Workouts aimed at busy mothers

The Press

Last updated 08:44 10/12/2010

Share

Print

Text Size

Operating in and around Hagley Park and the botanical gardens since October, Wheelie Fit Mums offers what organiser Nancy Vincent Parr describes as "the ultimate post-baby workout". 







Chishtchurch mother of two has created a fitness programme specifically aimed at new and recent mothers.

"We use the environment, a stroller and exercise tubing to give participants a full body workout."

Currently held six times a week, a typical session lasts 50 minutes says Parr.

"Wheelie Fit (level one) is based around power walking with interval stations where we do a warmup, cardio, body toning, and strengthening stations using our own body weight, exercise tubing, free weights or the stroller, and a warm down.

"We cover about two kilometres just in the loop that we walk or jog (which is what level two participants do), plus the extras that we do at each workout station. On average, we will stop at four to five stations per session."

Parr says the idea for Wheelie Fit Mums came as a result of her own experiences trying to get back into shape after having kids (Grace is now nearly four, Tully just one).

"I looked around for something that I could do during the day with the kids.

"I have a degree in physical education (majoring in exercise prescription and management, and sport and leisure studies) and previously worked in the physical activity sector with Sparc, so I knew what exercises to do, but wanted the motivation of people around me, someone to talk to, and a way to take some time back for myself. But after much searching, I realised there was nothing out there for mums like me."

She says she designed the programme to overcome the most common barriers mothers face when trying to get back into physical activity with kids - cost, childcare, flexibility and motivation.

"Wheelie Fit Mums is the only exercise programme for mums where you can work out with your child in their stroller. Whether you have a newborn baby or an older preschool-age child, as long as they can fit in a stroller, you can participate in our programme.

"It is not just about getting in shape. It's about taking some time out for yourself, and putting yourself higher on your own priority list. It's a place where you can socialise, be with your child, make new friends and get a workout, all at the same time."

Numbers are steadily increasing (there are plans to offer more locations as demand builds), and Parr says the feedback so far has been very positive.

"In particular, they say they love the flexibility of the programme. Being able to book and cancel at short notice is especially appealing, because kids often get sick overnight. They also like the motivation and group accountability and support. Mums who have older children have said they wish there had been something like this when their kids were young.

"Mums are really surprised how much of a workout they get. Add jogging and a stroller with other stations and you can really push that heart rate up. Everyone from midwives to Plunket nurses have really supported the idea . . . and it's great to see members who have formed friendships already."
For more information, seewww.wheeliefitmums.co.nz