Exercise plan for expectant and new mums now available

If you’re an expectant or new mum looking for some inspiration to get active, the new free fitness programmes from Our Parks have been designed especially for you. 

We know that being active comes with additional challenges when pregnant or just after having a baby, which is why experts have developed Couch to Fitness to help you take those first, gentle steps into exercise. 

Developed by Our Parks, with support from Sport England and London Sport, the free and flexible at-home exercise plan has been endorsed by Active Pregnancy Foundation to ensure the activities are suitable for you to try. 

Born Barikor, Our Parks founder, is excited to add these two new programmes to the current Couch to Fitness catalogue. 

“The launch of the Couch to Fitness Pre- and Postnatal programmes is a proud moment for Our Parks and the sector,” he said. 

“The programmes are entirely created through collaboration with Sport England, London Sport, the Active Pregnancy Foundation and industry experts. 

“A tremendous amount of work has gone into making this programme appropriate, accessible and inspiring to give mothers the confidence to be active during and after pregnancy. 

“Working in partnership with other organisations leads to innovation and diverse thinking; I am so delighted with what we continue to achieve through this partnership and am keen to continue to share this learning with the sector.” 

With 74% of women surveyed in a 2021 poll by Savanta ComRes saying that they felt, or would have felt, more reassured to become or stay active as a result of receiving safety advice or encouragement from a healthcare professional, we knew it was important to speak to experts in active pregnancy. 

Which is why, alongside the new programmes comes a sophisticated screening tool to further check the exercises are suitable for individuals. 

“Navigating an active motherhood can be really challenging, particularly if you are new to activity,” said Dr Marlize De Vivo, chief executive officer of the Active Pregnancy Foundation.  

“Not knowing where to start, what you can or can’t do, or which professional to turn to, means that many women are missing out on the associated physical and mental health benefits. 

“The Couch to Fitness Pre- and Postnatal Programmes address many of these barriers and makes movement more accessible. 

“As part of our mission to improve industry standards, we’ve worked closely with Our Parks, London Sport and Sport England to ensure alignment to the national physical activity guidelines and best practice standards. 

“We are delighted to announce these as the first programmes to receive our official endorsement.” 

This Girl Can is funded by The National Lottery.