We know starting or continuing a fitness journey comes with lots of questions, and we’re here to help! Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common queries about our classes, facilities, and approach to fitness. Whether you’re new to exercise, returning after a break, or looking for a supportive space to focus on your health, Nurture Fitness is here for you.
If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out—we’d love to help! 💜
Does Nurture Fitness offer online workouts?
No, but there are plenty of online workouts out there to choose from. It’s important to note that when you workout on your own at home, you may not know if you’re doing the exercise correctly. Small position changes during an exercise, or using the correct breathing can make all the difference. You can do a lot of damage to your body by doing exercises that are too hard too soon e.g making an abdominal separation worse, or worsening pelvic floor dysfunction. Nurture Fitness is safety focussed, so I only run small face-to-face classes, because I’m very passionate about ensuring my clients use the correct techniques and receive proper posture and breathing modifications wherever necessary.
Do I need an assessment before starting?
Yes I recommend all new clients have an assessment before they start.
I just had a baby. When can I start?
Please wait until you’ve been cleared by your midwife or GP. Once cleared, this doesn’t mean you can go straight into high intensity exercise. In most cases, the return to exercise programme at Nurture Fitness is suitable anytime from 6-8 weeks post-birth (depending on the birth), however in the interest of short and long-term safety, getting back to exercise is always assessed on an individual basis.
How long will it take to ‘bounce back?’
Having a baby is a huge change both physically and emotionally, so there should be no pressure to ‘bounce back’ straight after having a baby. All women have different bodies and different experiences with their pregnancies, so while one woman may be ready to get back into exercise following their midwife clearance at 6 weeks, another woman may not be ready for many months after the birth of her child. Gentle walking is a great start post-birth, but you’re best to keep it short and sweet to begin with and slowly build up your fitness again.
How do I get back to exercising again? Where do I even begin?
As a mother of 3, I understand that knowing what to do after having your baby can be very overwhelming. Even as a personal trainer, I didn’t know where to start with my exercise. That’s what prompted me to invest in post-natal training, so Timaru mums could get the support they needed to return to exercise with confidence. I understand how important it is to take your time to recover from the birth, before gently returning to exercise. Please try not to compare your situation with others, instead listen to your body and start when YOU are ready. Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to help.
What if it’s too hard for me? What if I have to stop?
At Nurture Fitness, we know that gentle, steady and slow is the way to go, so we’ll start with a slow programme that rebuilds your body from the inside out. While it may be tempting to return to high impact activities, heavy weights, or bootcamps, doing so before laying the foundation, means running the risk of injury, prolapse, incontinence and a worsening abdominal separation. At Nurture Fitness, we focus on doing the groundwork for a slow, gentle and effective recovery. When returning to exercise post-childbirth, it’s important to listen to your body and if something doesn’t feel right, take a rest and get checked out.
When can I start running again?
Usually not until you have been cleared by a women’s health physio. I don’t recommend running before 5 months post-birth.
Can I bring my baby/children to my session?
Yes, children and babies are welcome during any daytime session.
I think I have an abdominal separation. Is the class still suitable for me?
Yes absolutely! There are still plenty of options for someone with an abdominal separation. I will closely monitor your abdominal control during the exercises making sure you activate the correct muscles. I also build you up slowly as you’re ready for the harder exercises. I’m trained to check for separation, so I’m able to keep an eye that it’s improving and you’re regaining strength through your abdominals.
Can I join if my child isn’t a baby anymore?
Absolutely!
I can’t afford to pay for the term up front. Do you have a payment plan?
Yes, I’m very flexible with payment terms, just let me know about your situation.
I see the block has already started. Is it too late to join in or do I have to wait until next term?
It depends on the class. Pilates classes and Buggy Fit are fine to join at any time during the term. The Mums and Bubs Safe Return to Exercise runs as a 6 week block, so once it has started you’re unable to join, until the next round. A new group starts every 4 weeks, so simply join the waitlist for the next class. You can even book some one-on-one sessions while you wait.
I’m not keen on leaving the house. Can you come to me?
Yes, I offer a mobile training service and I can bring fitness gear to you.
I have an injury. Can you help?
If you’re injured, I recommend you get checked out by a physiotherapist.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, gift vouchers are available. Simply send an email to arrange an order, or pick one up after your next class.
Do you have a Cancellation Policy?
Yes, personal training clients need to provide at least 24 hours notice, or 50% of the session price will need to be charged. For group classes, I cannot provide refunds, however I can offer a credit, so you can take another class at a time that suits. View Nurture Fitness’s full Cancellation Policy here.