A record number of pregnant women and new mums are taking part in activity sessions that aim to support them to get back into regular exercise and reap the physical and mental health benefits this brings.  
 
The Mams on the Move initiative, originally funded by Sport England and run by Active Northumberland has seen attendance double over the last year. This has seen more Mams join the programme, and those who are already on the programme coming more often.  
 

Over the past 6-months, attendance has tripled as the success of pre-natal aquafit classes has seen those who joined prior to having a baby stay with the programme and bring their children along with them.  
 

Mams on the Move is a friendly group that aims to help support women to build low-cost activity into their existing routine, at times convenient to them by breaking down the barriers that prevent them from taking exercise.   
 
Many women are unclear about the type and amount of exercise that is appropriate during and after pregnancy, or about the benefits that exercise can bring. Time, childcare and cost are the biggest barriers to participation, while family pressures mean women don’t prioritise activity for themselves.  

  
Mams on the Move aims to take low-cost physical activity into existing settings which women already access, such as family hubs and community venues.  
 

There are a range of classes on offer and for many, babies are brought along too so there is no need for childcare. There are the popular Mams with Prams outdoor sessions, Mamatone - a full body workout incorporating bonding with your baby, and Aquanatal – all run by fully qualified pregnancy and post-natal fitness professionals.   
 

 The introduction of Active Babies and Active Tots classes have proved popular at Blyth Sports Centre with over 400 attendances over the last 12 months.  

  
Mark Warnes, Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said:  

“We’ve a strong track record of working with the local community and providing what they want and need. We’re really encouraged by the growth in popularity of the Mams on the Move initiative and how it is making a real positive difference to the lives of these young women and their families.“  
  

 Molly Sale, Advanced Fitness Instructor for Active Northumberland added: “New mums experience a range of challenges that make it difficult for them to be as active as they would like to be. 

 

“We try and make it as easy as possible for them to get involved in activity and it’s not just about the exercise. Our mums have told us that they really enjoy the social element of the class where they meet and talk to other mums, support each other, build friendships and share their experiences about the highs and lows of early motherhood."  

   

To find out more about the classes and times go to www.activenorthumberland.org.uk/mams-on-the-move   

 

New to Mams on the Move?    
Prenatal mums must fill out an enrolment form before being able to attend sessions.   

You can do this by emailing motm@activenorthumberland.org.uk, or by calling the Active Northumberland call centre on 01670 620200   

  

Post-natal mums can come along to the classes as long as they are 6 weeks post-natal or 12 weeks post c-section.