A woman who quit her job in the corporate sector to reach out to other mothers experiencing post-natal anxiety is preparing to launch exercise classes in Walthamstow.

Michelle Crowhurst took over the east London franchise for One Fit Mama last May when she found herself worrying about heading back to work after giving birth.

The 35-year-old who is mum to Jasmine, 22 months, is keen to remind other mothers that taking time for themselves “can mean the difference between being happy and spiralling out of control”.

Ms Crowhurst of Barking said: “I had post-natal anxiety quite bad and when Jasmine was six months it got worse and exercising definitely helped me focus.

“Anyone with anxiety will understand that your thoughts are like a whirlwind and you can’t get hold of them.

“It was challenging to work in the corporate sector and have a routine and only have to think about myself and then take the leap and make a career change.

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“But I think it helped with my anxiety because I didn’t have to worry who would look after Jasmine. It was absolutely the perfect fit for me.”

The marketing coordinator turned businesswoman has been teaching weekly circuit training classes in Wanstead for the past seven months where babies and toddlers play on mats while their mothers work up a sweat.

All women are entitled to a free trial and those diagnosed with post-natal depression and post-natal anxiety can get a six-week free course.

“There are some people out there who encourage mothers to get back to their pre-baby body and lose their mummy tummy but that is definitely not what we do,” added the personal trainer.

“Our aim is to make mothers stronger mentally and physically.”

The launch of One Fit Mama’s Walthamstow class will take place on Tuesday, January 30 at the Quaker Meeting House in Jewel Road.

For full details email Michelle at nelondon@onefitmama.co.uk.