martha-mary-fitness

BABY WEARING WORKOUTS | A Genius Hack Or A Risky Mistake...?

martha_mary1@yahoo.co.uk (Martha Reeve) — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:50:33 GMT

Should You Exercise While Babywearing? What You Need to Know

Slings, carriers, wraps - they’re amazing inventions, right? They let you keep your little one close while keeping your hands free (which, let’s be honest, can feel like a superpower in those early months). And when you’re trying to squeeze in a workout, the idea of babywearing while exercising sounds pretty appealing. You get to bond and break a sweat at the same time… so it's win win!

BUT before you strap your baby in and start lunging across the living room or through the local park, let’s talk about whether this is actually safe for your body.

Think of It This Way…

Imagine an athlete preparing for a workout. Would they throw on a weighted vest with 10 or 15 extra pounds strapped to their front while recovering from an injury? Probably not. And yet, in the postpartum period, your body is still very much in recovery mode. Your core, pelvic floor, and posture are all adjusting after pregnancy and birth.

Now, let’s add in the movement factor. Walking while babywearing? That’s one thing. But workouts involve squats, lunges, jumps, and balance work, all of which challenge your stability. If your body is still healing, adding weight to the front of your body (even if it’s an adorable, snuggly weight) isn’t going to do you any favours.

And just so we’re on the same page, postnatal recovery isn’t just the first six weeks. Your body needs time. A lot of it. Up to a year after birth is still considered early postpartum recovery, because healing is a process that unfolds over months, not weeks.

Why Babywearing Workouts Can Be Risky

Look, I totally get it. The idea of squeezing in a workout while keeping your baby happy sounds ideal. But just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s good for your body , especially if you’re dealing with any of the following:

Pelvic floor dysfunction (leaking, heaviness, or prolapse)
Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation that hasn’t fully healed)
Lower back or hip pain (common postpartum issues due to core weakness)
Significant perineal tearing that still needs time to heal

Now, imagine adding a 30+ minute workout on your feet, with baby strapped to your front, where your instructor can’t check your form and you’re doing movements that require control, balance, and stability. That’s a lot of stress on a body that’s already working hard to recover.

Even if you feel okay at first, the effects of front-loading your weight during exercise can catch up over time , leading to pain, worsening diastasis, or pelvic floor issues down the road.

What About Short Bursts of Movement?

Now, if your little one is unsettled and needs a bit of motion to calm down, it’s totally fine to do a few gentle movements, like squats or sways, while babywearing to help settle them. In fact, this can be a lovely way to connect and comfort them.

But once they’re settled, it’s best to transition them to a safe spot nearby so you can focus on your form and protect your body. That way, you get the best of both worlds - snuggles and movement, followed by a workout that truly supports your recovery.

So What’s a Better Alternative?

The good news? You don’t have to choose between bonding with your baby and getting a great workout. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Walk with Your Baby in the Carrier
Walking is one of the best forms of postpartum exercise - low impact, great for circulation, and a perfect way to ease back into movement while keeping your baby close. Just be mindful of your posture! Keep your shoulders back, core engaged, and take breaks as needed.

2. Set Your Baby Up Nearby While You Work Out
Instead of wearing your baby during a workout, place them in a safe space nearby - whether that’s a play mat, a bouncer, or their buggy. That way, you can focus on proper form while still keeping them close.

3. Modify Your Workouts for Postnatal Recovery
If you’re newly postpartum, start with exercises that support core and pelvic floor healing , rather than jumping straight into high-impact moves. Think:
✅ Gentle core engagement
✅ Bodyweight squats (without extra weight on your front!)
✅ Glute bridges for pelvic floor support
✅ Controlled, intentional movements

(And if you’re at a class with me, trainer perk - I’ll happily hold your baby for some extra cuddles while you move!)

Looking for the Perfect Postnatal-Friendly Workout - Try Buggyfit!

