PowerPramming in Bedford
FREE……….FUN……..FITNESS
Those three words are ones that you would not often see or use together, but they perfectly describe a very popular and growing trend in Bedford - power-pramming.
Power-pramming is really very simple - turn up with a baby or toddler and a pushchair and you walk, jog or run at your own pace with other people.
Founder of Power-pramming in Bedford, Janet Lehain explains; “You start at the bottom and walk or run at your own pace and then each week we just build it up gradually. We’ll also do a few other exercises as well.”
While all the participants keep fit by running with their prams, it’s not just about the exercise. Unlike any other toddler and baby groups, mums actually get chance to talk and make friends as the children are occupied as they are strapped in their buggies. Being at home with a baby can be quite isolating and this is a great way to meet similar people and get some exercise.
There is much more motivation to go if you have other people to go with, and the structured approach means that you do not do too much too quickly - you build up gradually so you are more likely to continue with it.
It is very hard to get back into a regular exercise routine after having a baby, gyms can be expensive and exercise classes are often in the evenings when as a mum of young children all your energy has gone! Power - pramming is also good for the children as they get to enjoy time in the fresh air.
Janet started the Bedford group 2 years ago after seeing the idea on T.V. Since then the group has just grown and grown. Some of the members do much more than the running with the group; “One lady came to us a year ago having never done any running before” said Janet, “I don’t think she realised it was a running group, but now she has run her first half marathon!”
Power- pramming currently happens in Bedford Park (meet at the bandstand) on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am and on The Embankment (meet near Eat Fish) on a Friday at 2.30pm.
In September a third NEW Power-pramming group will be starting on a Tuesday mornings in Jubilee Park. This will start with a 6 week course for absolute beginners - details are still being finalised so contact Janet if you are interested in joining this group.
Power pramming takes place all year round and you can have any type of buggy and be of any level of fitness. For more information contact Janet Lehain on 07970186876 or janetlehain@hotmail.com.
November 22nd, 2008
