Article and photographs by Kylan Pimley
After you have a baby, you’re often tired, scared, happy, confused, deeply in love, and your body is no longer your own. You’re a new mom and nine months of pregnancy couldn’t prepare you for the physical and emotional demands this new role entails. Your body changes significantly during pregnancy and birthing. Secondary aches and pains can result from changes in posture, hormone levels, weight gain or loss, and changes in weight distribution. Getting out the door for some exercise can be easier said than done. With a new baby at home, isolation and exhaustion can be palpable, hindering your ability and motivation to stay active. However, the benefits of prenatal and postpartum exercise are essential for new and expecting moms. It helps ease all of the physical discomforts of pregnancy and labor, combats the baby blues, increases your energy, boosts self confidence, fosters good sleep habits and decreases stress among other things. And working out with other moms who are in the same boat can be a lifesaver. Baby Boot Camp may be for you.
What is Baby Boot Camp (BBC)?
BBC is a community of women of all fitness levels with shared goals of being strong, healthy and good example setters for their children. Moms inspire each other and thrive on the importance of making time for themselves with their kids in tow! Each 60 minute class incorporates cardio, strength training, flexibility and core rehabilitation
with additional nutrition and birth recovery support. The main reason people quit exercise programs is boredom. BBC provides diversity while catering the workouts to be effective and safely designed for the new mom stage of life. Through empowerment, confidence and strength building moms can reclaim their bodies.
How can you reach your health and fitness goals as a new mom?
Start with a list of 3 SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Next you need to choose how to get it done. BBC suggests using the buddy system! Grab a friend and set your goals together. With the help of your BBC instructor team, you don’t have to work on this alone!
What makes Baby Boot Camp different from other exercise programs?
• A mighty team of moms. At Baby Boot Camp, all franchise owners and instructors are nationally certified fitness professionals and new moms! Every instructor holds certifications in prenatal and postpartum exercises and they focus on continuing education in nutrition, birth recovery (c section, pubic synthesis, pelvic floor recovery, diastasis recti and core rehabilitation) and injury prevention.
• Affordable. BBC is cost-effective by incorporating a gym membership fee, personal trainer and childcare into one.
• Personalized Workouts. BBC provides one-on-one attention to each mom and caters to moms of all fitness levels: from pregnant, newly postpartum, and conditioned… and everyone in between.
How do you prepare for your first Baby Boot Camp Class?
Your first class is FREE and there are several locations around the Portland area.
- Timing is everything
- Ensure your baby has a clean diaper, appropriate clothing, has been fed, and burped.
- Pack the night before
- Don’t wait until your baby is happy to start the packing process. Getting out of the house can take longer than expected. Pack the essentials in your diaper bag the night before: diaper, clothing change, jacket or blanket, pacifier (if using), burp cloth, wipes, lovey, and bottle (if applicable.)
- Set your clothes out
- Getting out the door can be a time consuming event for a new mom. Set your clothes out so that you can be efficient with your time. Plus, seeing your clothes out helps make you accountable. You will be less likely to skip your workout.
- Grab a buddy
- Connecting socially is very important for new moms. You have just undergone a life changing event. Working out with a friend is a great way to stay accountable while providing a great support system.
- Embrace the gear
- There are times when your baby will want to be held even after all of his/her needs are met. Bring a secure baby carrier in your stroller. When your child needs to be held, secure him/her in the carrier and resume your workout. You can power walk, lunge, squat, and do most of the activities you would normally engage. Your instructor will help you modify the workout so it is low impact while your child is secure. Just think, you are burning 20% more calories by carrying your baby and pushing a stroller.
If you have any questions about Baby Boot Camp and to find a location or request a free class, visit babybootcamp.com, or email kylan.pimley@babybootcamp.com.
Kylan Pimley has been a Baby Boot Camp franchise owner for the last 5 years. She fell in love with the program after her daughter was born. Kylan is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and studies Nutrition, Birth Recovery,
Prenatal and Postpartum Exercise.
