Fitness club for mums in West Auckland

A fitness group for West Aucklanders is helping women balance motherhood and a healthier lifestyle.

Fit Mama was created four years ago by mother-of-three Rosie Goldsmith, who enjoys inspiring other mums to work out and feel great about themselves.

Mrs Goldsmith said she started the exercise group after having her first son because she felt lonely and wanted to make friends, as well as a means to make money.

She trained at the New Zealand Institute of Health and Fitness, and has now been a qualified personal trainer for six years.

“It can be really lonely being a mum and sitting at home, so it’s nice to get out and have something to do during the day,” she said.

What makes Fit Mama particularly appealing to its members is being in a comfortable atmosphere where their children are free to roam around, make noise, or even be included within the exercises.

“My son loves it, and when we drop my other son off to kindy and we don’t come across the road he has a little tantrum,” said Mrs Goldsmith.

Fit Mama sessions are held at the Oratia Settlers’ Hall, Oratia School Hall, or the Glen Eden Salvation Army rooms.

Workouts consist of cardio, strength training, ab strengthening and more.

There are 45 members so far who not only like the atmosphere, but want their children to come along and witness the importance of health and exercise at an early age.

“I like that my kids are getting to see me create good habits and it kind of passes on to them too,” said member Carol Beech.

“A lot of mums, we understand you can bring your kids around and it gets busy and noisy, but it doesn’t matter.”

Mrs Beech, a member for more than two years, has two children who enjoy the classes just as much as she does.

She said they had made new friends and enjoyed coming to the classes either to help or join in.

Mrs Beech found the sessions made her feel like she could push herself a little bit more each time, and had goals to become fitter and learn better techniques.

For Justine Barrows, it was the camaraderie between the women and the motivation from them that she enjoys most.

“I’ve tried mum and baby yoga and other classes and it just didn’t work for me,” she said, “but this is an environment where we can still exercise and the kids enjoy themselves too.”