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Tina Hunt (right) has started Buggy Fit, a way for mums

FINDING the time to get back in shape following the birth of your child is often one of the main barriers facing new mums.

Physically, you are certainly not up to the strenuous exercise classes you may have done pre-birth, mentally your mind is full of nappies and feeding times and, when it comes to the crunch, can you really be bothered?

Well, for mums across Hampshire a solution has presented itself in the form of Buggyfit classes.

Qualified instructor and mum of two Tina Hunt has just taken over the franchise for Buggyfit in the Chandler's Ford and Winchester area.

Already running a class a day, mums are signing up to the exercise class that combines keep fit and socialising without having to leave your child.

Although pushing a pram for exercise may seem like a gimmick, studies have shown that you burn 20 per cent more calories when pushing a pram than walking or running.

The classes last around an hour and, far from pushing a pram around a park, the sessions are structured to include different activities, stretching, toning and a variety of exercises.

Tina said: "After having Harry, I realised there was little in the area with regards to postnatal exercise and, after reading about Buggyfit in a Morrisons' baby magazine, I felt I had the necessary skills to undertake the training to deliver Buggyfit classes in this area.

"Buggyfit is the ultimate fitness class for new mums wanting to get back in shape after their new arrival.

"This power-walking class, with strengthening and toning exercises, is proving to be the answer to shifting postnatal weight and re-toning your body after giving birth.

"The classes are suitable for new mums, mums with toddlers and everyone in between; for as long as the children are happy to sit in their pushchair."

Each class usually involves a route between two and four miles and, depending on the location, can include different terrain.

Each class includes group exercises specifically selected to strengthen and tone particular muscle groups and enable mums to cope with the demands of motherhood, according to Tina, 32, mum to Harry and Benjamin.

One mum who has been coming since the classes were set up last month is Fiona Duke.

Mum to Ethan, eight months, Fiona said: "The problem I found was that I didn't really have time to fit exercise in, although I wanted to as I was quite fit before the pregnancy.

"This is a great idea because Ethan can come along, too."

And these mums are no lightweights - come sun or rain they are out in all weathers pushing those prams.

When asked what happens if it rains, Tina says: "We still go. Whatever the weather you just have to make sure both you and your baby are well equipped."

For more information contact Tina on 023 8027 0045, mobile 0784 113 3429.

Or e-mail Tina via t1nahunt@talktalk.net.

2:17pm Tuesday 26th August 2008

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