Why should I join a mums and bubs exercise group?

There's more than one reason women seek mums and bubs exercise classes when they are new mums. Motherhood can be overwhelming, lonely and full of uncertainty – to say the least! What's better than finding yourself among other women in the same boat being led by a specialised trainer? Let's say you had your 6-week check-up and your doctor gave you the green light to exercise... Eek! By now, I'm sure you know that that check-up is not enough. So what do you do then? You find a local mums and bubs exercise group – and you join them! Here's why: Mums need mums Remember how our mums and grandmas had their village? It was great, wasn't it? I remember seeing my grandparents and uncles every day – yes – every day! My mum had a whole village to lean on and feel supported when she needed it. Nowadays, it is a little different. We move to bigger cities or countries, making it harder to have that village. But the good news is, we can build the village! And I can't think of a better way to find a group of other mums with similar interests and with little ones of different ages to share experiences and ask for advice. You know the saying: "Find your tribe, love them hard"? Well, that sums up the mums and bubs Community very well. Surround yourself with other like-minded mums Five years ago, after having my girl, I met my assigned mother's group, and I felt we didn't have much in common. Don't get me wrong, I love a good coffee and playdates. I also enjoy the sun in my face while exercising and great conversation with other like-minded mums! And we can always have coffee together after the session! This new version of you needs specific training This upgraded version of you has different needs and requires a particular exercise prescription. With the rebuilding from the inside out and training to the weakest link principles, you will be guided to build strong foundations with the help of a qualified fitness specialist specialised in training mums. Your pelvic floor and abdominal wall will need a rewire – you will get that only with the right exercises for your particular needs. New mums deserve a safe space Shitty nights, teething, colic and terrible 2s are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to motherhood and the things we need to deal with that probably no one taught us. Knowing that you have a safe space to rant, vent or ask for another perspective and experience without being judged, can be so freeing! We've all been there – we get you! Happy mum, happy life Women are very good at putting themselves last on the priority list. It doesn't get any better once they are mothers, unfortunately. With always having something to do and little people to look after, it is easy to procrastinate any form of self-care. But the truth is, you can't pour from an empty cup, and joining your local mums and bubs exercise group will not only be beneficial for your body but also your mind and soul. Hot tips:

• Look for a Body Beyond Baby affiliate in your area.
• Make sure to ask your potential trainer for credentials or make sure they are adequately qualified before joining.

Meli runs Phoenix for Mums in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. To find out more about her and get in touch, click here. You can also find her on Instagram.