Pilates and Yoga might not be the first things to spring to mind when planning a Mother’s Day treat but it is a perfect combination for together time, says Broadstairs fitness instructor Michelle Watkins.
The mum-of-three is offering a special class for mums and children aged seven and over exercising to a combination of Pilates and Yoga Inspired movements with set music.
The session on Saturday, March 30 is a change to the usual mum and babies/toddlers classes run by the 35-year-old at Blessed Dance Studio in Westwood’s Channel Road.
Michelle set up Bubbabumps Fitness and Zumbini classes in 2017. The postnatal classes are aimed at helping mums gently get back to fitness while also providing a stimulating environment for their little ones.
Michelle, who qualified as an instructor some 15 years ago, said: “I was pregnant with my second baby and had just moved to Broadstairs. Being from out of town I wanted to meet with like-minded people. I didn’t really want a play group and couldn’t go to the gym with a baby so I did a top up class for my post-natal qualification with YMCA Fit and I was ready to rock and roll.”
That plan was put on hold as Michelle then found out she was expecting baby number three but at Halloween in 2017 the first class was held and has gone on the expand ever since.
Michelle said: “I had about 10 mums and babies and gave them an all-body work out. They thought it was amazing and said I should keep doing it.
“It has developed a bit more since then. It isn’t just exercise as some babies don’t like that but mums can move on the spot or do steps where the baby feels comfortable.
“For the mums, a lot of them haven’t had their tummy muscles checked and I do that and then look at building core strength.
“My little one Albert still comes to some classes with me so mums can see I’m just like them, not an instructor standing there with my six pack on show!
“We have pom poms and mums are in control with their babies. There are lots of visual stimulants and it is good for cognitive skills which is where we stand apart from lots of other mother and baby classes.”
The Bubbabump sessions are held 10.30-11.30am Wednesdays and Thursdays and Zumbini on Fridays 11am until noon. Sessions cost £5.50 each although payment is usually asked for per term.
The Mother’s Day class runs from 10.30am to 11.30am and costs £10 for mum and daughter or son aged 7 years through to adults. It is bookable in advance due to limited spaces.