The festive season is fast approaching and of course, you’ve spent all your time and energy on thinking of presents for everyone else, along with exactly what you’ll have for Christmas lunch (should you make your own pigs in blankets this year, or buy them?) and the logistics of nursery Christmas parties and outfits needed for the school play. So when the question’s put to you, “What do you want for Christmas?” and you realise that the likelihood of getting what you really want – a good night’s sleep – is about the same as getting a solo holiday to the Maldives for a week, your mind goes blank. If this sounds like you, I’ve got you covered. I’ve put together a list of Christmas gift ideas for fit mums like yourself. These are all things I’ve tried, or have and I know they’re good.
A decent sports bra
It’s time to admit it, mum boobs are very different from ‘before mum’ boobs. Not only might your boobs be a different shape and size, but your rib-width might have changed too. So investing in a good sports bra, especially if you’re returning to impact exercise, will help reduce breast pain, improve confidence when you’re exercising, and can even improvement your running!
Please do check your size – either by going into a reputable place to get fitted, or by measuring yourself and following the brands sizing guide. It’s also worth noting that your breast size may still be changing as your breastfeeding journey continues, your baby gets older and your body changes postnatally.
There’s two I’ve particularly liked for high-impact exercises such as running:
- Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra: Tailored for runners, this bra minimizes bounce by up to 78%, ensuring a distraction-free, comfortable run. The Infinity-8 support system combats the breasts’ movement, and the seamless inner design prevents chafing. It features non-slip, padded straps and a strategically placed back clasp for optimal support. What I particularly like about this sports bra is that it comes up high so it feels like it’s keeping your boobs in place. Putting it on and doing it up can feel a bit like you’re wrestling with a small ferret, but once on, it’s pretty comfortable.
- Maaree Solidarity Bra: This bra combines the best of both compression and encapsulation, featuring an Adjustable Overband Technology for custom fit. Available in 43 sizes, it offers high-impact support for activities like running and intense gym workouts. It has a versatile back style (convertible between Racerback and H-back) so you can change the support depending on what you need. This goes on like a typical bra, and while it says it has high coverage design, I still felt like it wasn’t enough for my boobs. Maybe my boobs are a lot more floopy than others? Who knows! The racerback option uses a hook to secure it, and I’ve found my hair sometimes gets caught in it.
High Performance Running Shoes
Did you know that your foot can increase in shoe size during and after pregnancy? Blame pregnancy hormones (is there anything we can’t blame on them?!) It’s important to wear the right fitting shoes when you’re returning to exercise.
My current favourite are the Altra Running Shoes. Unique in its balanced cushioning and FootShape™ toe box, Altra shoes promote a low-impact running form while keeping your feet comfortable across various terrains. They are ideal for long-distance runners seeking to avoid common foot issues associated with minimalist shoes. These are supposedly a hybrid of cushioned running shoe and barefoot. What I particularly like about these is that their toe box is actually foot-shaped. As someone who’s got the beginnings of a bunion on one foot, my feet need the space to spread and so many running shoes out there don’t allow for this. If you want something which will strengthen your feet and give them the space they need, I love the Altra. There’s several designs so read up on them carefully. I’ve got the Escalante which is apparently good for my wide boat feet!
Versatile Resistance Bands
These bands are perfect for a wide range of exercises including stretches, strength training, and muscle recovery. They are a must-have for mums looking to safely enhance their workouts at home or on-the-go. You can get a set of these with different resistance levels, but quite frankly, the Light Core Balance band works well for a variety of different exercises.
Better You: Magnesium Muscle Body Spray
An effective magnesium supplement spray formulated to soothe and recover muscles post-workout. Enriched with lemon oil, arnica, and capsicum, it aids in reducing fatigue, supporting muscle function, and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It’s an ideal addition to any fitness enthusiast’s recovery routine. Plus, it’s easy to put on (you just spray it on your legs and arms) and it’s supposed to help alleviate stress too. Hurrah! Better You also do a great vitamin sprays – for adults and kids – which all taste really great and are ideal for those who hate tablets or liquids *shudders*
Kettleboob Kettlebells
If you’re building up a small home gym, then these Kettleboob kettlebells are beautiful and functional. These unique, hand-customized kettlebells range from 4kg to 20kg, each with a distinct style – who doesn’t want boobs, or a fanny, or a motivational quote on their fitness gear? They combine functionality with aesthetics, reflecting personal style and adding a touch of personality to your workout gear. I’ve got the 4kg and 6kg kettleboob and I’d quite like the whole set!
Ilufitwear Long Sleeved Sculpt Me Top
This super-soft, performance top blends style with functionality. Its distinctive long cuffs with thumbholes and subtle floral patterned sleeves make it versatile for not just gym sessions but also for casual wear. I personally LOVE the Sculpt Me top for cold weather running. It’s super warm and cosy, yet also sweat-wicking. It’s also long so you can pull it down for warmth but it also bunches up around your belly and sits snugly on your hips in a flattering way.
Withings ScanWatch 2
A hybrid smartwatch that tracks health 24/7, featuring continuous body temperature variation tracking and a remarkable 30-day battery life. The ScanWatch 2 offers insights into sleep quality, oxygenation levels, and potential health alerts, making it a great tool for monitoring fitness and overall well-being. There’s so many fitness trackers around which all do great things, but I adore the Withings brand – I’ve also got their scales and I think their devices are excellent. I also like that this looks beautiful too. The one downside is that if you’re a runner, this isn’t the best fitness tracker for you. But if you’re after general health, and let’s face it, our general health takes a deep dive when we’ve got kids so it’s important to improve it where we can!
Get something this Christmas which will actually benefit you and have a long-lasting impact. I’ve personally invested in all these products above, and tested them out so you know they’re good.
Got any other items on your wish list? Let me know in the comments below.
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