One Fit Mama **REVIEW**

AD – Having a baby. There is no doubt it is a wonderful experience but there is also no doubt it takes its toll on your body, which then takes time to recover and get fit. Nine months on and nine months off really is a good way of thinking. I love to exercise and when I was contacted by Gemma and Marie who run One Fit Mama in my local Solihull area, I was really keen to try this out, on top of my regular gym trips.

What is One Fit Mama?

There is an awful lot of pressure on new Mums to regain their pre-pregnancy shape, get out and about with their new baby and be that Mum that “has it all”. Some Mums can fit this mould and just get on with it, where others may struggle more and post-natal depression and anxiety is an awful lot more common than many may think. I suffered with anxiety second time around over Christmas and it is scary. Exercise and support from friends and other Mums really helped during this time.

The One Fit Mama brand was set up by Sophia a Mum of 3, who suffered from post natal depression in 2010. Exercise really helped her on her road to recovery and she wanted to help others in a similar situation. The classes combine exercise in a playgroup setting. It was a great success and classes run all over The Midlands. If you check the website there is a full list of classes and locations in the area.

What Did We Think?

I was quite excited to see what what the class would be like so Piglet and I headed over to a Friday session. I would also like to thank the Mums who kindly gave me permission to use photos of them working out!

The room was set up in a circuit with baby mats and toys in the centre, for the Mums to let their babies chill or play and to keep a watchful eye on them.

I was welcomed by Gemma and Marie very warmly and I immediately got chatting to some of the other Mums who attended. There is no pressure, no expected shape, size, ability or level of fitness. You come and work at your own pace, can stop if your baby needs you and Gemma and Marie will kindly hold, play with or even feed your baby, so you keep exercising. It is also worth noting, there is an evening class ran, where Mums can attend without their babies for less distractions.

The class starts with a warm up, which includes some running and other exercises such a planks and press ups and there is a cool down and stretches at the end.

The circuits vary each week, which is brilliant, as your body needs constant challenging to get fitter. There may be more of a focus each week, like core, legs or running. Gemma and Marie know their stuff, ensure you are doing the exercises correctly and safely and offer alternatives if you have any injuries or struggles. As stated, there is no pressure. If you need a rest, you can stop. If you need a drink, you can go and get one.

You do a variety of exercises; planks, squats, burpees, press ups, running, squat thrusts, star jumps and lunges to name a few. All high intensity focusing on increasing fitness and burning fat.

There is a great environment, motivating music and it is lovely to share a 45 minute class with a group of like minded ladies all trying to look after themselves, whilst trying to Mother their beautiful children at the same time. I have looked forward to my classes each week and Piglet has let me exercise with no problems. Some of the older children who attend come and say hello and often play with the toys available. It is very relaxed and everyone is pretty happy!

If you are in the Midlands area and looking for some friendly support and to get in shape after having a baby, One Fit Mama could be your answer. There is no pressure and if you are suffering from any form of post natal depression, the friendly instructors, fellow Mamas and the exercise can really boost your mood and confidence.

Disclosure – I was offered a 10 week course of One Fit Mama Classes in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.