Fit4Mums

Fit4Mums offers exercise advice and classes to ante and postnatal women. From pre conception to mums of school age children. Plus online help and advice

I started my route into fitness when I was very small as my Mum, Anne, was one of the first fitness professionals to work full time as an instructor, back in the 1980’s. As a result, I spent many hours doing my homework at the back of various fitness classes. I was weaned on step aerobics, line dancing and callenetics. My 1990’s music knowledge is pretty good too!

When I was 16 my Mum was the Fitness Centre Manager at Warwickshire College and needed gym staff. As a result I was offered the opportunity to train as a gym instructor and my journey into fitness started properly with regular shifts in the gym.

After university I spent a few years teaching fitness classes but didn’t really find my niche. I decided to join the ambulance service and train to be a Paramedic in order to really make a difference in people’s lives. I have worked for the ambulance service for over 5 years now and love it. Not many jobs offer so much variety nor are as rewarding. I have delivered several babies, saved the lives of a range of people and also helped people as their lives ended as well as helping people cope with a whole range of problems and illnesses. I also love to impart my knowledge through teaching first aid to others.

I gave birth to my first baby in November 2015 and quickly realised that returning to fulltime shift work as a paramedic was simply not going to be possible with a young family. During my pregnancy I really benefitted from exercise and saw others struggle with aches, pains and body changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth. I found that the standard support from the NHS does not really cover all the issues or support women during this time of huge changes in our bodies. With my desire to exercise and interest in fitness I could see a real opportunity to make a difference whilst still spending quality time with my baby.

During my pregnancy I found it really difficult to find exercise professionals in my area that were qualified to help me keep strong and fit, and there was little advice for getting back to fitness and recovering after the birth. My mission has been to develop classes to fill this gap, since I am medically trained, fitness trained and a Mum.

I’ve spend the latter part of my pregnancy and the last 3 months updating my qualifications and studying the latest research into how to keep fit and healthy throughout the ante and postnatal period. I now hold a Level 3 Ante /Postnatal Fitness Instructor certificate and the “I Move Freely” Biomechanic based exercise qualification. My Mum is a qualified diastasi detective (able to help heal the gap in your tummy). I am getting training from her in this area, as well as posture and back pain (in which she is also well qualified).

The whole area of ‘womens’ fitness is fascinating and as I learn more I can see that it’s not just relevant to ante and postnatal women but all women. Throughout our lives our hormonal levels ebb and flow having a significant impact on our physical and emotional health.

My goal is to design classes that are brilliant for all women and to address specific female issues especially the toll that is taken on our bodies during pregnancy, postnatally and through the menopause. I plan to continue expanding my knowledge in these areas developing a range classes to suit women of all ages