Like many nonstopmamas with good intentions, I have countless fitness DVDs yet to make it out of their packaging (do I think they will spontaneously unshrinkwrap themselves?). The great, ‘will be perfect for that Zumba class I keep meaning to get to’ leggings which made me feel fitter the moment I got them at Gap have, so far, have just been worn to bed. And – yikes – I only use the Wii Fit to access BBC iPlayer. Can you relate?!
To mark the launch, this summer, of the new Technogym Bootcamp at Sofitel London St James - a super-swanky hotel and spa featuring the new So FIT gym and range of So Spa packages – “Technogym Master” Susan Cass (pictured, top right) has come up with her top fitness tips for nonstopmamas.
As part of the new Technogym Bootcamp programme, Susan puts hotel guests (and non-guests) of all ages and fitness levels through their paces in the gorgeous setting of St James’ Park. For a total treat, you can combine a Bootcamp session with your pick of spa treatments at the hotel (post-workout pedicure, anyone?). In fact, could we just take the pedicure? …
Fitness tips for busy mamas from Susan Cass, Technogym Master
• Get the right gear, if possible. Choose a buggy with really good suspension so you can really get a proper power walk or jog in the park whilst you and your baby or toddler get some fresh air.
• Buddy up! Finding a mum in a similar situation – perhaps a friend you made at anti-natal class – can be golden. You can either take it in turns to babysit whilst the other gets their exercise in, or put regular socialising dates in the diary where exercise is the main focus of meeting up.
• Be prepared! Have your home workout gear on around nap time, if possible. This plants the ‘exercise seed’ in your head and gives you more time to exercise when you want to.
• A good sports bra is essential! (Nonstopmama recommends getting measured for a suitable shape and the right size – M&S is hard to beat here, for expertise, experience and a great range of bras to suit all needs at every stage of mamahood!).
• Train when you feel you can get the best out of yourself and rest when you’re truly tired. It can be really hard to find time when you’ve got an infant to take care of, but you’ll feel more inspired to fit in another workout if you leave the last workout on a high.
• Be as active as you can, whenever and wherever you can. Try getting off the bus one stop earlier or walking to the shops rather than taking the car. If you know how to perform squats, trying doing up to 10 squats, every day, straight after a nappy change, to help work your legs and bum!
Thanks so much for the tips, Susan!
Of course, always, always check with your doctor before embarking on any fitness programme, however basic, if you are pregnant, have just had a baby or have any health concerns. Crucial, mamas – it’s not worth taking any chances (take it from a nonstopmama with back problems who has had two ‘sunroof’ deliveries!).
For more scoop on the Technogym Bootcamp and So SPA by Sofitel, tel: 020 7 747 2201. For further info on Technogym, power walk over to technogym.co.uk!
