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!
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