StartStrong Fitness CIC has transformed the landscape of parental fitness in Suffolk since launching its innovative classes in June of last year. These unique sessions, which allow parents to bring their babies along, have gained immense popularity, with over 350 new parents participating. The initiative aims to promote physical and mental well-being among mothers and fathers, providing a supportive environment for families to bond while exercising.
The classes are offered free of charge, funded by Ipswich Borough Council and National Lottery grants. Notably, in January, the South West Area committee of Ipswich Borough Council allocated £3,000 to introduce an additional class, reflecting the growing demand for such services. Held in Braintree and Colchester in Essex, and Ipswich in Suffolk, these sessions cater to both mothers and fathers, helping break down social taboos surrounding parental fitness.
Emma Shaw, the director of StartStrong Fitness CIC and the brain behind the concept, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity. “It’s quite lonely being a parent and getting back into exercise can be quite daunting – I know I was quite anxious to get back into fitness after having been through pregnancy and birth,” she stated. Shaw's vision is not only to encourage physical activity but also to establish a community among new parents.
Martyna Green and her baby Alina have been attending the classes since July, while Bhakti Megharaj joined with her second child in November. Both mothers highlight the positive impact of the classes on their mental health. Megharaj expressed, “I am mentally in a better place; my first child was Covid born and I am so happy that I learnt about this group – I feel stronger, I feel happier and fresh.”
The classes cater to a wide demographic, including fathers who often feel overlooked in conversations surrounding postnatal care. “There’s a huge taboo around stay-at-home fathers and postnatal depression in fathers,” noted Shaw. She pointed out that while midwives frequently check on mothers, discussions about fathers' well-being are often neglected. “What we wanted to do was get dads along to build that bond and be able to put their physical and mental health first,” she added.
Sian Connell, another participant, emphasized the community aspect of these classes. “What has been created is a community not just an exercise class,” she remarked. The welcoming atmosphere allows parents to exercise without the fear of judgment if their babies cry. One participant shared, “The atmosphere is very welcoming and nobody minds if the baby starts crying and it allows me to get my exercise in and release those endorphins which I think makes me a better mother.”
Shaw previously operated pay-as-you-go sessions but transitioned to free classes due to the financial pressures many families face. “I found that people had to choose, especially with the cost of living, to pay their bills or whether they did something for their physical and mental health,” she explained.
Leave a Reply