How NOT to do a mum and baby exercise class

How NOT to do a mum and baby exercise class

Yesterday I decided to go to my first ever spin class. Alex is closing in on 5 months old now and apart from that one 20minute run I did last month and the few times I did some yoga youtube videos, I haven’t done any exercise. I have been very lucky that, thanks to breastfeeding and good genes, I have pretty much sprung back to my pre baby weight with very minimal effort and I have not even had to shy away from the cake. Despite all this, my body may look good in clothes but underneath it is a bit of a squishy mess that is in need of some attention if I want to be rocking it in a bikini on our holiday next month. I decided now was the perfect time to get fit and tone up the mum tum once and for all and I foolishly believed a weekly mum and baby spin class was the answer to my wobbly problems. Um, I was SO wrong.  If you are thinking of going to your first ever spin class please learn from my mistakes, this is how not to get back into exercise after having a baby.

How NOT to do a mum and baby exercise class

When I arrived at the leisure centre yesterday morning for my first ever spin class, Alex in his car seat in one hand and big bottle of water in the other, I was feeling nervous but excited to do some exercise. I couldn’t wait to feel the buzz of those endorphins and feel that satisfying burn in my legs knowing that I was transforming them from limbs of jelly to rock hard thighs and maybe I would get a super toned bum too.

As I followed the seasoned mummy spinners and their brood up to the spin studio I was surprised at how relaxed I felt. I was actually looking forward to doing exercise, I couldn’t quite believe it. Once in the studio, I got Alex settled next to my  bike, the instructor gave me a quick briefing on how everything worked and then before I knew it the class was starting. When the dance track started, the lights began to flash on the ceiling and the instructor started shouting out her encouragement and instructions I was feeling pumped. I. Could. Do. This,

I am not going to lie, I struggled to even make it through the warm up without collapsing in a sweaty heap – spin is HARD! Although I was clearly the least fit mama in the class I persevered through all the dips, sprints and ab blasting moves that I could and, even though my legs were literally on fire, I was actually almost enjoying myself.

Until I fell off the bike that is.

Yes, you read that correctly, I fell off the friggin bike. Lesson number 1 in spin my friends, make sure you have your bike set up properly before you begin. I could tell from the start my seat was too far back but once the class had started I didn’t want to ruin my momentum by getting off and sorting it out. I carried on pedalling away, also very aware that my feet were not strapped tightly enough in to the pedals either. It is no surprise I ended up falling off really is it?

Anyway, my almighty blunder happened during the particularly gruelling routine of upper body dips set to the beat of Sexy and I know it.  As I was coming down from standing my foot slipped out of the too loose pedal strap and my bum missed my too far away seat and somehow I fell to the side and ended up on the floor between the bike and the wall – wall being a window right next to the gym, I am sure they all had a good laugh at my expense!

So, there I was crouched on the floor by Alex’s car seat trying to figure out what the hell just happened when I decided to just style the fall out. I would just hop back on my bike and carry on with the class like nothing had happened. No such luck. Do you know what happens when your legs go from working crazy hard for 15 minutes to a crushed up squat position in a heap on the floor? I do. Your muscles just pretty much give up on life. I tried to stand and I couldn’t, it was terrifying and agonising all rolled into one. I seriously could not stand, move or anything. I sat next  to Alex convinced I would be living out the rest of my days stuck on this very spin studio floor, forced to listen to upbeat dance tracks I don’t even like all day while watching super fit mums totally slaying this spinning business.

Luckily after about 10 minutes of pure humiliation I managed to get my legs into some kind of order and I stood up. That’s all I could do though, I couldn’t walk and I could no way get back on that bike. I was so mad at my stupid legs and general lack of fitness, I couldn’t actually believe this was how my return to exercise after pregnancy had panned out. After what felt like a life time the class ended and I grabbed Alex, eager to escape the torture chamber and get back home. Yea, I couldn’t even walk out of the class – could things really get any worse?

