Moms in Motion

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I was recently talking to a friend who has a seven-week-old boy and it brought back a lot of "anxious" memories. The reason I say anxious is because she is now in the what-if stage.

Newborns are so wonderful. They can be carted around anywhere. They generally sleep a lot and they're not too much work until they become more aware. And this is where my friend is at.

She can't leave the house without worrying when he's going to fuss, where she might be and where she's going to feed. But she doesn't want to stay home because she feels she may lose her mind.

So this is where I step in.

I suggested a stroller fit class. It is a wonderful way to meet other moms in her neighbourhood who are probably in the same predicament. Not only are you amongst your own kind (now you are a mom), but you don't have to feel tied to your home in case the baby fusses or you may need to stop and nurse for awhile.

The instant support system allows you to feel secure while getting outdoors AND getting a workout.

Babies love to be outside and look around and you get to do something for yourself while sharing stories and swapping advice. It's a win-win situation.

A good stroller fitness class should have a good balance of stretching, cardio and strength training.

Some women prefer it to other indoor classes because it's outside in the fresh air (if there isn't a smog alert). You have to be careful, however, to use proper form.

Because you are working on cement, there is no "give" and you could be more susceptible to joint injuries. I always offer modifications based on each person's fitness level and watch closely that women don't push themselves too hard.

It's easy to get caught up in the "I can do it!" fever and pay for it later. Though stroller fitness is a great alternative, it can be a definite step up from a regular postpartum class so you have to be cautious.

Experts say physical activity can help reduce the signs of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression and the baby blues are more common than we think. A lot of us moms look back at the early years and wonder if we may have suffered from some form or another but just didn't know it.

For women who are already physically fit they may not suffer as much because fitness has always been an important part of their lifestyle. For some of them, it's much easier to get back on track.

For others, who want to get out and be active, but feel trapped, a stroller fit class could be an ideal choice. It just might be that ticket to get you outside with your little one and have some fun.

Samantha Montpetit-Huynh is a mother of two living in the Beach. She is a certified personal trainer, a pre- and post-natal fitness specialist and a RAB core specialist. She offers personal training in-home for pregnant women and new mothers, teaches prenatal and mom and baby fitness classes and gives workshops on the subject. You can reach her at redefineyou@rogers.com or at 647-897-5220. Her column will be running the first Friday of the month at insidetoronto.com