After running for over a decade (4 marathons completed and many other races), I still believe there are many things I can learn from other runners and fitness enthusiasts.
If I compare how I was fit and prepared to run my first marathon (the London Marathon 2011) and my last one (just a few weeks ago in Paris), one of the main differences is definitely that I know so much more about my body and how far I can push it.
Running before I had become a mum was so different. I was not very passionate about it back then, just kind of trying to keep in shape. My body changed so much after giving birth, and one of the struggles I had to fight was my core muscles were weakened and I developed the runner’s knee while training for my first marathon.
Back then I didn’t really know much about why every runner also needs to work hard on their core muscles. These days when training for a marathon I always make sure that I also go swimming as well as to my fave spinning and pilates on a weekly basis.
When I gave birth to my second daughter, I was so addicted to running I could not wait to go back to it. I miss running with Olivia in my Out n’ About Nipper Sport up very steep hills. When she was a bit older, she was shouting and encouraging me and people were turning their heads and smiling when they spotted us.
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Many of mums at the school gates were asking me about buggy-running and I am so pleased this is not such a unique thing to see these days as mums should not stop running just because they have nobody to look after their little ones. Run with them, is always my answer.
Anyway, what I was suggesting was that after my second childbirth, I knew exactly what to do to make sure I did not develop the runners and knee. I worked hard on strengthening my core muscles and am very happy to say since then I never struggled with the runner’s knee while training for my next marathons.
There is a reason why “core” is the core of our bodies and we all need to keep on strengthening these muscles.
Every year since 2013 I have been part of Product of the Year jury. I was delighted to see WonderCore® Smart won the core fitness category in 2018. It was my favorite product and let me tell you a bit more about it.
I am all about exercising outside and love the fact this product is not too bulky and easy to carry outside too. It was super easy to set up and start using. It comes with a very handy exercise guide which shows you clearly how to use it and what exercise you can do.
What else do you get? There is also a DVD with two 35mins workouts and a nutrition guide which I was very keen to try out. As I say, there is always space in my life for improvement and love trying new things.
Features I like:
compact, easy to store
easily adjustable resistance
great for strengthening your core & toning arms
easy use
As a runner, I often focus on exercises that involve my core and leg muscles. Unfortunately, I have always been very slack with working on toning my arms, and am hoping to change this with WonderCore® Smart.
I know it’s not going to happen overnight and as with everything, it’s all about regular workouts. Wish me a good luck, and hopefully, I will be sharing a pic of my toned arms soon!
How to Win WonderCore® Smart?
One lucky Fitness 4 Mamas reader will win this fitness unit worth £79.98 If you would like to enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below.
UK & Ireland 18+ entries only!
Good luck!
This would really help me get back in shape
This looks like a fun way to exercise and get fitter. I’d love to win it.
My running has really slipped in the last decade (wow, that’s depressing to type). I really want to get back into exercising to improve myself physically and mentally.
Since having my second child (almost 4 years ago – gulp!) I’ve really struggled with getting back into shape and keeping weight off. It would be a massive help because I could use it in the comfort of my own home!
I’d love to win to help me get back into shape after finishing chemotherapy treatment and to get my strength back
I would love to get fitter and healthier
Awesome #giveaway this could be just the motivation I need to get myself bikini ready . Thanks for the chance to be your lucky winner
This is such a great thing. Doesn’t take up too much room. My partner and I can both use it. I really need to work on my core muscles and flabby arms and actually pretty much everything. No excuses now.
Ooh! I’d love to win this as I’m currently training for my first ever Spartan race in the autumn! I’m also a runner, and I definitely need to work on my arms and core muscles a lot more! xx
to be honest ,i really hate exercize,but this little fitness product looks great. i would love to win and give it ago.
I’d love to see if it would improve my bad back after 4 children it has took its toll the doctor said
I’d love to win this because I really need to tone up
I’ve booked my wedding and I’d love one of these to motivate me to walk and exercise more #weddinggoals
Pregnancy and illness I’ve lost my core strength and notice the back pain I get with it I’d love this as it’s versatile and I would be able train at h9ne and still be a mum
I would love to win for a better core, so I can develop my running better. I also suffer from regular strains, so I am hoping this will improve my muscle tone and prevent injuries. Thanks xxx
I need help getting fitter and this looks great.
Need to lose some weight and gain some strength in my muscles.
Would love to win this to help me get fit
I seem to be putting more weight on since having a baby and this looks like a great way to exercise from home.
This looks great, fingers crossed
natalielara1989 on instagram 🙂
because my core is not quite the same as it used to and would love to shape up for my wedding
Because since having twins my core has never been the same!. My other half also has back problems which he thinks is down to a weak core
This looks fab. I really need to work on getting fitter!
I need to get a bit fitter and this looks fab.
I would love to win this to tone up my mum tum.
This would be so helpful to work out at home! Thanks for the chance x
I really want to work on my core strength and this looks like a fab help!
Would love to win as have had shoulder problems for almost a year, and would love to kick-start a new exercise regime, especially core as i know that has been lacking lately.
Had seen this on the tv and thought, will it be useful? Having read your review my mind has changed as if you are finding it useful it must be good!