Once all the others mums and their babies had cleared the studio I hobbled up to the instructor to share the fantastic news with her that I couldn’t walk. That’s where everything got even more ridiculous. While explaining to the instructor that my legs were not actually working and I didn’t know how to get back to my car I started crying. For the last half hour we had been in a room full of babies and yet the only tears that were shed came from my 25 year old eyes. Luckily the instructor was so lovely (obviously that made me cry more!) and she told me I did amazing for even coming to the class and she carried Alex all the way out to the car park while I dragged my sorry self back to the car along side her (you will be pleased to hear I didn’t ask her to carry me too, although the thought did cross my mind).

She gave me a little pep talk at the car and told me not to let the experience put me off trying to get back into shape after having a baby, she coped really well with me blubbing so that makes me think perhaps I am not the only one who has been reduced to tears following a spin class?

Anyway, what with going arse over tit off the bike and all the crying, it is safe to say my first ever spin class was an epic fail and I shall not be going back. I am not saying my mission to get my pre baby body back is over but I am pretty sure spin is not the answer to my fat blasting prayers. I am thinking maybe yoga or swimming is more for me, much less physical (and emotional) pain is involved and they are both things I could actually do before I brought two little humans into the world.

I guess the moral of this story is don’t run before you can walk. Our bodies go through so much during pregnancy and birth and although we may be keen to get into shape again we need to ease ourselves into it slowly. If you want to voluntarily subject yourself to torture for half an hour then perhaps a spin class is for you but, learn from my mistakes, please set your bike up properly before you get those legs pumping.

I must say though, I did enjoy the massive pizza and salted caramel profiteroles I had last night in an attempt to cheer myself up after my morning from hell. Who actually wants a rockin’ bod anyway?

Confession time, has anything like this ever happened to you? Anyone else humiliated themselves in an exercise class? I refuse to admit I am the only one! In all seriousness though, anyone got any tips on how to tone up after pregnancy? Let me know in the comments.
You can find this post linked to some of these amazing blog link ups –

Maternity Mondays | Marvellous Mondays | Posts from the Heart | #MG | Big Pink Link | Twinkly Tuesday | Dream Team | Tried and Tested | Blogger Club UK | Best and Worst | Family Fun | Cool Mum Club | A Blogging Good Time | The List Linky | PoCoLo |For the Love of Blog | KCACOLS  …and of course #BlogCrush, the linky I co host every Friday.

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39 Comments

  1. March 16, 2017 / 9:37 am

    Oh you poor thing! Well done for going though! I used to spin, pre-baby. I occasionally toy with the idea of going back. The first class is definitely the worst—it gets so much easier so quickly. I know that sounds hard to believe. Like you, I’ve bounced back pretty well weight-wise, but my gosh I am so wobbly. I’m trying some YouTube videos. I figure 10 mins every day has got to be better than nothing! #coolmumclub
    Kelly | and Jacob makes three recently posted…Chicco Next to Me crib—A reviewMy Profile

  2. March 16, 2017 / 12:34 pm

    Oh my goodness what a total nightmare! Hopefully the pizza and profiteroles rectified things – they were very much well deserved after that incident poor you. Thanks for sharing your trauma with #coolmumclub lovely xoxo
    Talya recently posted…GUEST POST: 7 surprising benefits of yoga in pregnancyMy Profile

  3. March 17, 2017 / 6:11 am

    Hubster is in the Navy (and pretty damn fit) and he recently went to his first ever spin class with the other guys during their workout time. He almost passed out. They had to shove his head between his knees. Apparently, these classes murder all the newbies. They forgot to tell him to just sit and spin for the first week and not even try the standing and moving they do. And this from a man who rides a bike every day as part of his workout routine!! #BlogCrush
    Heather Keet recently posted…My sweet goodbye to the world…My Profile

  4. March 17, 2017 / 6:58 am

    Oh honey what a ‘mare! But bloody good for you for giving it a go! And hell yeah to the reward dinner – much deserved! Spinning is vile – maybe go for baby and Mum yoga next time – much nicer! Love this post (and you!) xx #blogcrush

