Woolpit
Private dental practice in Woolpit offering routine and cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and orthodontic treatments.
Health & FitnessBaby & Toddler Groups, Community Group
ProStartstrong Fitness CIC
Free, grant-funded parent and baby exercise classes for pregnant women and new mums and dads, led by pre and postnatal specialist coaches. Your baby stays beside you on the mat, with equipment and toys provided. Classes in Stowmarket at Evolution Gym, booked free online.
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About
Startstrong Fitness CIC is a community interest company running free parent and baby exercise classes across Suffolk and Essex, including Stowmarket. It is built on one belief: no parent should navigate the journey of parenthood alone. Classes are for pregnant women and new mums and dads, and your baby comes too, on a mat right beside you with toys to play with, so there's no childcare to arrange.
It was founded by Emma Shaw, a Level 5 pre and postnatal specialist coach, personal trainer and nutritionist, and a mum of two, who started it after her own difficult experience of becoming a mother. Every session is led by coaches trained in pregnancy and postnatal fitness. You work through a few simple stations at your own pace, and every exercise can be adapted, whether you're pregnant, recovering from a caesarean or getting back into exercise months after birth.
The classes are grant and council funded, so they're free to attend, and booking online helps the team plan space and equipment. Popular classes fill up, so check the current timetable and join the waiting list on their Bookwhen page or website. Startstrong holds the Community Action Suffolk Quality Award 2026 and was Highly Commended for Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year at the Suffolk Community Awards 2026.
Good to know
Are the classes really free?
Yes. Startstrong Fitness CIC is grant and council funded, so there is no cost to attend. Booking is free and helps the team plan space and equipment. If you can't make a class you've booked, please cancel on Bookwhen so someone on the waiting list can have your place.
Who can come?
Pregnant women and new mums and dads, at any fitness level. Babies come too, from about six weeks to around 18 months.
Do I need medical clearance first?
Yes. You need the all-clear to exercise before your first class: from your GP (most parents get this at their six-week check), or from your midwife if you're pregnant. You'll also fill in a short health form when you book so your coach can adapt things for you.
Where are the Stowmarket classes?
At Evolution Gym, The Old Maltings, Union Street East, Stowmarket IP14 1HP. There's free parking, a level entrance, toilets and baby changing. Startstrong also runs classes in Ipswich, Colchester and Felixstowe.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes you can move in, trainers, a water bottle and whatever your baby needs. Mats, equipment and baby toys are all provided.
What if my baby cries or needs feeding?
That's completely fine. Your baby stays with you the whole time, so you can feed, change or cuddle them whenever you need to.
How do I book?
Online through Startstrong's Bookwhen page, which also has the current timetable. If a class is full, join the waiting list and you'll be emailed when a place comes up.
Can a health professional refer a parent?
Yes. Health visitors, midwives, GPs, social prescribers and family support workers can use the referral form on the Startstrong website.
Is this your business?
Claim Startstrong Fitness CIC for free to keep its opening hours, description and contact details up to date.
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