Mums tone up in Priory Park
But one view you're not mentally prepared for is a wave of buggy-wielding mothers using their children's prams as gym equipment.
The innovative exercise class, which allows new mothers to exercise with their babies, held its first session in Priory Park, Reigate, last Friday.
Confused onlookers watched as the gang of mums firmed up their abs surrounded by buggies and babies.
Jo Cullen, mastermind behind Legs, Bums and Mums, said: "Today's been brilliant. So many mothers have turned up – and what a nice day for it."
Mrs Cullen, who grew up in Caterham, was training as an aerobics instructor when she dreamed up the idea of child-friendly stomach crunches.
She said: "I specialised in postnatal fitness and found lots of mums wanted to come to my classes but couldn't find a babysitter.
"So I came up with the idea of an outdoor exercise class where mums can bring their babies along and use them to help work out."
Exercises include a buggy run around the pond, push-ups over their children, and stomach crunches on the grass next to their babies.
Mrs Cullen, a mother-of-three, said: "It's a good incentive to not cheat with push-ups, when your baby is underneath you.
"It's also great for the babies. They get to spend an hour in the fresh air, which can really help them sleep.
"New mums can sometimes worry about their post-baby figure and this is the perfect way to get their flat tummies back without having to spend time apart from their kids."
Kay Robinson, 25, from Hollis Row, Earlswood, came along to the class with her five-month-old baby, Charlie.
She said: "Today has been so much fun. Instead of going to the gym and leaving your baby with a pricey sitter, you can spend time with your baby and get them out in the fresh air.
"Once you get over the embarrassment of everyone watching you, it's really enjoyable. Charlie definitely had a good time being run about in a buggy."
Credit crunch: Mums don't need to pay for a babysitter Photo No: RSMkw270209-B-65
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