0 Running with baby. The easy way.

Mums (and Dads).  You need to be running.  With your babies.  Now before you lynch me for making such a presumptuous statement, hear me out.

Running is hands down one of the most effective ways of getting back in shape after childbirth.  It burns calories faster than almost any other activity, strengthens your cardio-vascular systems and tones your legs, core and butt. 

More importantly though, running with your baby lets your child experience all of the interesting sights and sounds of the outdoor world, in a fun way, whilst sharing time with you.  Your baby will love watching the world go by, and you can even turn your run into a learning experience for your child by describing the things you are seeing.  Colours, places, landmarks.  Kids love getting out and about in the world.

One of the things that puts a lot of parents get put off by is the cost of those super hi-tech "running prams" (see above) that we've all seen zooming around.  Let's be frank, you don't need one. "But it's easier to run with one of those fancy ones".  Yes it is.  But easy is not going to get you the fitness you want.  Amber and I push Asha around Princes Park in her busted up $69 travel stroller with small wheels.  As you may know, the track around Princes park is soft sand and dirt.  Certainly not ideal for pushing a stroller.  What a great workout though.  I'm forced to work a bit harder than I would normally and the end result is a better workout.

I see a lot of "Mum's and Bub's training sessions" advertised these days.  Don't get me wrong, these classes are a great way for Mums to get fit without having to get a babysitter or put their child in creche.  My suggestion is give running a try at least once a week for a month and I've no doubt you'll love it.  Best of all, it's FREE!!  You can do it at a time that's convenient for you instead of worrying if the class fits in with your babies sleep schedule, and you can go for as long, or as short a run as you want.

The moral of the story is, take whatever pram, stroller or carriage you have.  Get out of the house and enjoy some free exercise with your child.  It's been great for us, and I absolutely love the time I spend with Asha running around the neighbourhood.  Especially when she starts yelling "run faster, run faster!"

Obviously everyone recovers from childbirth at different speeds, so please be sure to speak with your doctor before starting to do strenuous exercise.  If you are unsure, just listen to your own body.  Enjoy your run.  Your baby will!