Do New Mums Really Use Their Baby As A Reason Not To Exercise?


by Alison Coldridge |
Published on

A personal trainer has spoken out about his belief that mums are ‘letting go’ and using their newborn as an excuse not to shape up

In between recovering from birth, looking after a tiny new baby, coping with a serious lack of sleep and everything else that goes with motherhood, it’s not surprising that exercise isn’t on the top of most mums’ priority list. But it should be, says Sydney-based personal trainer Allan Trinh.

The 24-year-old fitness fanatic has gone as far to say that mums use their babies as an exercise to hit the gym.

READ: CELEBRITY MUMS’ POST-PREGNANCY WEIGHT LOSS SECRETS

‘They're letting go, they're not eating properly and they just don't care,’ Allan told the Daily Mail Australia. ‘I don't think that's right. You have to be a role model to the kids.’

READ: LOST YOUR FITNESS MOJO? HERE’S HOW TO GET IT BACK

‘They're letting go, they're not eating properly and they just don't care’

Knowing he would ‘cop a lot of slack from mums’ for his controversial comments, Allan says he doesn’t care as long as his message hits home. 

‘The three main excuses I hear are “I'm too tired, I've got no time and my kids are my workout”,’ he said.  ‘I know mums are really busy and haven't had much sleep, but it's all about the kids and they don't prioritise themselves anymore.

‘Before I start with them they're a mess, but how they come out of it is completely new women.’

READ: GET FIT WITH THIS PREGNANCY AND POSTNATAL FITNESS VIDEO

Allan does admit he sympathises with the pressures of new mums and says he wants to make a difference to their health. 'I'm not a parent but I've been into the homes of a lot of mums - I've seen their lifestyles and the way they eat,' he said.

‘They can push the baby in the pram or do a quick exercise program at home... anything that they can do,’ he said. ‘It has to be convenient and consistent for a new mum who only has spare time here and there.’

If you’re trying to get a mum fitness regime in place, there are ways you workout without a babysitter. From going for a brisk walk to organising a fit baby club, have a read of our top tips below. 

READ: 5 WAYS TO WORKOUT WITHOUT A BABYSITTER

Do you think having a baby is a valid reason not to exercise? Let us know in the comments box below.

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