to explore and different bits of equipment to stretch on.

6. If I have nobody to look after my little girl and need to take the pram, I take a blanket, toys, skipping rope and some stretchy band or resistance band. I go for a quick run with the pram (I'm not a fan personally of running with the pram - it disrupts my posture, balance and doesn't allow me to run freely). Get to a lovely patch of grass, spread the blanket and toys out, pop baby down and she will quiet happily watch me playing, listen to the birds and kick her legs enjoying the breeze (I even take the nappy off and take a towel just to make her feel a bit free as well).

7. I sometimes merge exercise trips with friend-catchups. I meet at the pool with babies or meet in the park and do some core strength exercises while chatting and the babies are playing. Even if it's not going to make me an elite athlete my body still enjoys the movement and the fresh air.

8. If they're a bit older - jump on the play equipment with them - they will love to see you playing, swinging, jumping on the slide and getting involved like they are - no rules say adults can't play on equipment (except maybe trampolines where you'll double-bounce your little one into the stars!)

9. I try not to get distracted by no change in weight. Mental health and physical movement are often my focus and I try not to get near the scales too often. Everyone has different goals but I've found weight is too often an aim and doesn't result in enjoyment of the means to get there.

10. Have fun. Whatever activity I choose to get me moving there's no point in doing it if I find it tortuous. If on some days I decide running feels like a pain in the neck, I just go to my local park and swing, or walk down to the beach and wade through the water and walk on loose dry sand. Guaranteed if I just get moving my moods will elevate in rhythm with my heart beat.