Personal trainer Stephanie Zaidan set up a very special business 18 months ago - inspired by the birth of her fist child.

And now runs her company Mama & Me Fitness together with baby daughter Josephine very much in tow.

Stephanie, who moved to Bournemouth from London 12 years ago, had worked as a personal trainer at various gyms across Bournemouth for ten years. The last few years were at The Gym on Westover Road.

But in this era of Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns she has successfully branched out on her own to run classes for other new mums and mums-to-be, creating special support groups during these challenging times- and that's why she is our Trader of the Week.

All babies are positively welcome to attend the classes which have been meeting outdoors and on line as restrictions have dictated.

Stephanie, 34, said:"I wanted to encourage a focus on us mothers to keep fit without the need of childcare, to meet new mums and give the support and guidance where needed - to give positive energy and the 'feel good' factor. I have always used keeping fit and eating well as a mental release."

Much of the interest in her classes has been drummed up through social media and you can find her on Instagram @fightfitwomen & @bellaandjosey

They say never work with children and animals but Bella, her 4-year-old Dachshund also enjoys coming along for all the outdoor exercise.

Stephanie said: "Josephine was my inspiration behind our fitness class. I started my class after doing my pre and post natal class as soon as Josephine was 6 weeks old and I had the go from my post birth check up. So almost 18 months ago.

"We began outdoor training at Meyrick Park pretty much when restrictions came into place. We have run as a support group as we realised our group class was needed even more. We managed this during covid times safely keeping a distance in the outdoor fresh air, wiping equipment after use and encouraging our babies to be kept with us at all times (well the best we can).

"I restricted training to once a week and maintained a social group through WhatsApp keeping an outlet where we can all discuss matters and check in on one another. I must say I have made a great group of friends and the mummies are wonderful."

Despite the fact that the pandemic forced them to exercise outdoors - often in cold weather, Stephanie believes this will be the way forward.

"I would like to continue outdoor training after years of being gym- based. I aim to encourage the use of the beautiful outdoors and the challenges the seasons bring. Now coming into summer months I am even more excited. I must admit my clients also have enjoyed the outdoors and do not anticipate joining a gym anytime soon - especially as the summer spell is coming. Come winter again I'm not sure- it was tough especially with the older babies. But we did it!"

Current restrictions allow 15 to meet up for the support group/ class ( babies are not counted in the limit) and this can be places like Meyrick Park or Boscombe Beach.

"We have quite a mix of people, including pregnant ladies and those who have new babies. As long as they have had their six week post natal check-up and given the all clear we can go ahead.I wouldn't encourage anyone to join near the end of their pregnancy - they should just be relaxing before the birth.

"Taking the leap and going outside to train has been so successful: I'm in my comfort zone and I love it. I've personally made a lot of new friends through this and met a lot of like-minded people. I was never one to do the ante-natal classes when I was pregnant , I never felt it was something I would benefit from."

The business was launched by Stephanie simply handing out leaflets and through social media.

"You feel a massive sense of achievement once you have done a session. All my clients are women so it's all very much women-orientated.

"My dad has always been fit and my mother suffers with bipolar - ever since I was a child she suffered with depression, so I understand the physical and mental benefits of keeping fit. Her illness and the birth of my daughter inspired me . I've always been self-aware and have always used training as a release and for the feel-good factor.

"Having started the business indoors and then having to move outside I think it will stay outdoors.

" We are encouraging new mums locally to join us and when we are able to have a larger group I plan to hold more events networking with others to give our mummies more including social events and coming together more."

*To nominate a local business for Trader of the Week follow this link below:

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/trader