Blog -w/c Monday 25th May

Ok, so perhaps entering an event isn’t quite enough motivation to start training properly, but doing it for a charity definitely is. I have decided to run for a charity called More Than Words. They teach severely disabled children who can not speak a special sign language so that they can communicate with their families. The NHS don’t provide this service and knowing there are parents out there who have never heard the words ‘I Love You’ from their children gave me the motivation to start, and keep training.

Whilst I have probably only run 400 meters, I have walked over 30 miles last week and have already walked 12 in the pouring rain this week. Tomorrow I have an interval session planned and I’m working hard on my core strength.

My core strength has been hampered by a large diastasis after the birth. This is the gap between the ‘ab’ muscles running up from the belly button that pregnancy can cause. If you have this, you can help it by laying on your back, pulling in your pelvic floor muscles and doing a slight head raise. Once the gap is less that 2cms, you can then increase the head raise to a head a shoulder raise, similar to a small stomach crunch. Once it’s closed then you can progress to full crunches, and your training will become a lot more effective and less painful.

Blog – w/c Monday 18th May

So, I guess I’ve secretly been waiting for the knee consultant to come up with a magic answer for my knees, or to tell me to give up. In reality I now know it’s not going to happen. So, I’ve gone and booked onto a 30 mile hill challenge in Wales in September.

Now that something is booked I’ve got to get on with my fitness. My weight is back down to pre baby, assuming that the scales aren’t broken, so I’ve no excuse. If like me, you are finding excuse after excuse to put off exercising, booking an event (and doing it with someone) is a great way of making you start training again. I now walk 6 miles most days with the dogs, so I have a base level to work from. I’ve taken part in the odd bootcamp and spin session so I’m now going to spend the next 125 days improving on my fitness and getting around this rather interesting challenge in September!

I’ll start tomorrow…….. Honest!

Blog – w/c Monday 4th May

The pregnancy course we went on last weekend was amazing,! It taught us everything to help us treat all the aches and pains we all experience through pregnancy, at a greater level than previously.  It also touched on the emotional side of pre natal and post natal care. We all forget there are softer sides to people, and not only have their bodies been turned upside down physically, but emotionally too. This emotion never stops, and it’s not only child related. Women all over the county have the return to work battle. You pop in to see old colleagues and you don’t fit anymore, you stay at home and you get lonely. Well luckily there are many ways to help with this, we understand this and treatments like acupuncture, reflexology and massage can not only help relax you but also help with the anxiety. Post natal exercise can also do massive amounts to help release endorphins and get you feeling better. And if you can’t find child care, you can always bring them with you!