Coventry’s Buggy workouts – the fun fitness lifeline for all new mums
Written by Will Roberts
As many as one in five women develop a mental illness during pregnancy or in the first year after birth (as stated in the RCOG research). And, in the 6-12 months after childbirth, 37 percent of recorded deaths are due to suicide. This is a harrowing statistic. However, it highlights the idea that more needs to be done to support those in the early stages of parenthood. The women of Coventry have banded together to combat these issues, and upholding the team are Kerry Harris, Lucy Foster and Claudia Bacchi who all help run the buggy workout, they are part South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust’s Be Active Be Healthy Team.
Buggy Workouts can be seen at multiple locations across Coventry. And during the winter season, take part indoors to ensure the safety of those attending. It is described by Kerry Harris as a “free postnatal exercise class for new mums and their babies that are delivered in a relaxed and calm environment by qualified instructors.”
One of the main goals of Buggy Workout is to aid in the restoration of muscle strength. During pregnancy, hormonal changes (such as increased relaxin) and the physical demands of a growing uterus can weaken muscles, especially in the core and pelvic floor. Reduced activity and postural changes end up leading to muscle loss or imbalances, especially in the lower back and legs. This is why, after birth, it’s imperative for mothers to strengthen themselves back up to ward off those weakened muscles and low-energy feelings. Cardiovascular fitness is also affected during this period of the mother’s life. When carrying a baby, it is very difficult to achieve much exercise at all, let alone exercise such as cardio. Therefore, Buggy Workout allows “like-minded people” to achieve healthy goals together and feel once again empowered.
Kelly described her maternity leave as having “many struggles as well as many highs and not forgetting the whirlwind of emotions that can come with being a first-time mum.” Kerry believes that the “FREE and accessible classes” are vital due to the fact that “maternity pay can be hard.” And, with the UK statutory maternity pay being just £172.48 per week (or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower) after the first six weeks, less than half the national minimum wage for a full-time worker, we can all see the benefits of classes like Buggy Workouts for mothers.
Those in attendance are extremely appreciative of those who run the sessions and describe Buggy Workouts as “ a safe place” without “judgment” and saw it as a place in which they could make “really good friends”.
Overall, Buggy Workouts is a safe and caring place where women in any shape and fitness can come together and enjoy the benefits of not only exercise but also friendship. The ladies in attendance claim it’s the perfect place to share advice and help each other with the babies. Here’s a message ex-attendees Nicky and Pheobe sent before leaving the group:
“Dear all the buggy workout ladies,
You are all an inspiration! Thanks for being here for us week after week, rain, or shine (or snow!) and helping us power through mummy hood. You have helped us make friends, get stronger and enjoy the beautiful park more. Sad to say that work and nursery are calling for us- but hope you all keep doing your great things and stay well and happy. Much Love Nicky & Phoebe.”
You can find links to access all of Buggy Workout’s booking systems and website below.
https://www.picktime.com/BuggyWorkoutCFHLS
https://www.instagram.com/covfamilyhealth
find them at War Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road, Coventry, CV3 6PT