Busy mum finds perfect way to exercise with child in tow at Norfolk outdoors pilates class
A taster session for Pilates in the Park at Diss Park. Picture: Hannah Wright - Credit: Archant
An athletic mum has found the perfect solution for exercising with a child in tow.
Mums working out with their babies at Pilates in the Park. Picture: Hannah Wright - Credit: Archant
Hannah Wright, who grew up in Alburgh and attended Diss Sixth Form, moved back to the area when she was expecting her baby.
The mum, who likes to keep fit, found morning sickness meant she couldn't take part in classes.
And when her son was born, she found sessions were scheduled for the evenings when she was putting her baby to bed.
She began lessons in Palgrave Park with instructor Miranda Tuddenham where they hit on an idea – exercising in the park.
Pilates in the Park for everyone in the community at Diss Park. Picture: Hannah Wright - Credit: Archant
And on Saturday, July 22 the pair - supported by Diss Town Council - will be promoting exercise outdoors by launching Pilates in the Park at the DissFest.
She said: 'I was meeting with Miranda in a local park in Palgrave for Pilates.
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'My son Finlay is 13 months and he is a nightmare indoors but he is fine outdoors.
'My dad, who is 72, would bring Finlay to the park for an hour while I did my class and they enjoyed the park together.
Pilates has been shown to improve mobility and stress levels and boost wellbeing. Picture: Hannah Wright - Credit: Archant
'Children are less frustrated and restricted outside or in a park.
'What I also noticed is that exercising outdoors is completely different from exercising inside.
'Often classes are held in a room without a window even.
'Miranda and I decided we should look at setting up something outdoors so that mums could come too and bring their children along.
'In America, exercising outside is big but it hasn't really taken off here yet.
'I thought why isn't someone using Diss Park, because it's so beautiful.
'It also has so many facilities including the café and the children's play area.'
Pilates was developed in the 1960s by Joseph Pilates, who believed mental and physical health were closely linked.
The exercise has been shown to improve posture, muscle tone, balance, joint mobility and to ease stress and boost brain power.
The hourly lessons, from beginner to advanced, will start at 10am at the Pavilion in Diss Park on Saturday. Sessions cost £3. Visit www.pilatesinthepark.co.uk