  5. March 17, 2017 / 10:47 am

    Well good for you for going in the first place! I did one spin class when I was at uni and knew after that that it was definitely not for me haha so I’m impressed you went with a baby in tow! I went to a mum and baby yoga group when LM was little but she wasn’t a baby to just be contented so though in some ways it was good, it was also hard work having her with me and I didn’t go back. I hope you find something that does work for you! Xx #pocolo

  6. March 17, 2017 / 11:03 am

    Oh love, I can imagine your plight and humiliation, but glad it all worked out well in the end. But HATS OFF to you for a) attempting a spin class just 5 months into motherhood and b) WITH A BABY!!! I’d be too terrified of managing baby et al, forget even getting on the bike!
    #BlogCrush
    Nicole – Tales from Mamaville recently posted…These are a few of my least favourite things…My Profile

  7. March 17, 2017 / 2:24 pm

    Oh my goodness this made me smile. We’ve definitely all been there. I missed exercise so much post Caesar that as soon as I got the all clear I went to a PT session which was just so stupid- I should know better. I was pushed way too hard and ended up throwing up and almost fainting. BF takes a lot of extra energy out of us and I think GENTLE & KIND should be the focus of postnatal exercise. I always said to Pilates clients it takes nine months to make a baby so give your body that at the very least to start recovering. I am naturally impatient, but hopefully next time I will accept that it all takes time. Thanks for sharing, and well done for getting out there #blogcrush

  8. March 17, 2017 / 3:00 pm

    I have fallen of bikes and treadmills – beyond embarrassing :/ great post, found via your link up :_

  9. March 17, 2017 / 7:26 pm

    Oh lovely Wendy! I salute you for even attempting a spin class. The sheer thought of it makes me want a nap! I love the idea of a class you can take baby too though. I would be tempted, although I would probably be reduced to tears just at the thought of having to get on the bike! Thank you for sharing. I did giggle a bit, but I made up for that by sending you a virtual hug and some cake. Thank you for hosting #BlogCrush too. It’s always a struggle for me to link up on a Friday but if nothing else I shall make it a mission to pop by and do some #BlogCrush #Bloglove x
    Rhyming with Wine recently posted…#pretrendingMy Profile

  10. March 17, 2017 / 7:58 pm

    I was scared of spin before this post! I used to do hot yoga and I would be POURING sweat so badly that I was slipping and sliding on my mat looking like a total asshole!

    Then one year I tried Zumba with a girlfriend. We could not stop laughing and used to stop at Burger King for a burger afterwards- cause we kind of suck at healthy living.

    #vbogcrush
    kristin mccarthy recently posted…Who Needs Fresh Water Anyways, Apparently Not The Trump AdministrationMy Profile

  11. March 18, 2017 / 7:16 am

    Oh Lordy! I feel for you! I did a Mum fit type circuits once. My son HATED it. He screamed the entire time. I used him as a weight for a bit then he threw up from all the throwing about. Somethings are not meant to be. #coolmumclub

  12. March 19, 2017 / 3:25 pm

    Oh bless you! That must have been so stressful. It sounds like the instructor was really kind though. She’s so right you shouldn’t let it put you off. But spin is really tough so it sounds like a great idea to do something different. At least for now! Definitely cut yourself some slack – it’s hard work getting fitness back after having a baby, especially since you have 2 to run around after! Good luck with whatever you try next x #BlogCrush
    Angela Watling recently posted…Reasons I am grateful #3My Profile

  13. March 20, 2017 / 7:23 am

    Oh Wendy!!! How mortifying, but well done for going and the instructor sounds helpful too. Don’t let it put you off, just ease yourself in gently. I used to work out alot from home when Pops was younger and it’s a great way of getting your strength up within the safety of your home where you can be a sweaty mess and wobble about and nobody else can see. Message me if you want some recommendations. Thanks for joining us for #marvmondays xx
    Fran Back With A Bump recently posted…Marvellous MondaysMy Profile

