Jennifer gives new mums gentle push to fitness
Date published: 31 July 2008
A DELPH personal trainer is on a mission — to get new mums fighting fit and raring to go.
Jennifer Ahern has set up Mams and Prams in a bid to help women who have recently given birth to shed the baby weight and make new friends.
Sessions take place at Dovestone Reservoir on Mondays at 10am and Fridays at 1.30pm.
Jennifer (33) said: “I got the idea to set up Mams and Prams from talking to new mums and finding out what kind of things they wanted to do to get back in shape after giving birth.
“I have a qualification in ante/post-natal fitness so I know there are certain guidelines to follow when it comes to exercising around the birth of your baby.”
Stretching
The classes include a 3.5 mile lap of the reservoir, toning exercises for the arms and stomach and stretching, as well as specific activities to strengthen the pelvic-floor muscles.
Jennifer, who works at several schools in Bury to encourage children to exercise more and teaches pilates, body pump and circuits at gyms across the region, said: “Mums must get clearance from their doctor or midwife before taking on a new exercise regime.
“Women should wait a minimum of six weeks after giving birth before exercising and longer if they have had a Caesarean.
“I insist that mums work at their own pace because exercise has to be enjoyable — if you dread exercise you won’t be committed to it so it’s important to find something you enjoy.
“Mams and Prams is also an ideal place to meet new friends as everyone is in the same situation so the sessions will be really sociable events.”
“New mums should remember that it takes nine months to gain the pregnancy weight therefore it should take at least nine months for it to come off healthily.
“There is a lot of pressure for women to fit back into their jeans in the days and weeks after delivery, like the A-list celebrities we see in magazines, but in most cases this is completely unrealistic for real women.”
For more information on Mams and Prams sessions call Jennifer on 07803739834.
