Six exercise options for mums in Canberra

Posted on 21 January, 2019

Sometimes when you’re starting something new it can feel just that little bit less scary and that little bit more achievable if you are doing with others.

From my own experience of returning to exercise after my son, I certainly felt better in the company and support of other mums who could share a knowing smile or a sympathetic hug when you relate spending hours on the Swiss ball (not for exercise but because your baby went through a needing to be bounced to sleep phase) or not being able to sit down at a café for five minutes (the kid just did not want to be still!).

After speaking to a friend who is new to motherhood and looking to get back into fitness, I became curious as to what mum-specific options were available and was quickly surprised and overwhelmed with how many amazing and well-regarded options there are in our city.

Please keep in mind that this is by no means an exhaustive list, but rather I have tried to capture some options that came highly recommended.

Mums Who Ball

Basketball ACT has created Mums who Ball for mums who were keen to play but may not have the numbers to create a full team – or the ability to attend every week. It is a flexible program for mothers with young children delivered through a drop-in format with a low-cost entry point, fitness-focused activities, modified rules that allow for a more accessible game and they even provide a simultaneous program for children.

Mums Who Ball | Tuesday mornings from 10 am | Belconnen Basketball and Sports Centre | $10 weekly for a game, tea/coffee and a sweet treat |basketballact.com.au/mums-who-ball

M.E.G.A

I concede its possible you may not have come across MEGA (Mums Exercise Group Australia) before. Maybe you are new to motherhood, maybe you have been fixed in your own approach to fitness for some time or maybe your new to the internet? (kidding). Regardless,  I am excited to share it with you. It’s a brilliant membership-based network which offers a variety of low cost and free fitness activities to mums across Canberra—their app makes it easy to browse options and book classes.

We could easily create a top 10 of mum specific activities made up with MEGA events alone. Mega has a huge diversity in events is aimed at all mums, not just those new to motherhood. I loved, at one event, seeing mums with their own mums sharing fitness together.

megamums.com.au

Kangatraining

Kangatraining is described as “not just a safe and fun postnatal workout you can do with your baby… it’s so much more.”

The elements of the class that appealed to me most were:

• You dance with your baby but coordination is not required.
• The class is good for your emotional wellbeing as well as your physical fitness and strength.
• You will never find a more supportive and welcoming bunch of people.

facebook.com/kangatrainingnorthcanberra

Running Mums Australia

Described as a social network for mums who love to run, Running Mums Australia is perfect for those mums who love the comradery that comes with running groups.

Now I confess, I have never been able to obtain that elusive ‘runners high’ and seriously question its actual existence, but would be willing to give it another go with the support of some other mums.

runningmumsaustralia.com.au

Crossfit SFS

I know of a lot of lovely (and fit and friendly) mums who attend Crossfit SFS. Let’s not forgot the option of a free creche – talk about being able to switch into your fitness mindset!

crossfitsfs.com

Zumba

There are actually a number of amazing Zumba instructors offering mums and bubs classes around town.

If you haven’t tried out Zumba, local trainer Lachlan Holt will be instructing from 9.30 am to 10.30 am on Mondays during the new school term at the Gungahlin Community Centre, which is ideal for mums who have dropped their kids off for school. There is a free come-and-try class on Monday 21 January. See the Facebook event here.

A huge thank you to the members of the Facebook groups ‘Mums Exercise Group Australia (Canberra)’ and ‘Canberra Mums – Babies, Toddlers and Beyond’ for sharing such wonderful recommendations. I was truly amazed and inspired but the range of both Mum-dedicated as well as Mum-friendly sports and fitness options!

Do you have a recommendation for us? Let us know in the comments!