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About us

Janelle Rathgen - Founder

Janelle Rathgen (on the right) brings over 15 years of experience in women’s health and fitness, holding a degree in Exercise Science and qualifications in personal training, group fitness, Pilates, and postnatal recovery. Passionate about supporting women through every life stage, Janelle specialises in safe, effective movement—particularly after childbirth, injury, or during the return to fitness.

Based in South Canterbury, she leads Nurture Fitness with a focus on nurturing both body and mind, helping women build strength, confidence, and lasting wellbeing.

Abby McKerchar - Trainer

Abby McKerchar (on the left) joins the Nurture Fitness team in Term 3, 2025, bringing over a decade of experience as a qualified Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. With a background in Sports & Exercise Nutrition and a special focus on pre and postnatal training, Abby is passionate about helping women align their fitness and nutrition through every stage of motherhood.

Now based in South Canterbury, Abby has created a thriving fitness community from her home gym and is known for her warm, practical approach. Her expertise and energy make her a valuable addition to the Nurture Fitness team.

Qualifications

Timaru Studio

Nurture Fitness is a small female-led-female-focussed fitness studio in South Canterbury’s Timaru.

We offer pilates and personal training with pre and postnatal fitness classes for mothers and their children.

Nurture Fitness is committed to supporting women through all levels of fitness with a focus on safe and effective exercise options after childbirth, illness, or injury.

At Nurture, you’ll find a supportive child-friendly environment inviting women to get out of the house, connect with other mums and enjoy improved health and wellbeing.

Contact us

Qualifications

As a dedicated female fitness instructor who’s registered with REP’s, I’m committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and trends in female fitness and women’s health.

My major qualifications and certifications include:

Otago University
Bachelor of Physical Education

Otago University
Post Graduate Diploma Public Health

Aoraki Polytechnic (Ara)
Group fitness instructor course

Studio Pilates International
Matwork Instructor & Pregnancy Pilates

Studio Pilates International
Ball, Circle, Band Course

Girls Gone Strong
Certified Pre and Post-Natal Coach

REP’s Registration for Exercise Professionals

Continence NZ
Pelvic Floor Safe Trainer

Safe Return to Exercise - Accredited

Women’s Health Physiotherapy Partnership

Visiting a women’s health physiotherapist after the birth of your baby is very important for optimal after-care, as they’re the eyes on the inside! They’ll conduct a full pelvic health check and make sure you’re doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly.

Nurture Fitness is supported by two women’s’ health physiotherapists:

  • Lesley Coffey from Essential Physiotherapy in Ashburton
  • Rachael Boyce from Active Health Physio on Church Street

With your permission, I can send a referral form to either physio and you’ll be able to have an individual assessment, then they’ll send their findings to me and offer specific exercises for your body that we can work on together. A women’s health physiotherapist can offer clearance, so you can get back into more demanding exercise like running.

Even if you have no symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, it’s still a good idea to get a physio check, as some prolapses can be asymptomatic. 1 in 3 women have some form of pelvic floor dysfunction, so it’s very common, but not normal. Post-natal problems often go undiagnosed as women believe it’s just part of having babies, but in most cases these problems can be treated without surgery. Left untreated, post-natal problems can get a lot worse, especially when doing more intense exercise. Call Janelle at Nurture Fitness to discuss the best post-natal plan for your body and lifestyle.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

1 in 3 women have symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. While it is common, it is not normal and can be treated so please ask for help. Listen to your body if something doesn’t feel right. The following signs are some of the symptoms to look out for…

  • Doming/coning through the tummy
  • Pressure in bladder/rectum
  • Needing to go to the loo often, or not being able to empty the bladder fully
  • Leakage of urine
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain or discomfort during or after sex, or exercise