It’s a scenario that sounds almost as cute as a room full of puppies. A couple of mornings a week in a Toowoomba hall a group of new mums gather to exercise, however the twist is, in this class their babies are strapped into carriers for the ride.
It’s Kangatraining, and Toowoomba trainer Nat Fraser says it’s a fun, relaxed and nurturing way for mums to return to physical activity after birth.
“It’s loud, it’s fun, we have the music up it’s just like any fitness class except the babies are there too,” she says.
We are a fun class with no expectations…the main goal is for mums to move and spend time with their baby…
The class incorporates floor, toning and Latin-style dance moves. It’s designed for post-natal exercise, so there are no strong movements that would compromise the pelvic floor or core muscles. Nat says it doesn’t matter if you can dance or not, it’s getting moving that matters.
“Dancing in a group can be a bit confronting for some mums,” she says. “The first thing mums always say is “I’m so uncoordinated, don’t judge me”. No one is; we are a fun class with no expectations and the main goal is for our mums to move and spend time with their baby.
“The babies love it. For most babies feeling their mum’s heartbeat and being able to see and smell them means they often fall asleep within 10 minutes. Mums don’t have to pay for a babysitter, they don’t feel guilty for leaving their baby at a crèche at the gym – that’s not to say those services aren’t necessary because everyone has different preferences. Lots of mums still go to the gym but do a Kanga class too as a way to spend time with their baby and get out of the house.”
…Being involved in physical activity from a really early age sets us up for a healthy lifestyle…
As a secondary school PE teacher during her workdays Nat is busy guiding our teenagers about the importance of health and nutrition. And on the weekends she’s walking the talk – staying active with her family of three children and husband. She says being able to take time out during the week to teach Kangatraining has helped her achieve balance in her own life.
“For me it’s created a perfect balance of being able to interact with other mums and to be a better teacher too,” she says.
“Parenting can be an isolating experience. Some mums will find it easy. But the reality of raising children is it’s an extreme struggle at times. The more people you can have around you to encourage positivity, movement and socialising to share how you’re feeling, the better. It can help you through that really tough time.
“And Kangatraining allows me to see my job in a different light. I teach teenagers and seeing how being involved in physical activity from a really early age sets us up for a healthy lifestyle has been so beneficial. These mums are role models for their children.”
For mums interested in Kangatraining you can start when your doctor or midwife gives you the all clear. Nat says the average age of the younger babies is about three months.
“It depends on how you’re feeling. Just because a doctor says it’s ok to return doesn’t necessarily mean your body and you personally are ready to go and join a fitness class. The youngest is about eight weeks old but in saying that if you’ve had a c-section 12 weeks would be the minimum. Three months for most mums would be the average.
“When your baby gets to about 15 to 20kg or doesn’t want to be in the carrier anymore you may want to consider a new activity.”
Nat says mums can participate in class without putting their baby in the carrier, and older brothers and sisters are welcome to come too.
Kangatraining with Nat is held Wednesdays 9.45am and 4.15pm and Fridays at 9.45am at St Anthony’s Parish community room in Harristown. One class is $15 or you can buy a five class pass for $70 and a 10 class pass for $120. There’s no contracts to sign.
Nat says she’s in the process of developing a class for mums of toddlers, so watch out for that. Added bonus: she’s also selling activewear for breastfeeding mums. Talk to Nat at the class or message her for details.
You can find out more about Nat’s Kanga classes on her Facebook page.
