Exercise kit for new mums

So you’ve been given the green light to hit the gym — now what? Well, start by updating your workout wardrobe, because we all know that if you look good, you feel good. Here are our top picks to get yummy mummies sweating in style.

Winning workout wear

• Nike Obsessed Capris in Black are stretchy, but not too loose, making them the perfect piece for yoga, jogging and everything in between. (Stylerunner, $70)
• The Adidas by Stella McCartney Studio Sweatshirt in Light Grey Heather screams retro-chic and is comfy and versatile enough to throw over any exercise ensemble. (Stylerunner, $160)
• The Marmot Jena Down Vest is perfect for chilly walks to and from the gym/boot camp/park, and to layer over your sweaty clothes when you need to nip to the shops/daycare straight afterwards. (Paddy Pallin, $200)
• The Nike Signal Tee is like a really good pair of jeans: It’s the go-to item when you want to look and feel good and get out the door in record time. (Stylerunner, $40)
• The OnePiece Storm Zip Hoodie ticks all the right boxes: It’s trendy yet easy to mix and match, and warm yet not stifling. Wear it everywhere. (OnePiece, $105)
• The Nike Tech Fleece Cape is a Maria Sharapova favourite for a reason: It adds warmth without weight. It also has a dropped back hem to cover your bottom and finger cuffs to keep you snug. (Nike, $110)
• The is a classic cashmere striped knit that can be paired with any compression tight or tracksuit pant. (Banjo & Matilda, $250)
• The Vie Active Viv Merino Tech Tee is made of Australian Merino and is thus super absorbent, leaving you feeling fresh and dry all day long. (Vie Active, $99)

Brilliant bras

• The Panache Sports Bra reduces bounce by a whopping 80 per cent, and goes all the way up to an 18 GG — meaning that no matter whether you’re still breastfeeding or slowly but surely whittling down, you’ll find one that fits just right. (Panache Lingerie, $75)
• The Triumph Triaction Extreme Moulded Bra not only looks pretty, but it does the job: It’s got a reputation for being one of the most supportive bras on the market. (Triumph, $60)
• The Enell Maximum Control Sports Bra not only controls bounce, but it’s also made to fit a size A to DDD cup. Oh, and it’s been endorsed by Oprah. Enough said. (Bare Necessities, $82)
• The Triumph Triaction Zen Top is great for those days when you’re feeling the barre over the bike. (Triumph, $35)

Shoes

• Nike Air Pegasus +30 in Mica Green/Atomic Orange have just landed on Aussie shores and they’re a thing of beauty, offering support, comfort and breathability all at once. (Stylerunner, $160)
• Nike Air Max 2014 id Customised Running Shoes are kicks that take you from A to B in style, and serve up a daily reminder of more fun times to come. (Nike, $220)

Superior strollers

• The BOB Ironman was literally made with runners in mind. Thanks to its lightweight design and top-notch suspension system, it’s a pleasure to push around. Oh, and it gets points on the fashion-forward front, too. (Britax, $599)
• The Joie Litetrax is a stylish, sporty and streamlined three-wheeler that is fully adjustable to both your and your bub’s needs. It’s an investment, sure, but one that will carry you through to toddlerhood. (Joie Baby, $749)
• The Chicco Juvenile Liteway Stroller has swivelling front wheels, rear-wheel suspension, toe-tap-locking brakes, a rain cover, and padded handles, making it your new grab-and-go stroller for all terrains and weather conditions. (Chicco, $349)

Finding it hard to pencil in exercise? Check out quick workouts for during nap time >>

Awesome accessories

• The Adidas by Stella McCartney Small Gym Bag is big enough to fit your gym gear and baby change essentials, but compact enough to take you from power pump to power breakfast. (Stylerunner, $150)
• Babyweights are brilliant for multi-taskers, hand-delivering a way to exercise and bond with your baby at the same time. The deck of cards is made up of 48 expertly-created upper body, core, lower body and stretching exercises that can be performed with your bub in tow. (Babyweights, $30)
• The Hug a Bub Organic Pocket Wrap in Black is genius: The simple swathe of cloth enables you to keep your newborn close while doing activities like walking and yoga. (Hug a Bub, $99)
• Kamuka Active Mats just made it easy to work out with a view, wherever you are. Roll out one of their gorgeous mats during your next yoga class and watch the compliments roll in. We love the Bondi Beach prints. (Kamuka, $99)
• Beats by Dr Dre Neon Powerbeats offer crystal-clear sound and sweat resistance, and their funky fit means they won’t fall out and distract you mid-workout. (JB HiFi, $199)
• The Fitbit Flex is perfect for those who like to set goals and track their health and fitness progress. During the day, it keeps tabs on your steps, distance and calories burnt, and at night, it monitors your sleep cycle. (FitBit, $130)
• The Kathmandu Leather Skipping Rope will throw you back to childhood — and into a seriously fun workout. After you get your heart rate going, you can easily fold it up and tuck it away until next time. (Kathmandu, $20)
• Plantronics BackBeat Fit Headphones are sweat-proof, stable, and built for safety. Best of all, the battery lasts up to 8 hours — that’s a week worth of workout beats, sorted. (Plantronics, $115)
• The Kathmandu Exercise Ball is an essential for any new mum’s arsenal, as it’s best used for exercises that improve posture and strengthen those beautiful abdominal muscles you work so hard for. (Kathmandu, $40)
• The Sunbeam PB2000 Blender On the Go has your pre and post-workout shakes and smoothies sorted. Best of all, you can blend your beverage straight into a PBA-free drinking bottle. It doesn’t get more convenient than that. (Sunbeam, $50)

Beauty buys

• Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Mist works to refresh skin and nix redness post-workout so you can leave the gym looking just hot, not hot and sweaty. (Jurlique, $55)
• Bio-Oil is a cult product for a reason: It targets stretch marks and soothes and smoothes the skin. Massage it in after your shower. (Bio-Oil, $15)
• Kosmea Facial Cleansing Wipes are a must-have — use them to remove makeup before you hit the cardio corner and to get rid of any grime afterwards. (Kosmea, $10)
• Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster SPF50 is lightweight yet effective, so it comes in handy when you’re craving a sweat session in the sunshine. (Dermalogica, $62)
• Ella Baché Fruit D’Eclat Roll-On Eye Contour Serum brightens, hydrates and tightens the eye area, adding an extra dose of radiance to your complexion. (Ella Baché, $75)

Essential extras

• Meko 100% Coconut Water is the ultimate post-sweat sip: It replenishes lost electrolytes, hydrates you from the inside out and doesn’t contain any added sugar. Delish! (Woolworths, $3)
• Chicco Antibacterial Breast Pads secretly solve the problem of leaky breasts — something that crosses all new mums’ minds at some point. These absorbent pads will allow you to move around freely and no-one will know you’re wearing them. (Chicco, $10 for 30)
• Poise Regular Liners can help you take control of post-baby LBL. Light bladder leakage is common in women who have had children but it doesn’t have to be a burden. This range is especially designed for active women. (Chemist Warehouse, $4 for 26)

More exercise tips

Stress-reducing exercises for every fitness level
How to handle common exercise issues
Exercises for healing