Congratulations on taking the first step to becoming a fitter, stronger, more healthy and happy you. At Jenny Dugard's Body Beyond Baby, our focus is on ensuring mum is well looked after. Mum is often the key anchor point of family life (that is not to discount dad or any other primary carer) and is often the most selfless person within the household. Her needs are often swept under the carpet to cater for babies and children. I would like to teach mum to be a little bit selfish and that time out for her is good for the whole family; happy mummy = happy baby and a happier family life.
Body Beyond Baby specialises in group training with nannies to look after your baby while you exercise. Not only does this help you gain a fun but challenging workout without the hassle of finding childcare, but also introduces your child to exercise at an early age and ensures their role models are fit, healthy and active individuals in order to set a good example. I also offer a limited number of one-on-one personal training sessions and coaching programs.
What you can expect at a session
I am a mum myself so I know all too well that we can have good days and bad days with small children. When you arrive at your Body Beyond Baby training session, you can expect to meet like-minded mums who have all managed to get themselves out the door to make it to their session – no easy job at times! Our nannies and I will be there to meet you and settle your child into our play area. Sleeping children can stay in their prams close by and so can very young babies who may be content just watching the trees. Once everyone is happy, we will head off for our training session and will be no more than 50 meters away from your bubs. During this time you should feel free to check on your child, feed or comfort where necessary – whatever you need to do to keep yourself and your baby happy. Do keep in mind though that this is YOUR time and we have fantastic nannies who will come and get you if your child is particularly upset. We also don't mind your little ones joining us from time-to-time on the days that only mum will do – we will work around any given situation and ensure you get the best possible workout on that day.
We aim to give each person as individual a session as possible within the group setting
This means that no matter what your fitness level, we will work to a level which challenges but doesn't strain you. Posture and technique are the most important aspects of any exercise program, especially one designed for postnatal mums. I see too many exercises performed in such a way that over time could cause development of the wrong muscles and/or injury. My goal is to ensure everyone completes each exercise to the best of their ability and is continually improving week-by-week – I can then challenge you with more difficult exercises and increased resistance once I know a good strong foundation has been built.
Retraining your inner unit is essential
It is important to know whether or not you are suffering from a postnatal condition called Diastasis Recti or Abdominal Separation. This effects how and whether we do certain exercises within the training session and what is good and not so good for you to be doing at home or in other training sessions. I will always check for separation at your first session and we will continually monitor the rejoining process as we go along. To find a few exercises that are helpful in assisting the rejoining of your Rectus Abdominals you can click here. I also have a postnatal DVD which is perfect for learning to reactivate your abdominal muscles, assist in the rejoining process and help to reduce your 'mummy tummy'. It is designed to be done bit by bit, day-by-day and can easily fit into the crazy initial stages of life with a newborn though is also useful to those women with older babies that have not quite got around to retraining their inner unit. See below.
"I've been training with Jen for a couple of months now and love it, it’s the best money I spend all week. There are so many benefits for me: a regular time for exercise time for myself without the kids, fresh air & sun, an opportunity to get fit, lose weight & gain strength and finally and super importantly for me, it boosts my serotonin levels (something that sleep deprivation & breast-feeding hormones seem to deplete in me). I've realised that being a mum doesn't have to stop or alter your life altogether, and that you can and should still fit in time to do things for yourself, and for me, that's regular exercise. Having the nannies to look after the kids while I'm getting a good training session with Jen offers no excuse for opting out. I highly recommend it." Biz Lopez-Lightfoot Alex & Jack February 2010