  14. March 20, 2017 / 7:26 am

    Aw dude! Well done for sharing and for having the morivation to put yourself out there. When my first was 6 weeks old i went to a baby yoga class, i started bleeding again and leaked through my new grey leggings, boobs leaked everywhere too and baby cried the whole way theough the class. I was an emotionally mortified wreck! Sometimes we definitely do try to run before we can walk. Simple exercises at home and long walks were what got me back in shape first timw -second time arund im still working on it! Good luck and enjoy ur holidays #MarvMondays
    pam lorimer recently posted…Growing your familyMy Profile

  15. March 20, 2017 / 9:22 am

    oh hun you poor thing, that would have been scary to not be able to walk! I am glad the trainer was so supportive! Yes maybe start with something not so full on, our bodies do go through a lot with pregnancy, birth and feeding. You will get there, and if I know men trust me they think we are hot in our bikinis no matter what and I am sure your man is the same. He will love seeing your body and it is all about body confidence anyway if we are confident we look HOT! Even if you have to fake it until you make it. Thanks so much for linking up and being so honest! As for me yes I hurt my foot in Yoga, yes in Yoga, I was over stretching and totally stuffed up my foot muscles, it is till a little sore 2 months on! And I had a friend going flying off the treadmill at gym once in front of everyone! #mg
    Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…Right now I feel . . . #mg #livingfearlesslyauthentic roundupMy Profile

  16. Jo
    March 20, 2017 / 12:07 pm

    Oh no! Well done for going though, 5 months after giving birth that is seriously impressive. I once made to leave a circuit training in the middle, wrongly thinking that we had finished only to be told that we were only half way through. I was exhausted and dragged myself out of the room after what felt to me like a double session whilst everyone else practically floated out! #bigpinklink
    Jo recently posted…How does your garden grow?My Profile

  17. March 20, 2017 / 8:11 pm

    Oh gosh, Wendy. I’m so sorry this happened to you (but I still giggled all the way through anyway! Lol). This is totally what I would be like at a spin class too and you have my every admiration for going to one! I did swimming for a few months once upon a time, but I haven’t done any proper exercise for ages. Making the 3-mile round trip to school with a pushchair twice a day keeps me in pretty good shape though!

    #blogcrush
    Lucy At Home recently posted…#BlogCrush Week 5: 17th March 2017My Profile

  18. March 21, 2017 / 6:36 am

    Oh no, that really does sound like the spin class from hell. Thank god the instructor was so kind, I’m going to hazard a guess you weren’t the first and won’t be the last. I used to do spin classes twice a week in the six months or so before I got married and I actually loved it, then we moved away and there wasn’t one close to us. Roll on several years, another move and a child and I decided to give one a go at our local sports centre. Totally different experience. I couldn’t get the bike set up properly and at the end of the session I couldn’t walk either, my legs wobbled with every step. I’ve tried another one since but had the same experience again so never went back. I think having a good instructor who settles you in and sets your bike up with you for the first few weeks is essential.
    That pizza and profiteroles were every well deserved x
    #Bigpinklink
    Alana – Burnished Chaos recently posted…Words To Live By #19: Do Your Best – Part 2My Profile

  19. March 21, 2017 / 2:45 pm

    Haha oh this is so brilliantly and hilariously written – I felt like I was right there with you! My baby is 4 months this week and I’ve been on a bit too enthusiastic to get the weight off. I tried running with her buggy at 6 weeks pp and hurt both my knees so badly I couldn’t get up and down the stairs haha! #bigpinklink
    Muffin top mummy blog recently posted…A new mother’s guide to mummy etiquette My Profile

  20. March 22, 2017 / 6:47 am

    Oh Hun this made me smile but so well done for going!! Spinning kills me so as first exercise you did well! I’ve fallen off steps during classes and it’s so embarrassing but I bet you could go back. You get fit so quick! Hope your legs ok now. Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst xx
    Sarah Howe @runjumpscrap recently posted…Best and Worst Week #89My Profile

  21. March 22, 2017 / 6:55 am

    OMG! An exersize class that reduces you to tears! It sounds awful! As a short arse I can never reach the pedals anyway so would be completely humiliated from the start! Hope you find something less painful! #bloggerclubuk

