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| Power-pramming Now your baby's around six months old and is developing good head control you may want to consider power-pramming. It's a great workout, you can burn twice as many calories as jogging without a buggy. But before you hit the road, take a few simple precautions to make sure your precious cargo stays safe. Plus we've got some easy tips to make sure you stay motivated and see results. Keep your baby safe You'll need a special buggy to jog with your baby and the ones on the market vary quite a bit. Look out for five-point safety harness, usually made of nylon or canvas straps with plastic buckles. It secures your child around the shoulders and waist and between the legs. It should have a tether or simple strap to loop around your wrist in case or a run-away buggy. If you'll be out at dust, it's also a good idea to wear reflective clothing so you can be seen easily by cars, cyclists or pedestrians. As your child gets bigger, make sure little hands can't reach the wheels where they could get rubbed or snagged in the spokes. Make sure your baby has good head control (usually around six months) before you start power-pramming and begin on a smooth path. Stay relaxed Whether runing or walking, try to keep your entire body loose. Don't squeeze the handle bars too hard. Control your breathing. Practise good posture, stand tall and try not to lean on the handle bars. Add some music It's best not to wear headphones so yuo can hear your baby, but you can put a small portable radio in the storage area of your buggy. Try to find music both you and your baby will enjoy. If you have a baby who doesn't like to be in a buggy, this could also keep them entertained. Also sing along, it'll keep you going and who cares what you sound like! Add bursts of speed When you run fast, then slow, then fast again, you burn more calories. On average, you're moving more quickly than you do during a steady jog. Head for the hills This will help burn up to 50 percent more calories and help sculpt your leg muscles. Just remember to hold onto the buggy tightly on the way down and use a tether if you have one. Fuel up first Mums tend to focus on feeding others but often forget about their own nutritional needs. You need something in your stomach before heading out. A small 200 calorie snack with carbs or protein will keep you going for longer and boost your metabolism. Treat yourself If you have a reward waiting for you at the end of the jog, there's a better chance you'll get out of the door. Make yourself a chocolate treat or a little smoothie. If your baby has fallen asleep in the buggy, you could even treat yourself to a nice relaxing bath, just make sure you can hear them when they wake up. |
