West End star Sophie Evans takes her fitness journey without worrying about childcare
- author, Matt Murray & Ellie Carter
- role, BBC news
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A mother breastfeeding while riding a stationary bike may not be a common sight at most gyms.
But classes where parents take a break from exercise for a quick diaper change are becoming increasingly popular.
The idea is to eliminate mothers' feelings of isolation after giving birth, promote physical and mental health, and provide a safe space for women during exercise.
West End star Sophie Evans doesn't have to worry about childcare as she attends classes with 13-month-old Jack at Llanishen in Cardiff.
Sophie Evans and Baby Jack stretch
Sophie Evans and baby Jack get used to gym equipment
“Life changes completely when you have a baby. Baby, baby, baby,” Sophie said.
“When you have a baby, mothers may feel guilty for putting themselves first, thinking everything should be about the baby, but I believe that keeping my body healthy makes my mind healthier. I believe we will.”
The West End star, who has also appeared in Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, is now pursuing her fitness journey without worrying about childcare.
“This class is a place where you can de-stress. If Jack needs a nappy change or is hungry, you can take a break from the exercise to give him a bottle or change his nappy,” she said. added.
“I've seen mothers breastfeeding while riding stationary bikes, and I'm like, 'Wow, that's amazing.'”
Sophie added: “It feels more like a community than a gym.”
Gym owner Rachel Soden Taylor and baby Rory
Rachel Soden-Taylor, who runs Mum Fit and also owns the gym, said: “Being pregnant can be mentally challenging because your body isn't yours and it's changing.
“We design exercises to help mothers get strong again.
“This way, the children will be able to cope with picking up a baby, dealing with car seats and strollers, and we are preparing them to be strong mothers.”
Rachel designed her class around what she felt was important after becoming a mother for the first time.
“It can be difficult to find time to exercise, but I wanted to provide moms with an environment where they can take their babies with them and not have to worry about childcare,” she said.
“Babies also love watching mom exercise and sweat while playing music.
“We’re building a nice little community.”
Trainer Harley Edwards says cost of living crisis keeps prices low
Harley Edwards, 27, runs H-Fit in Cardiff and is mum to 19-month-old Rike.
She offers classes at discounted prices to help with the cost of living crisis and says, “Postpartum, the first few months after giving birth, can be an emotional roller coaster.
“I think a lot of moms are afraid to leave the house, let alone exercise, so knowing they have a safe place to go is really important.”
She added that “postpartum baby blues are real,” and that “exercising can be one of the most beneficial things we can do to resolve postpartum baby blues.”
Emma Clayton is a regular in Llanishen's class with her daughter Olive
The classes at both gyms are crowded with about a dozen mothers and babies participating.
“This is a safe place for me and my little one,” said Emma Clayton, a regular in Llanishen's classes with her daughter Olive.
“Olive sometimes tries to imitate me and often climbs on top of me while I do a little exercise, but she likes watching her mom do a little exercise.”
Eimear is a nurse from Cardiff who takes her son Boden with her whenever she can get out of the house without having to worry about childcare.
Robin Honey Tuthiette, who is participating with her daughter Elea, said: “You can exercise while giving your baby snacks and rattles.
“It’s just a nice atmosphere.”