  22. March 22, 2017 / 2:29 pm

    This is so something I would do! I’m really glad the instructor was nice about it all and I hope it doesn’t put you off for life!
    Thanks for linking up to #BloggerClubUK 🙂
    Debbie
    Random Musings recently posted…Blogger Club UK Linky #60My Profile

  23. March 23, 2017 / 12:07 pm

    Oh bless you! I feel for you so much but I completely admire you for hitting the exercise head on! I still don’t exercise properly now and Mia’s nearly 4 but I use youtube videos to workout to and always pick ones that are for ‘mummys’ as such. I (like you) managed to spring back to pre-baby 2 weeks after giving birth and I put that down to me being 26 at the time and really looking after my body. It was only a year later I found myself at my heaviest ever but now I’m back down thankfully!
    You should try and go again but don’t put yourself under too much pressure to do the whole class, aim for half the class and don’t go hell for leather 🙂

    #BloggerClubUK

  24. March 23, 2017 / 4:05 pm

    I have never, and will never, take a public class. I am not that coordinated and I don’t want to make a fool of myslef by demonstrating to the world my total lack of fitness. I have been trying out Flex lately. It’s a website where you can take classes online. I did a review for them recently and it sucked me in. It’s so much more my kind of class. I know this seems like an endorsement but it’s not. For anyone who doesn’t want to exercise in public, like me, this is the perfect solution.

    Here is the link to my review https://peachydiary.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/taking-care-of-mommy/ They offer a free trial with no commitment. I swear I’m not getting anything for this comment or for promoting their website. I’m not an affiliate of theirs and only did the one time review. #BlogCrush

  25. March 24, 2017 / 11:58 am

    Great post. That sounds like the sort of thing that happens to me! I’m impressed you tried something so challenging. I tried spinning once and it was the worst experience ever, I thought my fitness wasn’t too bad but that class proved me wrong and that was before children!! Well done for getting back to exercise already. #bloggerclubuk

  26. March 24, 2017 / 1:05 pm

    I’m so sorry but this made laugh you wrote it brilliantly. I have never even tried a spin class too scared. I used to kettlecise classes and spent one class shaking my head at the instructor telling her absolutely no way would I even be doing that. She was lovely but still made me do it. I hated her until our class afterwards for aqua aerobics advanced (which is an amazing workout) maybe you should try aqua classes, they’re great.

    Oh and if it makes you feel better, one zumba class when I was on my own, knowing no one we had to hold hands for some weird dance move thing in a circle. So there we all were sweaty and everything grimacing at holding some complete strangers sweaty hand when as we were doing our kicks someone stood on the tip of my trainers and my shoe flung off and hit someone in the face! So not a good class!
    Tracey Bowden recently posted…Locked Out Again!My Profile

  27. March 24, 2017 / 11:04 pm

    Oh lovely, I’m sorry this happened but good for you on going!! I’ve been telling myself to exercise for over a year and have just about managed to complete a handful of yoga workouts so you should be super proud of yourself for getting to the gym, let alone attempting a spinning class, I think thats definitely an achievement. Must admit I do really love yoga (when I can find the time) so its nice to hear someone else enjoys a more gentle form of exercise too. Thank you for sharing with #bigpinklink x
    Hannah Jane recently posted…What My Kid Wore WednesdayMy Profile

  28. March 27, 2017 / 6:58 pm

    Oh my this sounds like something that would without a doubt would happen to me, or at least something similar. I hope you find something you can enjoy and do without the tears! #KCACOLS

  29. March 28, 2017 / 5:05 pm

    This is what I would be like if I underwent any form of exercise in public, mainly because I’m such a clutz! Good on you for not giving up! I’ve always wanted to try a spin class but until reading this post I didn’t actually know what one entailed haha
    Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday
    Amie recently posted…Amelia’s 2 Year UpdateMy Profile

  30. July 13, 2017 / 12:03 pm

    Hello Wendy, I loved to read your blog. Everyone wants to stay fit and healthy now a days. They try different kind of workouts for it. Thanks for sharing such a nice blog. Keep posting!