Exercise and keeping fit offer so many wellbeing benefits, especially for parents. Whether it’s the rush of endorphins you get from working up a good sweat, the calm you feel from spending time outside or good it feels to do something for yourself, getting active is amazing. However, when you've got a little one, it's tough to fit in a trip to the loo, let alone exercising, but I promise it's possible, if you just get creative! 

Parent and baby workout classes

Parent and baby workout classes at my local gym saved my sanity when I was on maternity leave. Daily classes with post-natal qualified PTs and yoga teachers at Fison Fitness gave my days structure when I was struggling with all the challenges of a very young child and helped me rebuild my fitness in a way that was safe and sustainable after pregnancy and a c-section.

Classes like CariFit are an absolute Godsend for parents with little ones who don’t like to be put down. Combining Cardio And Resistance Intervals (get it?!) these baby wearing workouts are a proven, medically-supported way to workout whilst keeping baby close and never having to worry about childcare. You can get started once you’ve been signed off to exercise by your doctor and you feel up to it, and keep going until your little one is too big for their carrier! 

Make it a game

Is your little one big enough to run around after a ball? You’d be surprised how much of a sweat you can work up kicking a ball around the park and it’s a fantastic way to spend some quality time playing together while getting a little bit fitter. Not a fan of footy? Why not try a game of tag, go old school with hopscotch or try your hand at skipping? 

Invest in a running buggy

Mike absolutely loves going on running adventures with our daughter. He’s currently training for a trail race and nearly all his miles have been clocked up while pushing Evie up and down hills and it’s definitely helped him get fitter and stronger faster!

Buggy running is also a fun way to check out a new park and get some fresh air. Whether you’re returning to running after pregnancy, or hitting the pavement for the first time, it’s best to build up slowly with a plan like Couch 2 5k and make sure your little one is safe and comfortably by investing in a buggy that’s designed for running - we love our Out N’ About Nipper Sport which handles both road and trail beautifully.

Go short and sweet

You don’t need much time for a really effective workout - just 10 minutes on a regular basis can make all the difference. Instagrammer and PT Emily Williams regularly shares short workouts that are pregnancy and postnatal friendly and, crucially, fit into the moments she’s able to grab between looking after her two daughters. That’s real fitness inspiration. 

Walk it out

Walking is an amazing way to get fit, especially if you add a little resistance by babywearing or pushing a loaded buggy - around half of my London Marathon training miles have been clocked up by walking with Evie and I can feel the difference it’s made to my overall fitness. Pull on your trainers, load up your little one and head out on an adventure, you’ll get fit and your kids will love exploring the big wide world. 

Looking for a little walking inspiration? Blaze Trails have your back! Blaze Trails is the UK’s parent and baby walking community - parents who support each other to get out doors and go walking with their babies. With 40+ groups around the country there’s bound to be likeminded people near you.

However you get active, with or without your little one, remember it’s supposed to feel good so do check in with your doctor to make sure your body is ready to go if you’ve recently been pregnant or had an injury.