Returning to exercise after having a baby can look different for everyone. You may want to rebuild strength, improve your fitness, strengthen your core or simply find an enjoyable way to start moving again as part of your new routine.
Postnatal classes can provide a supportive way to ease back in, with exercises and intensity adaptable to different fitness levels. At Bluecoat Sports, Buggy Fit, Parent & Baby Pilates and Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling each offer a different workout style, depending on what you enjoy and want to focus on.
In this guide, we’ll compare Buggy Fit vs Pilates vs Indoor Cycling, including what happens in each class, the fitness areas they focus on, and which option may suit you.
Explore postnatal classes and courses at Bluecoat Sports in Horsham and find a session that works for you. For more information, help booking or to enquire about becoming a member, please call reception on 01403 247572.
What are postnatal exercise classes?
Postnatal exercise classes are designed to support you as you return to physical activity after pregnancy and birth. Rather than jumping straight back into high-intensity exercise or your previous gym routine, postnatal training usually focuses on gradual movement, control and rebuilding strength at an appropriate pace.
Depending on the class, sessions can include:
- Low-impact cardio
- Core exercises
- Pelvic floor work
- Strength training
- Mobility
- Controlled breathing
This means you can choose a class based on the areas you would most like to focus on as you return to exercise.
Bluecoat Sports’ postnatal classes are baby-friendly, so you can bring your baby with you while you exercise. Before joining our postnatal fitness classes, you must have been signed off by your doctor. This is typically around 6–12 weeks after delivery.
Buggy Fit vs Pilates vs Indoor Cycling
Although all three classes can help you return to exercise, they focus on different areas of fitness.
| Factor | Buggy Fit | Parent & Baby Pilates | Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling |
| Main focus | Cardio, resistance, core and pelvic floor work | Core strength, pelvic floor function, posture and stability | Cardiovascular fitness and stamina |
| Exercise style | A mixture of low-impact cardio and resistance exercises | Targeted, controlled Pilates exercises | Stationary bike-based cardio |
| Approach | Varied and adaptable | Controlled and focused | Work at your own pace |
| Where? | Outdoors in good weather, indoors when it rains | Indoors | Indoors |
| May suit you if… | You enjoy variety | You prefer controlled, mat-based exercise | You enjoy cardio and cycling |
The right choice depends on your recovery, fitness goals and the type of exercise you enjoy.
What does each class involve?
Buggy Fit
Buggy Fit combines several different types of exercise in one session.
At Bluecoat Sports, the 45-minute class includes low-impact cardio, core and pelvic floor work and toning exercises using body weight and resistance bands. Classes take place outdoors in good weather, with indoor space available when it rains.
The mix of cardio and resistance-based exercise makes it a varied option if you want to work several areas of fitness in the same session. The resistance element also gives you an opportunity to build strength gradually.
Parent & Baby Pilates
Parent & Baby Pilates takes a more controlled approach.
Pilates training generally focuses on deliberate movements, breathing and body control rather than speed or high intensity. At Bluecoat Sports, the class includes targeted Pilates exercises designed to strengthen the core, support pelvic floor function and improve posture after birth.
Controlled movements can also work the core muscles while helping you develop stability, balance and greater awareness of how your body moves.
Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling
Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling places more emphasis on cardio and stamina.
During the class, you exercise on a stationary bike while your baby stays close in their buggy or one of Bluecoat Sports’ secure playpens.
The class is designed to help you rebuild strength, boost stamina and improve cardiovascular fitness at your own pace, in a relaxed and welcoming environment alongside other mums.
Which class is best for cardio?
If improving cardiovascular fitness is your main goal, Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling has the strongest cardio focus of the three.
Buggy Fit also includes low-impact cardio but combines it with resistance, core and pelvic floor work. This may suit you if you want some cardio alongside other types of exercise rather than dedicating the whole session to it.
Pilates is less cardio-focused and instead emphasises controlled movement, strength, and stability.
Which class is best for strength training and posture?
Parent & Baby Pilates is the stronger option if your main focus is posture, core stability and controlled movement. Pilates training uses controlled exercises to strengthen the core and improve body awareness and movement control.
