#Sistersport - Mum's the word! Friendly classes welcome women and their babies

Have you heard about our #sistersport campaign?
Fitness class for new mums and their babies at NBLC, Halifax with Alex Knibbs and Karen Beasley.Fitness class for new mums and their babies at NBLC, Halifax with Alex Knibbs and Karen Beasley.
Fitness class for new mums and their babies at NBLC, Halifax with Alex Knibbs and Karen Beasley.

We want to encourage women of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and confidence levels to become more active.

This week, we’re putting the spotlight on schemes and groups in Calderdale which help and encourage pregnant women - or women who have just given birth - to do just that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Calderdale Council’s ‘Better Living Mums’ programme offers support to both pre and post natal women.

Both sessions encourage gentle exercise, healthy eating advice and a chance to make friends.

Speaking about the post-natal sessions, Better Living Manager Karen Beazley said “It’s a fun session that gets mums active and gives them the ability to socialise with their babies.

“It helps them to improve fitness and also helps mums work towards the government guidelines of being physically active for 150 minutes a week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our experienced Better Living trainers are at hand at all times to offer advice and guidance.”

Fitness class for new mums and their babies at North Bridge Leisure CentreFitness class for new mums and their babies at North Bridge Leisure Centre
Fitness class for new mums and their babies at North Bridge Leisure Centre

The cost of childcare can sometimes be a barrier for new mums, but this class welcomes babies and is also free.

Lydia Pearce goes along to the classes with her six-month-old baby.

She said: “I think it’s brilliant. I like that it’s something you can do with your baby, but the emphasis is on mum. You get to know people and it’s very friendly.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She added that she liked the fact that it wasn’t about getting “thin or beautiful”, but was about health.

The class runs every Wednesday at North Bridge Leisure Centre from 11.15 am.

To find out more about the programme, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure/sport-fitness/better-living-service/mums.

Buggy 4 Fitness, founded by Sharon Porter, encourages new mums to start exercising after their new arrival in settings where they can take their little ones along.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Laura Mackie said: “The classes are truly great for new mums. Sharon and Nicola, who take the classes, are so approachable. You can work at your own pace and ability and take your time throughout.

“I really enjoy going to classes for the exercise, the friendship and the fresh air.”

Classes are held in Hipperholme, Ripponden, Savile Park Moor, Brighouse, with an indoor class at Play Palace, West Parade, Halifax.

Visit www.spfitnesssolutions.co.uk.