Being a fitness freak before having kids, I was at a loss - my own questions hounded me internally, which actually led to my procrastination period (I can admit this now 6 years on!): How far can I push my body? How much is too much? Would my little ladybug enjoy this time with me? How can I make it enjoyable for the both of us? Why do I feel so alone? Why am I stressing out when I haven’t even started???

I learnt a few lessons here.

Lesson no.1
First and foremost, I wasn’t alone. I just consumed myself in my own bubble that I didn't realise there was a world of parents out there experiencing the same thing as me. Knowing how to manage the balance of parenthood vs personal health and well being was overwhelming to say the least. So much good advice out there, but what I really enjoyed was meeting other parents online and talking to them about personal experience. It felt real, and no matter how silly my questions were, there was always a reassuring answer waiting for me from another parent across the other side of the world! (Ahhh, what did we ever do without the internet?!!)

Lesson no.2
Don’t rush things! I’d just given birth for crying out loud. I forgot to actually sit back and just enjoy the moment - lady lumps and all! Why spend wasted time fantasising about my miraculously svelte and kick arse body post pregnancy (a girl can dream can’t she?), when I should just get swept away with mummy love?!

Lesson no.3
Being active doesn’t necessarily mean going for a 10 mile run. Far from it. Being active is what you make of it - be it going for a light jog around the bays or taking a stroll to the shops, it’s just about getting outdoors with your baby in buggy (though if you are the bionic mum who can conquer a marathon, then much respect!) With a bit of a push, it’s amazing what a little oxygen can do for the baby brain - remember, once you realign your brain, your body will follow.

Lesson no.4
Lastly, an extremely valuable lesson I learned a bit later when ladybug was older: make sure you have made the right buggy choice right from the start. While some actually enjoy the thrill of getting the next best thing in market, a lot of us simply can’t afford this luxury - so getting it right the first time can relieve a lot of unwanted stress and heartache! I come from a strong fashion background, so I learnt later in life that it’s not all about the aesthetics, bells or whistles, but it’s more about simplicity, functionality and ease.

The first buggies we purchased just couldn’t handle the type of play I wanted to do when out and about. Sure, they looked fab, but having no function to my lifestyle really was a drag, and I can’t always rely on my stronger other half to fold the buggy down to fit into the car, to manoeuvre properly, or even just going up and down a kerb - I had to rely on myself too.

So do take the time to do your research on the right buggy for you - look at your lifestyle and environment, and then put a buggy in there - does it fit? I admit, I learnt some costly mistakes, but I got there in the end with my Mountain Buggy (and without a hint of biased tone, I can honestly say, once you push a Mountain Buggy, there’s no going back!)

While I’m on the subject of being active and buggies, a friend of mine in the US had recently asked me about current joggers in market. She was at a crossroads as after all, there are so many great options out there, and being a first time mum, it’s pretty over whelming! I can go on about the Mountain Buggy terrain being the best option, but instead I chose to give her some honest and constructive articles from parents and sites that have reviewed and used our product - I was going to let her decide. One of the articles that seemed to have a huge impact on the decision making was this great review that pitted the Mountain Buggy terrain against another jogger great BOB. It really is great to see comparisons like this as it puts things into perspective, knowing that you are ticking the right boxes, so as I said, do your research! Check the awesome comparison here.

Now although she or hubby aren’t big runners or live the rugged outdoors lifestyle, they actually went down the right path and set their minds into looking for a one stop shop - a buggy that offered them all the options from jogging with baby, to simply heading into town for some blissful shopping. In the end she made her own choice, and I’m happy to say she and hubby are now Mountain Buggy parents. They’ve yet to tackle the fitness tracks, but there’s been plenty of trips to the shopping mall and back - it is after all what you make of the word ‘active!’

So remember - don’t rush it. My one piece of advice to parents out there going down the active path - take things slowly, be realistic with your goals (with a lil’ bit of stretch of course!), and get in the zen-zone to make confidant and safe choices in reviving your body, mind and soul.. with the right buggy of course!

Enjoy the moment and everything else will fall into place, including getting your bootylicious back!

lou | MBx
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