Buggy Fit also includes a strength-training element through bodyweight and resistance exercises, alongside core and pelvic floor work.
Which class offers the most variety?
Buggy Fit offers the broadest mix of exercise styles in one session, combining cardio, resistance work, and core-focused exercises.
This may appeal if you enjoy changing between different movements rather than spending most of the session on a bike or working through controlled Pilates exercises.
Bodyweight and resistance exercises also add a strength-based element without the need for traditional gym weight training.
Which class might suit your workout style?
Your preference may ultimately come down to the type of exercise you enjoy most.
Buggy Fit may suit you if you:
- Like variety
- Want a mixture of cardio and resistance-based exercise
- Want to work on your core and pelvic floor alongside general fitness
- Enjoy exercising outdoors when the weather allows
Parent & Baby Pilates may suit you if you:
- Prefer slower, controlled movement
- Want to focus on core strength, posture and stability
- Enjoy mat-based exercise
- Want Pilates training that can complement other forms of exercise
Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling may suit you if you:
- Enjoy cycling
- Want to focus more on cardio and stamina
- Prefer a continuous workout
There is no single best choice. The most suitable class depends on your recovery, fitness level, and the type of exercise you’re most likely to enjoy and attend regularly. Finding something that works for you can also help you feel more comfortable as you return to exercise.
Can you combine different postnatal classes?
Yes, you don’t have to choose only one type of class. As Buggy Fit, Pilates and indoor cycling focus on different areas of fitness, they can complement each other as part of a varied exercise routine.
How much exercise is appropriate depends on your recovery, previous fitness level, and how you feel. Allow time for rest and recovery as you return to training rather than increasing the intensity too quickly.
Returning to exercise after having a baby
Once you have been cleared to return to exercise, it’s still important to build activity back up gradually. Postnatal recovery is individual, so there’s no need to compare your progress with anyone else.
When you return to classes, focus on good form and controlled movement rather than immediately trying to lift more, cycle faster or complete a more intense workout. Gradually increasing intensity can help you avoid unnecessary strain and reduce your risk of injury.
If an exercise causes pain or doesn’t feel right, stop and seek appropriate advice.
Why choose a baby-friendly postnatal class?
Finding time for fitness with a new baby can be difficult, so bringing your baby with you can make it easier to fit exercise into your week.
Group classes can also give you a chance to meet other local mums at a similar stage, helping to make exercise feel more social and enjoyable as you settle into a new routine.
Whether you prefer the variety of Buggy Fit, the controlled movements of Pilates or the cardio focus of Indoor Cycling, finding a class you enjoy can make it easier to keep exercise as a regular part of your week.
You can find out more about the benefits of joining a postnatal exercise class in our guide.
Summary
Buggy Fit, Parent & Baby Pilates and Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling each offer a different way to return to exercise after having a baby.
Buggy Fit combines low-impact cardio, core and resistance work for a varied workout. Parent & Baby Pilates focuses more closely on core strength, pelvic floor function, posture and stability, while Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling provides a cardio-led workout designed to help gradually rebuild fitness and stamina.
The right class will depend on your recovery, fitness level, goals and the type of exercise you enjoy. You can also combine different classes if you would like more variety in your training.
Book a postnatal class at Bluecoat Sports
Ready to find a class that suits you? Explore our postnatal classes and book a session that fits your schedule. Based in Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, we offer a welcoming environment where you can work on your fitness in a supportive setting.
You can also check our class timetable or explore membership options to find out more about exercising at Bluecoat Sports.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my baby to postnatal classes?
Yes. Buggy Fit, Parent & Baby Pilates and Parent & Baby Indoor Cycling are designed so your baby can stay with you during the class.
Are Pilates exercises or Buggy Fit better for core strength?
Both include core work. Parent & Baby Pilates focuses on controlled core exercises, pelvic floor function, posture, and stability. Buggy Fit combines core work with cardio and resistance exercises for a more varied session.
Do I need to be a Bluecoat Sports member to join a postnatal class?
No. Bluecoat Sports’ postnatal classes can be booked by members and Pay As You Go users, so you don’t need a full membership to take part.
