Many women are keen to get fit and back into shape after having a baby but it can be difficult fitting a workout in around your little one. This is where Buggyfit comes in! Suitable for all fitness levels, Buggyfit classes are outdoor exercise classes that you can do with your baby in the buggy or with little ones in tow; the classes are adapted specifically for each individual’s postnatal stage, so that you know what you are doing is safe, and you can start once you have had your GP postnatal sign off (usually around six weeks, though it may be longer if you have had a C-section). Classes last an hour and are very informal. The Newbury classes are run by local mum and Buggyfit trainer Fiona.

Fiona says: ‘In my “former” life I was an Events Manager, and spent my days helping people achieve their ultimate sporting goals – from running marathons to skydiving, mountain climbing to white water rafting. A dream job in my twenties but more tricky to juggle once kids came tumbling into my life! So, after 3 wonderful years as a stay-at-home mum, I re-trained so that I could turn my passion for fitness into a career. I hold a Level 3 Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer qualification, as well as diplomas in Sports Nutrition and Child Nutrition, all at Distinction level. I’m a big believer that getting out of the house, getting active and meeting other mums is so important to your physical and emotional wellbeing, whether you are a first time mum or have an entire brood – and that’s why I love Buggyfit!’

We recently went along to a Buggyfit session at Victoria Park in Newbury. Fiona was very welcoming and encouraged everyone to go at their own pace throughout the class. You can dip in and out of the exercises or take a break if you need one or if your baby needs a cuddle. The class started with a gentle warm up before moving on to run (or jog or walk– whatever we felt comfortable with) around a small circuit with breaks in between for squats and lunges. This was followed by some upper body work with resistance bands before we moved over to jog (or walk or run) a couple of laps of the boating lake, stopping off at one of the benches to do some more squats. The penultimate part of the session was some circuit work which included boxing, tricep dips and weights with everyone spending 25 seconds doing each activity. The session ended with some stretching. It was a relaxed class but we still felt like we had had a workout by the end of it! Most of the mums who took part then went for a coffee afterwards so not only is Buggyfit a great postnatal exercise class, it gives you the chance to socialise with other mums too!

Classes run at Victoria Park at 10am on Wednesdays (meeting at the Bandstand) and at The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham at 11am on Tuesdays and at 11.30am on Thursdays (meeting at the side of the café). It’s £5 for a trial class and then classes are £7 each if you pay as you go or you can purchase a block of classes which works out slightly cheaper. For more information you can contact Fiona via email: fionachaillier@gmail.com or phone: 07919 092939. You can also visit the Buggyfit Newbury Facebook page and the Buggyfit website.

Buggyfit Newbury has joined West Berkshire Mums as a card partner! Card holders can enjoy one FREE trial session plus a discount on block bookings! See our membership page for more details and to sign up for your free card.