I would like to get fitter so this would be a great help
l want to get fit
I would love to win because I’m on a new health kick and I’m really going with it this time! I’ve changed what I eat and also exercising consistently! Xx
to help me get fitter
Need to get fit
I really need to improve my muscle tone, since reaching my 40s everything is going downhill!
I need to tone up desperately after having my 5th child
I’m currently losing weight I order to donate eggs for a 3rd time to help create a family for someone who just needs a little help. This would help me to exercise at home, build muscles and burn fat.
I would love to win – wanted one for ages but can’t afford it at the moment. Desperately need to sort out my muffin top and strengthen my core muscles as I have a bad back too.
I’d like to win to improve mine and my partners fitness. We need to do that.
I need to get more exercise! Great comp, thanks for running this.
i’m needing to get fitter so the would be a great help
Because i’ve got a big tummy & a weak back.
I really need to lose weight so this would help me along my journey
Would love to win this to help with my exercise routine
looks awesome xxx
working long hours so often dark when i can exercise so this would be perfect
I have been following a fitness plan all of 2018 so far but my core is so hard to get any improvement with, I think without a tool like this it is easy to do the other exercises without ‘engaging that core!’ as my instructor yells :). I think this would really help to target that problem area for me.
I’m rubbish at exercising but this looks simple and convenient to use
It looks easy to use ans I need to start getting fit !!
I would love to win as I have recently lost a lot of weight and I would love something like this to help me tone up x
I really need to strengthen my core. I have a back injury & my physio is always saying I need to make my core stronger.
I’d like to win as I’ve just hit 40 and despite exercising since I was a teenager, I’m storing fat around my waist and I can’t seem to get rid of it. It’s the only place I put weight on and I don’t like it as it makes me self conscious so I wear baggy clothes as I feel people can see it.
I would love to win to help keep me motivated on my fitness journey
I would love to win this to help my core become stronger (something I definitely need!) It also looks a really convenient way to exercise!
I would love to win this because it would help so much with my fitness regime for 2018
looks a great piece of kit – visited on instagram and liked the photo thank you
Having receny lost quite a bit of weight I really think the smart core would help inspire me and help me to lose even more as well as helping to step up my exercise and tone up those annoying wobbly bits!
i really need to build up my arms strength not good due to mobility problems and illness
thsi would be a great help to help me achieve my goals
I have MS, so I need all the help with fitness I can! thanks
@lotusbalth
I am working hard to reduce my waistline and this would be a terrific help
I would love to win for myself. Its been a roller-coaster of a year with putting on weight. This looks great to help me re-assert myself and bring back the old, fitter me. Thank you for the chance to win and good luck to all 🙂
I would love to win for my son, he is in training for Ironman 2018 in July
I am trying to improve my fitness and would like to try something different!
i have just started slimming world and need something to help boost that weight loss and help tone me up! this looks like the perfect fit!!
I would love to win because I’ve heard great things about the wondercore smart and think it would really help me to lose weight and tone up 🙂
my wife would love this, she is into home fitness when she can’t get to the gym!
To look fab – this is perfect
I could do with this as I am trying to get healthier!
Could always do with a little help!
I could do with getting fitter and losing some weight. I think this would help. x
My body needs help!
I would love to win as I need all the help I can get on my get fit journey x
I’m currently on a big health and diet kick to pose weight. Roped.my husband in too and this would really help us out! It looks so good x
Need to increase the exercise I do, and it loooks as if I could manage to do lots of these exercises.
I’d love to win as I have back problems which are eased by having a strong core!
i would like to win to get into shape
perfect to tone up now I have lost 4st 7lb
love a 6 pack so love to win
I really need to do more exercise
Need a bikini bod for my holidays
looks great for core muscles, and nice and small for my tiny flat! 🙂
I’d love to strengthen my core and loose weight after years of failed fertility treatment as taken it’s toll
I have Parkinson’s disease and find it really difficult to train now but with the wondercore even my body will get a good workout
It looks like a really handy thing to have around.
I am trying to get my exercise mojo working again and my core strengthened. This would be ideal
I would like to win this because it can be used at home and doesn’t need much space,and to tone my stomach
I would like to win this because it can be used at home and doesn’t need much space.
This would help me tone up the areas I need to the most. Great doesn’t take up too much space at home
I saw these on the tv when I’m up all hours and they look great, so compact and yet they work out so many parts of the body, I would love one as I’ve let myself go quite a bit since I had my daughter 2 years ago and I really want to get back in shape
I really need to work on my core muscles
I really need to work hard on my core muscles.
Such a great giveaway. I’m desperately trying to get back in shape after having a baby
i’ve seen it advertised in the morning and looks like something i would be able to use
Looks a great piece of equipment
I’m trying to get fitter, this would be amazing and helpful
love getting fit
looks amazing, fingers crossed x
I would love to win because I have a lot of back and spine issues, which cause me severely reduced mobility and weakness. One thing that I feel would help me is to get some of my strength back. I’ve made peace with always being in pain, but I hate not being able to get around, so I am challenging myself to do what the DRs can’t do and make my life a little easier.
It looks like a great fitness tool xx