Whether you are into exercise or could care less about it. We can all relate to changes in our body after giving birth. Some women like their “new” bodies, some are indifferent and some have a hard time coming to grips with what their body has become. Alot of the time these feelings are a result of media and what we are led to believe we should feel and how we should look. My best advice is to be happy and healthy – and this comes in many shapes and sizes.
Emma from www.buggyfitmums is helping women deal with post pregnancy body image and PND through exercise.
What is your name and how many children do you have?
Emma McConnell, 1 child Elsbeth Purdue nearly 2

What is your business and how long has it been running?
www.buggyfitmums.co.nz it is group fitness for mums and bubs in your local park. It has been running since January 2009 in NZ.

What was the light bulb moment when you decided that you had to start your business?
I decided last year 2008 while living in Melbourne to try this, as my husband was very supportive and my market research suggested their was a market. My light bulb moment was one day I only just realised that you actually only love once and you don’t actually get another shot or another chance so I decided to give it a go! and I hate leaving my daughter and don’t want to work a 50 hour week away from home for ever more.

How do you balance work and family?
Some days I get up at 5am to do a couple of hours work, or sneak my workout in before the family is awake. My daughter goes to home grown kids 3 mornings a week which lets me work hard for those mornings, I try to spend afternoons doing fun stuff with my daughter while sneaking some house work in and preping dinner.My husband finishes at 4.30pm which is a good time and he helps a lot.
I try not to work sundays its family day!

What is up ahead for your business in the future?
More locations and hopefully moving out of Auckland. I am passionate about spreading the word that its ok to have post natal depression and increasing the support available for mums with PND. I am hoping buggyfitmums can help do this.

How has your life changed from BC (before child)?
Haha I’m a different person, I leave the house without makeup, I wash my hair less! I care more about my child than anything else in this world. I have less money less time and am always tired, I drink more coffee (cold) but have never been more happy!

What have been your greatest accomplishments in business? And your greatest struggles?
Getting that first person signed up! and hearing how you have made someone feel better emotionally or physically gives me a real boost.
Struggles, getting more clients! and getting mums to put themselves first for once and do something for them selves!

How can people find out more about your products?
Go to www.buggyfitmums.co.nz all info available there or email me at info@buggyfitmums.co.nz

Last words?
Unfortunately obesity is on the rise and 1 in 4 New Zealand mums suffer some kind of baby blues, and fitness can help so much with both of these!

Thanks, Emma.

Buggyfitmums is giving away a 5 free classes to one lucky winner in Auckland. Sorry everyone else, buggyfitmums operates solely out of Auckland at the moment. Why don’t you send Emma an email to tell her where you are and if her classes would interest you.

To be in to win the 5 class pass in Auckland simply post the link to this competition to your Facebook profile (http://girlstoys.co.nz/2009/03/fitness-for-mumsfitness-for-mums/)

For another entry, tell me what you do for physical activity with your kids. It can be easy as going for a walk or going to the park. I want to hear what’s your favorite activity to do with bubs.

That’s it! Easy-peasy! Two ways to win. You can enter both ways or just one way. Remember, if you post to Facebook, you must come back here and let me know in the comments.

Entries close Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 5pm
Open to NZ Residents only.
Winners will be picked at random from random.org

Good Luck!