Postpartum running has grown in popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. Running after pregnancy isn’t just a great way to regain your fitness; it has other benefits.

Returning to running after pregnancy with Out ‘n’ About

By About Out ‘n’ About

Postpartum running has grown in popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. Running after pregnancy isn’t just a great way to regain your fitness; it has other benefits that are vital to your physical and mental well-being. It’s no wonder, then, that the British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that nearly ¾’s of women return to running postpartum.

The benefits of postpartum running

According to the NHS, even small amounts of regular activity can have a dramatic impact on your health and wellbeing post-pregnancy. Running or jogging is a great way to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and get your blood pumping. Amongst other benefits, postpartum running can help to:

Boost your mood

Through pregnancy and childbirth, your body has undergone a lot of hormonal changes, which can really take a toll on your mental health. Running can help to boost your mood by releasing endorphins – the feel-good chemicals in your brain. This can help to alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety.

Increase your energy levels

Caring for a newborn can be physically exhausting, and running can help increase your energy levels so that you can keep up with your baby’s needs. Regular exercise has been seen to improve sleep, which can be hard to come by when you have a young child! Getting the most out of any sleep you do manage to get can help to reduce fatigue and give you some much-needed energy.

Promote bonding with your baby

Once your little one is around 6 months old, you can bring them along with you! Running with a jogging stroller is a great way to bond with your baby while staying active. Not only does it give you both fresh air and time together, but the motion of the stroller can also help lull your baby to sleep, making it easier for you to get back into your exercise routine.

Getting back into running after pregnancy

Returning to running after pregnancy requires patience and persistence, but it is worth the effort. Before you start, be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure your body is ready – this applies to any new exercise regime postpartum. Start with low-intensity activities, such as walking, to build your fitness levels back up. Having a go at a gradual approach, such as ‘couch to 5k’, is a great way to reintroduce your body to regular exercise.

Once your child is old enough, you can go on jogs and runs together – providing you have a suitable buggy. Not only do you get to spend some quality time with your little one, but running with a stroller is also one of the few exercises you can do without hiring a babysitter or childcare.

Finding a running buggy

As you’ll likely have learned from baby shopping, there are an incredible range of prams, strollers, buggies and travel systems out there. Many of these are designed for different purposes, and a large number of prams and pushchairs aren’t suitable for running. To ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your child, it’s important that you use a specially designed buggy when running or jogging.

Key features that set a running buggy apart from other pushchairs include:

Large, all-terrain tyres – three wheels are better as a fixed front wheel can help with stability
Good suspension to provide a smoother ride for you and your child
An easy-to-use, reliable braking system
A safe, secure harness

About Out ‘n’ About

Out ‘n’ About is one of the UK’s leading running buggy brands, with an award-winning design that makes running with your child easy and enjoyable. Their Nipper Sport buggy is specially designed to absorb the impact of rough terrains and high activity conditions, and also ensure baby’s comfort and safety throughout your run.

Out ‘n’ About’s running buggies are available online at www.outnabout/com and Amazon, as well as in independent stores nationwide.

Returning to running after pregnancy