Free video workout service launches, supporting the wellbeing of mums-to-be during the coronavirus crisis.
News release: 08/04/20.
The importance of exercise in supporting people’s physical and mental wellbeing has been coming over loud and clear from the Chief Medical Officer during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, with mums-to-be now being strongly advised to stay home, many can’t turn to the usual ways to do this. So, one group of organisations in the North West has stepped in to bridge the gap in free provision for pregnant women, by commissioning a brand-new #BeFit4Baby video workout service.
MSP, Active Cheshire, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Women’s and Children’s Services Partnership, plus Cheshire and Merseyside Maternity Voices Network were already working in collaboration to promote early years physical activity across Cheshire and Merseyside. With the current crisis rapidly re-shaping the world, the collaborative decided they needed to act quickly, re-directing efforts and funding to meet the needs of pregnant women.
They’ve teamed up with trusted female fitness coach, Juanita Steel, who has a track record of supporting women’s health. Twice-weekly live video classes, have been commissioned, with a ‘catch-up’ option also available. It’s hoped that midwives and other pregnancy healthcare professionals will benefit from being able to access the resource as well as pregnant women themselves.
Coach Juanita commented,
“I might not be able to offer a home workout studio that looks like Joe Wicks’, but I can offer a virtual space where mums-to-be can feel cared for and feel good! It’s more important than ever right now that pregnant ladies have a way to get active to help them look after their physical and mental health and, of course, the health of their baby, so I’m delighted to have been asked to do be involved.”
Live classes are being streamed on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am (GMT+1). Details of how to join, plus other pregnancy exercise resources can be accessed via www.merseysidesport.com/be-fit-4-baby
The collaborative is encouraging any organisation which thinks the resource would be useful to signpost to it. In Merseyside the resource is already being incorporated by MSP as part of its #BeFit4Baby initiative, whilst Active Cheshire are including it as part of their #ActiveMums campaign. It’s also hoped that this will encourage more people inspired by to Sport England’s #StayInWorkOut pandemic-response campaign to get active.
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