StartStrong Fitness CIC

Charlotte Ring

★★★★★

I have attended Emma’s classes after the birth of my first child. They have really helped me with getting back to fitness after my caesarean. Her classes are incredibly welcoming and she is brilliant at adapting the exercises to everyone’s needs. It really has been a life changer being able to take my baby along to the classes as otherwise I doubt I would have had the opportunity for regular exercise. Not only this but having the chance to meet with other mums has been invaluable. I would highly recommend Emma’s classes to anyone who has recently had a baby.

Chris & L-J Burrell

★★★★★

I absolutely love these classes. They’ve been a lifeline for me as a new parent. Emma and Shannon have created a really welcoming space where you can connect with other parents who are going through the same newborn/toddler struggles, share tips, have a moan if you need to and just feel understood. It’s a friendly and supportive class suitable for all and doesn't feel intimidating.

After my first child I really struggled to leave the house and find things we both enjoyed doing together, especially as there aren’t many activities you can bring your baby along to. Coming to these classes has made a huge difference to my recovery, both physically and mentally. My postpartum experience this time has been so much more positive, and a massive part of that is down to Emma. She’s an amazing, friendly and supportive coach who always manages to make us laugh every session (even when she sneaks in the star jumps!). The classes have helped me feel stronger and more like myself again. The babies also love them. They can play, interact and experience a different environment which takes the pressure off for an hour and makes it something we can genuinely enjoy together.

Jess W

★★★★★

A fantastic CIC that offers free postnatal exercise classes with space to bring you baby. I’ve been going to the classes for over 6 months and they are brilliant - welcoming and effective. Emma is so welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable, as are her instructors who make sure there are modified exercises to do if your baby needs to be held at all during the class. Attending has really kick started a healthier lifestyle for me. It’s great to be around other mums and babies and the class in Ipswich is even in a venue with a cafe so you can grab a social cuppa afterwards too.

Poppy Wellings

★★★★★

We have been going to the fitness groups in Colchester for a couple months now and absolutely love it. It’s a laid back and non-judgmental space , where mums and dads can come and do a good workout and feel great for the rest of the day. Emma and Shannon are great class leaders, so positive , friendly and motivating. With most parent and baby fitness groups in the area being quite expensive and inaccessible for some , start strong fitness is a great quality free resource for parents.

Roxie Hayes

★★★★★

StartStrong Fitness has been a cornerstone of my postpartum recovery, offering much more than just a workout routine; it provided a lifeline while I navigated the challenges of a weakened bladder and postpartum anxiety. The ability to bring my baby to class removed the stress of finding childcare and made it possible to prioritize my health without the guilt of being away. By focusing on functional, pelvic-floor-safe movements, the program helped me regain physical control and confidence, while the structured consistency and supportive environment served as a vital anchor for my mental health. Having a dedicated space to reclaim my strength—with my little one right by my side—helped quiet my anxiety and allowed me to feel like myself again, making it an essential resource for any mother looking to heal both her body and her mind. Thank you StartStrong Fitness.

Harmony Hagger

★★★★★

I have attended the stowmarket classes for a couple of months now and it’s been a huge help postpartum to get a bit of time back for myself that my baby can still come along for and I always feel so welcome and supported

C B

★★★★★

I’ve attended many baby and mum classes run by Emma now and she has always been fab. She creates a warm and welcoming space for all and I’ve never felt intimidated by the workout provided as you’re always given a clear demonstration/adaption if needed. Emma has provided a vital lifeline for new mums who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to better their physical and mental health especially during early postpartum x

Jessica Mitchell

★★★★★

I started attending the parent and baby exercise classes in March after a rough start following the birth of my second childnnI can't recommend the parent and baby classes enough! From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel welcome supported, and understood — which is exactly what you need as a new parent trying to find time for yourself again.

Emma is absolutely incredible — not only is she warm and approachable, but she’s also incredibly knowledgeable about postnatal fitness. She really takes the time to make sure exercises are safe, effective, and adaptable to each person’s needs and recovery journey, even including baby if they aren't happy to be put down.

One of the best parts of these classes is that you don’t need to worry about childcare — you bring your baby with you! It’s such a relief to be able to take part in exercise without having to arrange extra help. The sessions are thoughtfully designed so babies can be with you throughout, and there’s never any pressure if your little one needs feeding, changing, or just a cuddle.

It’s more than just a fitness class — it’s a space to connect with other parents and share. I look forward to every class and leave feeling energised and genuinely happier.