Buggy fitness class helps new parents through pandemic

A North Edinburgh charity has launched a bootcamp for new parents helping them keep fit and well during the pandemic.

A group of mums from Leith join in the first Buggy Bootcamp session.

It can be hard for any parent with young children to stay fit and active when struggling with interrupted sleep and the pressures of parenthood.

Regular exercise has been shown to benefit a person's health and can provide an important part of recovery from childbirth.

But many new parents cannot find or afford suitable childcare particularly in light of the financial and social challenges of Covid-19.

Fitness manager, Ian Blake, has designed the classes to support people coping with the added challenges of parenthood, get fit.

This is why Leith charity Projekt 42 has launched Buggy Bootcamp to help new parents in the area stay fit while looking after their babies.

Featuring strength and conditioning classes and led by fitness manager, Ian Blake, the family-friendly classes have been designed to support people coping with the added challenges of parenthood, get fit and stay in shape.

Mr Blake said: “Having kids isn't easy and looking after yourself during these times is just as difficult. No motivation, no time, expenses are just a few barriers to name.

“Exercising releases 'feel-good' hormones and increases body temperature, which can help calm us. Staying physically active can also help us maintain enough energy to keep up with our kids, especially those little ones, and live long lives so that we are there for our children as they grow up."

Founder of Projekt 42 Sara Hawkins: “At Projekt 42, we’re trying our best to help remove any barriers our community faces to access activities that help them look after their physical and mental health. We hope to extend this service to the parents attending the buggy Bootcamp classes.”

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.