Mums get fit with their babies in active buggy exercise sessions

Plus find out more about family fitness sessions in Sefton

A Merseyside mum is bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase pushy mother thanks to a new fitness craze.

Hayley Berkeley from Bootle, along with her friend Steph Wlkinson have joined a group of mums using their babies in buggies to get fit.

Since moving up from London, Hayley had been looking for a fitness session that she can attend with her daughter, Isabella, having seen pram sessions advertised near her old home.

After scouring the internet for some time, she came across the Active Sefton Facebook page and a post about the Everybody Active initiative, including the Active Buggies session run at Crosby Lakeside.

Hayley, who lives in Bootle, said: “After seeing the post about Active Buggies, I decided to give it a go and roped in my friend Steph, who brought along her baby boy.

Hayley Berkeley (right) and Steph Wilkinson (centre) taking part in the Active Buggy session at Crosby Lakeside

“The sessions are fantastic and it is great to get out in the fresh air while doing something more purposeful than simply strolling around.

“Plus the cost is great, especially when you are working with a more limited budget during maternity leave.”

Everybody Active is a joint initiative between Sefton Council and Sport England which aims to get more people leading active lifestyles across South Sefton.

Active Buggies has been designed to give mothers a chance to get fit without the stress of finding a babysitter, while also providing a fun social setting.

Active buggies trainer Jessica Meg-Caddick with mum Alexia Tetchner

Hayley added: “I was very active before my pregnancy and this session has got me really motivated again, I’ve already starting attending other Everybody Active sessions, including women’s boxing every Thursday.

“But it hasn’t just impacted on my fitness, it has also been great socially. Attending Active Buggies feels like me time as it is something I want to do with my friend. Plus, after the session, all of the ladies have lunch together in the bistro.”

Active Buggies takes place every Thursday, 11am-12pm at Crosby Lakeside.

Everybody Active are also running family circuit and family yoga sessions. For more information or to view the new Everybody Active timetable, click here or alternatively call 0151 934 2355.

Story and Photos from Liverpool Echo