What to Expect: Messy Buns

Signing up for a new class can be intimidating - not knowing what to expect, whether it's right for you and whether you'll enjoy it can be off-putting. To reassure my lovely clients that they're choosing something beneficial for their current fitness level, bank balance and lifestyle, I'm breaking down how the classes and courses are going to work so everyone can book with confidence.

Messy Buns

Having a baby changes everything in ways you could never expect. Your body has done amazing new things but doesn't seem to work how it used to, not to mention the brain fog and exciting hair tufts that accompany new motherhood.

Messy Buns has been created for you to rock up exhausted, sore and frazzled and hopefully leave feeling just a little bit more like yourself. Groups are smaller so the crawlers and waddlers can't cause too much chaos and I can focus on individual needs within the class (if it's hold your cranky baby while you have a decent stretch, I can help with that too!).

I'd recommend arriving a few minutes prior to class to settle your baby and give them a feed, for their comfort but also for yours if you're breastfeeding. Make sure to wear a bra that gives adequate support for your current body and any clothes you feel comfortable moving in (yes, pyjamas are fine - I'm still proud that you got out of the house!). If you are concerned about your pelvic floor, wear an incontinence pad until you feel more confident - the exercises are all low impact but it's not something you need to be worrying about. I will also have a supply of pads available if you get caught unexpectedly uncomfortable. When you arrive, I can check you for diastasis recti if you're unsure whether you have it to ensure you avoid exercises that may exacerbate it.

I have softer mats, a projector light and a few toys to entertain the babies but please bring a blanket, towel or cloth for them to lay on if they're not yet mobile and any favourite toys to keep them busy, although avoid noisy toys as they'll be distracting and make the other babies jealous! If your baby enjoys a bouncy chair, bring it along as that's an excellent way to keep them entertained and able to see you.

The class will start with a simple dance-based warm up to upbeat baby-friendly music (no heavy bass or sharp bangs - I'm not talking Cocomelon) to give you a chance to locate your limbs before we work through three separate routine phrases, finally linking them together into one routine at the end. I don't expect perfection, I want you to have fun, get your body moving and your heartrate pumping and most importantly get those feel-good hormones racing. This cardio section will last around 25 minutes, any time you need to stop and tend to your baby you're free to do so, however I may need to give you some extra moves to make sure you stay warmed up.

After a cardio cool down, we'll move to conditioning - just two tracks on the ground targeting core, upper back and pelvic floor. I have yoga mats for this section but you're welcome to bring your own - mine are very thin! Following this conditioning we will work through a lovely stretch and relax sequence while I get the kettle boiled.

The exercise section of the class will last 45 minutes, after which you're welcome to stay for a cuppa and a biscuit - sit and chat with the other participants, give your baby a feed and have a rest before you head back out into the real world.

I'm available for any questions about postnatal recovery and exercise or to discuss how wild modern parenting can be (I have two gremlins of my own) and look forward to getting to know you and helping you feel just a bit more human during your postnatal journey.

Messy Buns will be running on Wednesdays 1pm at Highfield Church Centre from March and Fridays 1pm at St Denys Church Centre from April. More classes will be added if demand is high.

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