Banishing the Baby Belly with Work it Baby: A Review

Ok, so if you used to read my blog reguarly you will know that after I had my son Cameron I managed to lose the baby weight using my tried and trusted 'cheat day' method. Within 6 months I had managed to lose the baby weight and more but I still had the dreaded 'mum tum' familiar with mummies the world over. I finally found what I was looking for in an exercise class aimed at mums- Work it Baby.

I have already posted before about how great the classes were first time round so it will come as no surprise that after having Carly in November I was itching to get back! Luckily for me I had a straight forward labour and birth and by January I was able to return. Kirsty who runs the classes had kept in contact with me throughout my pregnancy and I really felt like I hadn't been away when I returned (apart from the fact that my fitness levels had definitely suffered from 12 months without exercise!).

Left: November, ready to pop
Right: In April, 5 months later and on the way to a flat tummy!

 

Carly is now about to turn 6 months and I have lost all my baby weight plus a stone more, I feel so much fitter and healthier and better in myself for attending the classes. My mum tum is starting to tighten up (I have bought a slendertone for a final push) and on a social scale, the classes are the best thing I have ever done. After having Cameron I was feeling low and lonely and this feeling definitely returned during my second pregnancy. I have had postnatal depression with both kids and I was advised to do exercise to help lift my mood. These classes aren't just a (brilliant) way to get you back into shape post baby but also a great way to meet other mums in the local area and get some much needed time away from being 'mummy' and back to being you for the night.

Through attending Work it Baby I have made some great friends, one of which is the class leader Kirsty. You couldn't meet a nicer, more passionate and motivated exercise teacher. Kirsty co-hosted my very first event back in March and we will be running a second event this Autumn. 

I am also running race for life with team work it baby, led by Kirsty this June! Running is a totally different form of fitness and is pushing me harder than before but Kirsty is a great motivator. I am now aiming towards a goal time of 25 minutes for the 5k and to run it wearing a cropped top (eek!) 

I cannot recommend Kirsty's classes more highly and would love for you to check out her website here and join her on Facebook where I guarantee you will see for yourself just how lovely she is!

Please Note: This post is 100% my own personal views. I was not given any products or services in return for this review and everything written is the truth (it really is amazing)!

Work it Baby Christmas Meal!

Last night was my exercise class Christmas meal at a lovely posh hotel in Bournemouth right by the seafront. I was a bit nervous as I didn't now anyone that well but the girls are all lovely and I soon felt at home.

The meal was lovely; I had soup followed by a turkey roast and then a very yummy but very sickly mousse dessert (it reminded me of melted marshmallow).

After we had eaten, we went up to the bar and had a chat and then got some wine and had a bit of a dance which was nice.

I got a bit drunk and had a great time, and my boyfriend came and picked me up around 11pm. All in all I had a great time and am so pleased I started attending Kirsty's classes, not only am I looking much better for it but I also got the chance to meet such lovely ladies.

Me with the founder of Work it Baby, Kirsty!

Work It, Baby!

For the past 8 weeks I have been attending a fitness class aimed at mums called Work It Baby.

The classes are run by a lovely, bubby woman called Kirsty and since starting, the routines have changed three times which is great as variety helps keep me motivated and on my toes. The latest routine has definitely been the most fun and worthwhile in my opinion and I actually look forward to going to the classes.

Now, if you know me, you will know that I absolutely hate exercise generally as it bores me, I have a severe lack of co-ordination, and I just don't have that urge to 'work out' all the time like some girls do. I tried the gym back when I was at Uni, along with my two uni friends, but ended up going about five times in a few months and it just wasn't worth the money.

What is great about Work It Baby is that the classes are only £5, and you can pay in a range of great packages, such as the one that I am currently on which is £15 for the month, paid in advance. I think a fiver a week, for something that is not only helping me tone up and lose weight, but is also getting me out of the house, giving me a break from being a mum, and helping me meet other mums, is well worth it!

Not having a job this year meant that I would miss out on the Christmas Meal/Parties that other people have, but Kirsty has set up a Christmas Meal for all the Work it Baby members at a hotel in Bournemouth which is a great idea.

If you live in the Bournemouth area and want to tone up and get fit after having had your kids, then I would highly recommend the classes. They are fun, lively, have helped me feel so much more confident about my body and myself and are even doctor recommended (I have suffered from postnatal depression since having Cameron and was advised to go to the class by my health visitor!).

Even better is that Kirsty is currently offering one free taster session to any new members wanting to have a go and see if the classes are for them (offer available up until Christmas, get in touch with Kirsty for details and to book!).

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at the website here and the Facebook page here!

Just the Boost I Needed!!

Tonight I had butterflies in my stomach, my stress levels were through the roof and I was even considering backing out. Was I off on a date? No... I was off for my first ever group exercise class and I was extremely nervous! I hate exercise... and I am very shy... The two mixed together was a disaster waiting to happen, hence the reason I had not been to one class in my 22 years!

I got there ten minutes early and met a couple of other 'newbies', which put me at ease a bit and then the girl who runs the class arrived and she was so lovely I totally relaxed! You would not have guessed from meeting her that she would be a shouter(!) but I am glad she shouts as it means more motivation, and boy was I motivated!

I managed to keep up all the way through which is a miracle in itself as I am so unco-ordinated! It really felt like it was working and everyone worked up a big sweat which is always a good sign! The class is done to club music which I think really works as it makes it fun and energising. I was actually saying noooooooo inside my head when the class ended as I was so motivated and buzzing from the class!

I am definitely going back for my remainding five lessons and reckon I will carry it on after that as it has made me feel like my old self, pre-pregnancy, pre-mummy, just me. I loved having a little break from Cameron and meeting other mummies in the process, it was literally just what the doctor ordered, and I am pleased I bought the Groupon way back in June!

If you are from the Bournemouth area and a mummy then please take a look at the Work it Baby Facebook Page as I cannot recommend this class highly enough!