Read Vickis’s story, one of our Mamafit mums reviews. If you want more ‘mums eye views’ then you can find more Mamafit stories on our blog, or you can ask the community directly. Hi I’m Vicki, mum to Reuben, who is almost 4, and Finn, who is 8 months. I’m a lecturer specialising in Biology I have been a keen runner and cyclist for many years and previously went to the Gym several times a week. However when I found I was pregnant with my second child in July 2020 I decided I needed to find a more suitable form of exercise to do. I was finding running more of a struggle, and I was nervous to re-join the gym again. Having never attended any organised group exercise classes before, I was nervous to start especially with being pregnant during the pandemic. However, the classes felt so safe especially as they were outside. I attended the HIIT and Circuits classes in the evening at Otterspool and continued to do HIIT online until I was 39 weeks and 4 days pregnant. Finn made a safe arrival just a few days after my final class right on his due date! When I was 6 weeks postpartum, I felt ready and excited to start gentle exercise again. So I began to attend the daytime classes with baby in tow. When he was 4 months, I started the Buggy Running class to supplement my weekly runs. Exercise is such an important part of my life. It has given me confidence in myself, helped me to be strong, healthy and feel energised, vital with two very active children! I have really enjoyed taking part in all the classes. They are friendly and well run, and having focused mainly on running and cycling for so many years it is now great to be able to incorporate strength training as well. Another reason I enjoy the classes so much is being able to exercise outside. There’s nothing like a bit of sunshine and a chat to cheer you up after a bad night! The role the classes have played in my life currently is huge. It has helped me manage the stress and anxiety around pregnancy and maternity leave and I intend to continue attending when I return to work full-time next year. I have really seen the benefits in myself both physically and mentally. Finding time to fit exercise around everything else in my life is difficult, so being able to exercise with my son is a game-changer. Especially as the classes have adaptations for pregnancy, postnatal recovery and when I want to push myself to the next level. I have always tried to make time to be active as a mother. I strongly believe that it is important for both myself and my family to be healthy and the best version of myself. Having a mix of daytime and evening classes enables me to fit in exercise around a busy week. I have particularly enjoyed the Mamafit Go: Buggy Running classes. Running was always something I was passionate about. I took part in the Liverpool Rock and Roll Half Marathon in October and was thrilled to gain a personal best time when my youngest was just 7 months old! I truly believe that it is a combination of the mixture of exercises from the different classes and the confidence that I have gained from being a part of them, that contributed to me achieving a time that I am proud of. So why should other people consider joining a class? We have seen over the last 2 years that our health is so important and that it needs to be accessible to all. These classes do just that. There are options for everyone and lots of variety of times so that they can be fitted around anything else. The link between exercise and mental health is as important as its role in physical health. Other than that it is good fun, the people you will meet are fantastic and most importantly… There is no better nap for your child than one taken running along Otterspool prom in the sunshine!
I had never attended an exercise class before
It has given me confidence in myself
Attending Mamafit has also allowed me to connect with other local mums, with who I have more in common than just having a baby at the same time.Managing stress and anxiety
Being active as a mother
Why should you join Mamafit
