I was always told that no one can prepare for the arrival of their baby and that’s very true. What I wasn’t expecting, however, was how much my body would change.
Before I was pregnant, exercise was an integral part of my week, whether it was spinning, swimming, doing yoga, or running. But as my belly grew, I embraced giving my body over for the little being I was growing. Sweating it out once a day was eventually traded in for gentle exercise every so often. On 23rd October 2014, we welcomed a happy and healthy baby boy into the world. My new job as mum was all consuming and I loved it.
It wasn’t until my son was 6 months that I felt ready to focus, once again, on me. So, I shared my goals with some of the staff at Psycle. I was presented with a challenge that I knew I had to take. When you arrive at the studio, it is impossible not to want to be part of their vision and vibrant community: helping individuals develop a strong body, sharp mind and discover new levels of health and vitality by creating the perfect environment for a community to connect, share experiences and support each other.
As the challenge was about to start, I did have doubts and anxieties about whether I was ready to leave my baby and whether my body was ready. Each week, I would have to ride four times, complete three body blast sessions on days I wasn’t in the studio, and follow Rhian’s Active Detox Guide. However, the encouragement from Edward (my partner) and the staff at Psycle made it impossible to turn down.
I am proud to say that Tuesday 2nd of June marked the 30th day of my challenge and on 4th June, I attended Psycle’s Canary Wharf launch party. I feel that I’ve learnt many things about myself and Psycle:
The studio
The moment you walk into the Psycle studio, you are surrounded by a vibrant energy. The feeling of community is at the core of Psycle’s appeal. Staff are always welcoming and interested in your experience. From the moment you arrive, you are there to indulge in yourself. Once you’ve collected your cleated shoes, you head to their change rooms which have all the amenities you need pre and post workout.
At the new, sparkly Canary Wharf studio, they have built an Energy Bar. It’s the perfect way to round off a sweat session with delicious, clean, and energising options to replenish your body.
The workout and my body
When I first got on the bike at Psycle, I was worried about coping with the intensity of the workout and my low fitness level. However, that anxiety was immediately squashed. You are in control of your workout. Although the instructor is leading the class, you direct the level of resistance and the speed of your legs.
Psycle instructors are amazing. Each one brings their own personality to the class in their sequence of moment, or music choice. I was lucky enough to experience many of Psycle’s finest and it was obvious very early on that they all share a set of core values (you can read about each experience in my blog posted on Psycle’s community page). Their ability to motivate is inspiring and you find yourself digging down deep to challenge yourself. As the music pumps through the speakers, you absorb the energy of those around you and feel part of a team. You work your entire body the whole time. Not only are your legs spinning, but you are mastering arm dips and completing weight lifts. It’s the perfect way to sweat it out.
The Nutrition
I have to admit that as a new mum, I had developed bad eating habits.
Sugar became my guilty pleasure as I found my energy levels low, but with a newborn who needed me awake and attentive. So, one of my goals was to discover how I could nourish my body with the right kinds of food.
I didn’t have to look far as Psycle offers the full package and that includes advice on nutrition. Rhian’s Active Detox is an easy to follow guide that outlines the kinds of food you should be putting in your body. Although I thought that cutting out dairy, wheat and gluten was going to be difficult, I found that my alternatives were so delicious and filling that I didn’t need to snack. I’ve learnt that eating clean is about planning what and when you eat. Most importantly, I haven’t felt isolated as educating myself on healthy food options is more of a lifestyle choice that can include the whole family.
One of the most valuable things I’ve learnt from the challenge is that you shouldn’t underestimate your body, or the need for getting a little me time. At the start of the challenge I questioned whether or not I could blend being a mum and getting fit. But, after thirty days, I have more energy; I feel much stronger; I have lost inches from my waist, and hips; and I have gained confidence. So, yes, I believe you can blend being a mum and staying fit.
It’s been a fantastic journey and I think everyone should have their own Psycle experience!
By Andrea Hetherington (mum)
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