Post CS exercise

During my pregnancy I was keen to introduce some regular form of exercise into my weekly routine (considering my work was attached to a fitness centre and swimming pool you would've thought it be easy but after working a full day you generally want to head home rather than spend another hour or so in the same place) plus there was the issue that certain activities were now ruled out  - always enjoyed the after workout/swim jacuzzi :(

This is where google has become indispensable in that I am able to find out about ante and post natal classes (particularly ones that are baby friendly) as well providing links to other exercises that might be doable after labour.

After CS came along and I had been given the all clear at my 6-8 week check up,  I was keen to gradually introduce some exercise to try and work of the CS belly (also to attempt to get a bit more toned for upcoming wedding). I started off with some basic ones that CS could help me with at home. CS initially wasn't too keen (he wasn't one to lie on his stomach for prolonged periods of time) but soon found it fun and was full of smiles when he began to anticipate what we were going to do. Although I still do these exercises I was keen to find an exercise class where CS could come along and where I might also get some adult conversation.

 Physio4me 

is a fantastic business ran by the lovely and friendly Madia, who alongside the Pilates classes is also a trained Physiotherapist and also offers pregnancy massage (which I partook on more than one occasion).

At the time of attending during my pregnancy Madia was also pregnant (about 1 1/2 months ahead so it worked out that by the time the block finished I wasn't far off Maternity leave) so it was great to know that we wouldn't be asked to do anything that Madia couldn't do herself whilst also being able to understand how comfortable we may (or in some classes not feel). Each class also involved a relaxation session at the end along with a chat about pregnancy and labour.

As the majority of classes were based in Norbury or Croydon I didn't think that I would be able to attend any of the Postnatal classes (20 mins maximum travel time on buses is generally CS's limit) when Madia started holding mum & baby Pilates classes in Streatham. CS has enjoyed getting to socialise a bit more though he is currently at the stage where he wants to be held and doesn't like spending too much time on the floor. At the start of the block Madia also gives your stomach/abs a check incase there's any possible issues. Class numbers are small (maximum of 6) which allows Madia to get around everyone (and pick up the occasional baby) and encouraging us to push ourselves onto the next level.

Madia has also introduced a Piloxing, which is boxing and Pilates (a bit more of a Cardio workout) at the moment its only in Norbury so its a bit too much of a trek although if a class opens up in Streatham....

Mum & baby classes are in blocks of 5 at £55 

Antenatal classes are in blocks of 5 at £65 or 10 at £100

for massage prices and information as to where her other classes are visit her website

Fison Fitness (formerly Community Circuits/The training room)

Is a community fitness group based in Herne Hill. The class is ran by Anne (@annefisonpt) and the class is a drop in class with the option to buy a 10 class pass (which you can use with any of the Fison Fitness classes).

As its a drop in class the numbers vary but Anne takes the time to get around everyone, helping them to get the positions correct. There's plenty of space and spare mats for CS and the other babies to chill out on.

As CS has gotten older, as in turning into a Tasmanian devil whirlwind, we've not been able to attend the pilates with prams but as there are evening and weekend classes that work around our schedules, including a great new class .

Fitsteps with Alice

is based on the dances seen on Strictly Come Dancing (which admittedly I am quite a geek about) Alice is fantastic and like Anne fits her class around the participants and their pace (such non dancers with 2 left feet like me) to contemporary music, if there are any particular songs you like she can try and fit routines into those too. Alice is looking into doing a class where children can come too which will hopefully work out as CS loves to dance. I'm 3 sessions in (and have only feel on my butt once) and loving it!

Update Sept'15 Since changing to Fison Fitness there is now an option to book classes online which is a good way of finding out if the class is full before turning up. Also means that you can fill in all the forms (medical and wavers) before hand rather than taking time out of the class.

Pilates with prams (and the other Fison Fitness sessions) are priced at

£12 for one-off sessions or

£100 for 10 (non consecutive) sessions

for information on the other classes available at community circuits visit their website

By attending both classes I've been able to gain more flexibility than I possibly had before (I can touch my toes!) as well as getting out of the flat for a bit of socialising with other mums.