“The classes are beneficial in so many ways,” says Sheffield mum-of-two starting sling fitness classes for new mums

Jill Somerville, a mum of two from Mosborough, was already working as a personal trainer and fitness trainer when she noticed the Sling Strong sessions starting around the country.

Her interest stemmed from having a newborn, her second child, Isla Rose, during lockdown and wanting to support new mums who have had it ‘much harder this year’ due to being locked in doors.

The Sling Strong sessions allow mums to bond with their child, as well as socialising with other mums, through exercising whilst carrying their baby in a sling or carrier.

"Babies in a sling or a buckle carrier are attached to you throughout, and it is aimed at strengthening all the muscles you use in birth, so you are bonding with the baby and doing low-impact exercises at the same time," Jill said.

"It also gets mums socialising. It is a mobile mum and baby group, really.

“I think it is really hard when you are a mum in any circumstances, but given the fact that everyone has been locked up for so long, and a lot of mums do suffer from baby blues and postnatal depression, I think that has been magnified so much in these circumstances.

"Usually you would be going to parents groups, but nobody has been able to do that. Exercise is good for your endorphins, so I think it is going to be beneficial in so many ways for so many people.”

Although her first two sessions in May are in Beighton, Jill plans on starting sessions in Mosborough and Killamarsh – and there is also a trainer covering Eckington, Dronfield and Coal Aston.

"I have got an eight month old baby myself and I must admit I have found it really odd not doing things I usually do, and although it is my second child I knew what to expect but I think for the first time mums it must have been so much harder this last year.

"So when I saw this class I just wanted to be involved in it because I just thought it is such a good idea.”

As long as mums have had their six to eight week postnatal check and everything is clear, they are fine to attend the classes, Jill says.

Jill has had to go through intensive training to teach the class, and is a ‘sling peer support worker’ to show mums how to wear the slings safely and securely.

Her two Beighton sessions are on May 26 and 27 at 10-11am, but they are already fully booked, with demand from new mums at a real high.

Visit the Sling Strong S20 Facebook page for updates.