Where do mums exercise?

I am still struggling with a lot of baby weight and tummy flab to shift and feeling like a sloth because even though I was overweight before I got pregnant I felt and looked ok, or at least I thought so. I was pretty fit - I went to the gym 3-5 times a week, I was definitely more active than most people I knew. Now I am reminded daily how unfit I am compared to then and I have it in my mind how hard it is and how long it can take to get that strength and stamina back and it worries me.

But where does one go to exercise with a baby? Weeks ago I looked into returning to the gym but realised I wasn't yet ready to put Baby in the crèche. Now I figure by the time I do feel comfortable with it I won't be able to afford the gym, or at least be able to justify the cost when I am no longer receiving a salary.

I just began a postnatal pilates class which is good for my back but only gentle as far as exercise goes. I did try buggy workout but as I'm hypermobile and have dodgy knees, back and ankles as a result I'm not supposed to pound the concrete in that way. Plus, the class near me doesn't really work for me.

My main exercise is walking, I try to walk everywhere with the stroller and am pleased with how much further I can go and how much easier it gets all the time. And as the weather brightens up it can only get better. I plan to schedule a daily walk in the park during the summer.

Baby has a swimming class every week and the company who runs them are planning to start parent and baby aqua fitness classes. I definitely plan to go to those.

I'm out of ideas now. I wish there were more postnatal offerings around here. Maybe I need to look at my finances and see if I can afford the gym membership or appeal to generous family and friends for donations!