Powerpramming

[Monkey]

Some of you mentioned Powerpramming as a good way to get back in shape after having a baby. My husband says I need a big three-wheeler or a bugaboo-style pushchair (anything with big wheels) to attend the class. Is that so? All I have is a pram that's not very sturdy...

Thank you.

[fmay]

...Can anyone recommend a good buggy for running? Are there any on the market especially for that? I have the M&P Skate which is just too heavy, after 20mins running my back is killing.

Re powerpramming you don't actually run consistently for any length of time, more stop and start, doing exercises in between, so must buggies will be ok.

By way, for mums who have very little time (and maybe don't want to powerpram in the rain and cold through winter) there are some great DVDs on Amazon called '10minute solution'. All different types of exercise with routines in 10 minute bursts so you can do them with the babe playing next to you or whilst napping, and they're tough. I'm getting great results from doing them a few times a week.

[snowboarder]

Hey - bugaboos are not good - the front wheels (small) do bad things. You can use any old pram but need to be aware about going too fast with very small wheels - they kind of judder and can lock (scary).

[candj]

Any buggy will do really for Powerpramming. I used a Quinny Zapp which was great, but I saw everything out there from Bugaboos to MacLarens and no one was really struggling. You pretty much stay on the paths in the park and don't really go on the grass or rocky terrain! Also, as fmay says, you're not running all the time (if ever really) it's more like very brisk walking.

[snowboarder]

If you do prambusters rather than powerpramming you run!

[The Nappy Lady]

I agree for Powerpramming any buggy will do...but if you want to do full on running something with bigger wheels is better.

fmay - I inherited what I called my 'big purple buggy', a 3 wheeler with 16" bicycle type wheels specifically designed for running. It only weighs 6kg and folds in half so not too awful in the car etc. It gives a mega smooth ride - I actually use it for dog walking 'off road' around Nunhead Cem. but also up in Derbyshire etc. it's been over all kinds of ground. I have also run with it. The make is Baby Trend, American I think, but if you look on ebay there are a lot of these type of running buggy's around and you should be able to pick one up cheaply.

Molly

[fmay]

Thanks Molly, that sounds like what I need!

[The Nappy Lady]

Forgot to say - fixed front wheel (or option to fix it) is best for running to avoid problems with wheel suddenly turning and potentially 'locking'.

Molly

[Goodliz]

Hi Monkey

You can use any pram in good working order for Powerpramming. It is me who teaches the Powerpramming classes.

The class generally works as follows:

Brisk walk and warm up.

Then I give people the option of fast walking or running. As it is a post natal exercise class there has to be an option as some people have joint problems, sore breasts, weak pelvic floor muscles and of course may just be far too tired to run due to the demands of having a new baby. Even though some people are walking they are still working hard. It is not just a stroll.

Some people like to run and feel more than up to it. They have a variety of prams from maclarens/ bugaboos/ Mamas and Papas, all kinds really. If you are running babies have to be strapped in and I definately do not advise anyone to run with a pram if their baby is not strapped in (like when they are in the carry cot bit) and of course if their baby is too young to have any head control.

As fmay and candj have said, the class does involve stopping and starting for additional exercises - this is also because lots of people will not want to run for too long. We do alot of exercises stationary along with a bit of running/ power walking with the prams stationary.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to get in touch if you need me to answer anything else. I hope you give it a try. There really are all fitness levels from people who may not have exercised for years through to mega fit mums who I would never be able to keep up with!

You can work at the pace you are comfortable with.

[jac428]

Do you offer powerpramming classes when it is raining?

[Gubodge]

Rain...snow...hail...nothing puts a stop to powerpramming. And the worse the weather, the larger the piece of cake you allow yourself as a post-pramming treat. It's the rules. Or was that just me?

[Goodliz]

Thanks Gubodge! Cake is calorie free on a rainy day after exercise!

Just off to PP on Peckham Rye now. I hope some others join me.

[mearly]

Hello, when and where do the sessions take place? many thanks, new mum Mia

[Goodliz]

Hi mearly

This is the timetable for the week:

Monday Peckham Rye, 12.30-1.30 meet by cafe

Wed Clapham Common, 10-11 meet by Bandstand

Thurs Dulwich Park, 10-11 meet at Court Lane Gate

Thanks, Liz