Member spotlight Sophie Brown

Sophie is a regular at our Family Friendly classes and shares her experience with us.

‘I’ve always enjoyed working out and exercising. I trained throughout both my pregnancies and was looking forward to getting back into it again when it was safe to do so after having my son. I really struggled with the lack of routine and was worried my mental health would be affected with not being able to workout each week.

I found it really difficult to find a gym that offered family friendly classes and with limited childcare it was hard to workout. Then a friend mentioned trying the Salford Community Leisure classes.  I was nervous about going along at first especially with a small baby.

I’d never been before but decided to try a pay as you go circuit class with Annelise at Worsley Leisure Centre. I was nervous about going along to my first class especially with a small baby. But I didn’t need to worry, Annelise was so welcoming and made me feel at ease.

I decided to sign up for a membership and started going every week as well as to the Family Friendly Spinning on a Wednesday with Leanne.

You get to know the other mums and they were all chatty and friendly. There was a range of ages of children, from young babies up to teenagers in the school holidays. Everyone is welcome and they were able to play safely with the toys and games that were in the centre of the room. It doesn’t matter what age your baby or child is, the classes are really relaxed to let you do what’s best for them, whether that’s have a nap, feed them or change a nappy. Even if they were crying, it was completely ok.

Every week, the classes are different. But no matter what your fitness level is or whether you’ve been before, Annelise and Leanne are there to help and make sure you’re comfortable with the class.

I now feel confident enough to go to other classes and enjoy going to Body Pump, Spinning and Circuits each week. Salford Community Leisure has become part of my weekly routine. I’m so thankful for the classes that have helped me to get back to my normal self after pregnancy and post-partum’.

I would recommend to all mums who want some routine and normality during maternity leave to give it a go, you won’t regret it.

View all of our Family Friendly classes, based at Irlam & Cadishead Leisure Centre and Worsley Centre.