A fitness project designed to increase levels of physical activity among pregnant women and new mums in Hull is hosting an event to celebrate its success and promote new and exciting sessions for 2017.
The Us Mums event takes place at Ennerdale Leisure Centre on Thursday 26 January from 11.30am – 2.30pm. New and expectant mums will have the chance to try a range of free taster sessions including Buggy Bootcamp, Yoga, pool party and Box Fit.
The event will also bring together a range of organisations available to offer advice, useful information and support including health visitors, midwives and weight management services.
In its first year of operation, 430 women have taken part in Us Mums sessions. Among those women, sports participation increased dramatically with a 2.5-fold increase three months after sign-up and an even greater increase after six months.
Participants have reported that in addition to personal health benefits, children who go with them to the sessions are happier and more socially active. After three months women report that they do an average of almost five additional hours of activity per week compared to when they started.
Cllr Gwen Lunn, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Prevention and Adult Social Care, said:
“Establishing healthy habits during pregnancy can have life-long benefits for both mother and baby and research has shown keeping fit and active can even help during labour. Us Mums is a well-developed programme with really encouraging outcomes and I would like to congratulate the programme on its success so far.
“In addition to the direct health benefits, being part of the classes is a great way for mums to beat the isolation that can come with a new baby, make new friends and get advice from both professionals and other parents who are going through the same challenges. Working out as a group also keeps it fun and provides fantastic motivation.
“The fact children can go along with their mothers gets rid of one of the main barriers to exercise, which is finding childcare or occupying children while exercising”.
Kelly has been attending sessions for over a year and said: “I love the fact I can bring along my child and I don’t have to worry about sorting out childcare or paying to leave them in a creche to do something for myself”.
Amy has attended a class for the class for the past six months, she said: “I like the fact it is in a group and I have made lots of new friends, we have all motivated each other to keep going”.
The free taster sessions available at the celebration event will focus on exercises to help women prepare for pregnancy, birth and beyond. All the sessions are delivered in a safe environment led by qualified level 3 pre/post-natal trainers who adjust an activity to suit an individual’s fitness levels.
The regularly scheduled Us Mums sessions are held in community centres and other easy-access venues around the city.
For more information on the programme or sessions visit www.facebook.com/UsMumsHull or call 01482 828 901.
