Harrogate fitness duo Heaven & Hell are offering Mumblers a free 6-week trial of their award-winning online classes. Founders Claire Eccles and Louise Annat explain how to kick-start your motivation and boost your energy levels.
Exercise is super important when you have a small baby or toddler, or both. It’s on your to-do list somewhere between the tenth load of washing and
brushing your hair. But how do you find the time and the energy when it feels like a small person has ambushed your life and your body?
Hitting the gym is not going to happen when you’re so tired you could cry. Now, of course, you don’t have to. Thanks mainly to the pandemic, online classes have boomed and the choice is endless – ideal for mums who struggle to leave the house. But even doing some squats during nap time calls for serious willpower. How can it be so hard?
Having a baby during a pandemic is ‘unique’ (that’s one word for it) and many women have felt an impact on their mental health. Spending maternity leave in a lockdown loop might have left you feeling cheated and anxious. Loneliness has also been huge for new mums who need company and reassurance. That feeling of normality, that it’s ok to be grumpy and winging it on 3 hours’ sleep, only comes with meeting other mums in the same boat. For many, Covid shrunk your world, your friendships, as well as your confidence.
That’s why keeping active is vital for new mums. For physical health but crucially for mental wellbeing. It’s the headspace that comes with exercise that is really key to helping women feel positive, energised and motivated to get through the day. Not easy when you’re surviving on broken sleep and broken Hobnobs – but Heaven & Hell can help you get there!
Our online classes are perfect as they don’t require childcare, the latest leggings or fancy equipment. From strength training to gentle yoga, a blast of HIIT to core-building Pilates, there is something for everyone and every level. Joining something live, regular and enjoyable means you’re more likely to stick to it. Our Whatsapp group is super supportive and includes women of all ages. We also have pre-records that you can dip into just when it suits you. Check out the lovely comments we received as winners of Mumbler’s very own 2020 Love Local Award: Virtual Class or Activity.
To build up energy you have to create it, like a car battery. Short bursts are great – just enough to get you moving and heart pumping without overdoing it. Take baby steps to fitness, topping up your energy levels in short bursts with a 30-minute class. Grab opportunities to get active. The washing up can wait and even if your baby is awake, let them watch. If you have a partner who is still working from home, take advantage!
Build it up, see what comes naturally and try new things. Focus on the positives when daily life tries to sap your willpower. And if you slip up, don’t be down on yourself and sack off your goals. Just start again tomorrow. Remember that getting stronger, fitter and more energised not only benefits you, but the whole family. They will certainly notice when your mood lifts and you’re throwing some serious kitchen disco shapes!
After you’ve had your baby, you should wait at least 8 weeks before considering any form of exercise if you’ve had a vaginal birth, and 12 weeks if you’ve had a C-section. Do make sure any exercise plan is signed off by your doctor or midwife.
Starts week commencing Monday 28th Feb- Friday 8th April
Follow this link to sign up and Louise and Claire will be in touch.
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