If you’re keen to exercise without the risks of babywearing workouts, Buggyfit is a fantastic option! It’s specifically designed for postnatal recovery , allowing you to rebuild strength safely while keeping your baby close in their buggy.

Click here to find out why Buggyfit a great alternative.

The Bottom Line

Babywearing is amazing - for bonding, for walking, for making daily life easier. But when it comes to workouts, it’s not the safest or most effective choice for a body that’s still recovering.

That said, if your baby needs a little movement to settle , go ahead and do a few gentle exercises with them strapped in. Just aim to transition them to a safe spot nearby before continuing your workout.

Give yourself permission to heal, to move in a way that feels good, and to prioritize your long-term strength over short-term convenience.

And if you want a fun, safe, and effective way to exercise while keeping your baby close, come join a Buggyfit class! Your body (and your baby) will thank you for it. Click here to find out more about what to expect during your first Buggyfit session.

P.S. Found this helpful? Share it with a fellow babywearing parent, especially if they’ve been complaining about back pain or discomfort!

Your Guide to Buggyfit | What to Expect at Your First Session

martha_mary1@yahoo.co.uk (Martha Reeve) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:00:23 GMT

Welcome to the wonderful world of Buggyfit!

If you're a new parent looking to combine your fitness routine with spending quality time with your little one, you've come to the right place. Buggyfit is a fantastic way to get back into shape after childbirth while enjoying the great outdoors and socialising with other parents.

So, what exactly is Buggyfit?

It's a postnatal fitness class specifically designed for new parents. As the name suggests, Buggyfit involves exercising with your baby in a buggy or pram. These sessions last around 1 hour and typically include a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, as well as exercises to work your core, resulting in a total body workout.

Read about the Benefits of Buggyfit here.

But what can you expect at your first Buggyfit session? Here's a rundown to help you prepare:

Warm Welcome: You'll be greeted by a friendly instructor (that's me) and fellow parents who understand the joys and challenges of parenthood. Expect a warm and supportive atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace.
Safety First : Before you start exercising, you will need to complete a Buggyfit health screening form to check you are OK to exercise. This can be filled in at home and emailed over, or filled in on the day just 5-10 minutes before the session starts.
Gentle Warm-Up: The class will begin with a gentle warm-up to prepare your body for exercise. This usually involves a brisk walk followed by some mobility movements and stretches.
Varied Workouts : Buggyfit classes typically incorporate a variety of exercises to target different muscle groups. You can expect a mix of strength training exercises using bodyweight or resistance bands, as well as cardio intervals to get your heart pumping.
Baby Bonding Time: Throughout the session, there will be plenty of opportunities to interact with your baby. Whether it's singing nursery rhymes while doing squats or stopping for a quick cuddle break or feed. Buggyfit is all about bonding with your little one while getting fit.
Cool Down and Stretching: As the session winds down, you'll participate in a cooldown routine to gradually lower your heart rate and prevent muscle soreness. Stretching exercises will help improve flexibility and promote relaxation.

Now, you might be wondering, will Buggyfit be too easy or too hard?

The beauty of Buggyfit is that it's suitable for ALL fitness levels. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to exercise, you can adjust the intensity to suit your needs. I always provide modifications for different exercises, allowing you to challenge yourself at your own pace.

Remember, the most important thing is to listen to your body and do what feels comfortable for you. Don't worry about keeping up with others or pushing yourself too hard - take breaks when needed and focus on enjoying the experience with your baby.

So there you have it, a sneak peek into what to expect at your first Buggyfit session.

Get ready to break a sweat, bond with your baby, and join a supportive community of like-minded parents.

See you in class soon!

Classes are twice a week at Broadwater Park, Godalming.

Check out the schedule here .

Buggyfit Free Trial

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:00:46 GMT

Let's kickstart your post-natal fitness...

Not sure if Buggyfit Classes are right for you? Why don't you and your friends come for a FREE trial to see what it is all about... meet like-minded women and have a laugh! What is there to lose?