Face West Fitness Classes FAQs
The FWF Class FAQs
Do I need to be super-fit?
No - but you do need to be committed to improving your level of fitness. Don't worry if you lack motivation - we're here to help you get fit. We have different ability bibs to suit different levels of fitness. Whatever you fitness 'status' you will be made to feel welcome by the group and FWF staff.
What should I wear? Do I need any specialist equipment?
Dress - A running kit or an old T-shirt and shorts or tracksuit is ideal. Some exercises involve getting down on the ground so be prepared to get at least a little bit dirty - it's part of the fun! Unfortunately we can't guarantee the weather but we can guarantee that you'll be sweating by the end of each session so make sure you have a warm top to put on after the session has finished. Some people also like to wear gloves and a hat in winter months. Specialist equipment - Apart from a good pair of running shoes or trainers, any equipment required for the exercises will be supplied by the Instructor.
What is a typical training session like?
There is no 'typical' session; each session will be varied to stop both you and your body getting bored. This is one of the benefits of our sessions - it's a full cardiovascular workout. Lessons may include any of the following; team games, paired exercises, circuits, anaerobic or strength work and running.
Each class is divided into ability groups and starts with a warm up followed by at least 50 minutes of effective fitness training, ending with a cool down and stretch.
Instructors will work to the pace of the weakest member of the group, whilst finding ways to keep the front runners working hard! No matter what, you will be made to feel welcome by the rest of the group and the FWF staff.
I can hardly do one press-up, let alone 100! Is this for me?
Yes! This is why our classes are divided into different ability coloured bibs - to enable everyone to raise their current level fitness with a good workout, no matter what level they are at.
Do I need to check with a health professional before I sign up?
You should complete and sign a fitness / health questionnaire and hand it to your Instructor before you start your first session, you can download this from the website. If in doubt, or you answer 'yes' to any of the questions, we recommend you speak to your GP before attending. Women who are pregnant should not attend our Fitness classes after the first trimester (12 weeks). Please see our information on exercise in pregnancy and how we can help.
Where do I put my valuables?
Please try to avoid bringing valuables to the classes but if you have to do so, you may use the instructors' vehicle to lock up valuables/change of clothing etc.
Do I need to bring my own water?
You're welcome to bring your own water and/or isotonic drinks for before or after the session. Our instructors do carry plenty of water and there will be water breaks during the class. Please drink plenty of water before you arrive.
The FWF Buggy Fitness Class FAQs
What is Buggy Fitness?
It's a group exercise class for new mums. You need to bring your baby and buggy along as they'll both be used in your workout. The workout has been designed to be fun for you and your baby and incorporates both your baby and buggy in the aerobics, toning and stretching elements for you to shape up!
I have recently had a baby, when can I start exercising?
Natural births: wait 6 weeks
C-Sections: wait 8-12 weeks
Your midwife/health visitor should give you the go ahead for this. It really is advisable to wait until your 6 or 10-week 'rec-check' from your health visitor before you start exercise again. This is mainly to ensure that your stomach muscles have repaired properly, particularly after a C-section. If you're at any risk, we will test/assess this for you and offer plenty of alternative exercises so as to avoid discomfort and injury, so don't worry.
What do the classes involve?
The classes start with a warm up and then progress on to an aerobics-style workout where babies stay in their buggies. All the movements will be easy to follow and predominately low impact. If it's been 5-6 months since the birth of your baby, you may be provided with higher-impact options to follow to increase your heart rate. Your instructor will explain the reason for this during the workout. After the main workout, we'll do some toning exercises targeting the muscles which change during pregnancy eg stomach, bum, chest and back. After that, we'll do a quick cool down followed by a relaxing stretch.
Do I need a special buggy?
No. Your usual buggy should be ok. As long as it is well padded and comfortable for your baby and the handles are the right height for you it will be fine. For the outdoor workouts, we will always try to keep to paved/tarmac/hard grass areas, so your buggy doesn't need to be the "off-road" variety.
What do the babies do while the mums exercise?
The older babies seem to find it funny watching carefully as their mum works out. The younger ones may find the movement makes them sleepy and drop off while you work out. During the floor exercises and stretches, your baby must stay immobilised for their own safety and due to recent changes in the Children and Disabled Person's Act.
How long does each class last for?
Each class lasts for approximately an hour.
How much does it cost?
Each class costs £4 (Pay as you go) - or why not take advantage of purchasing a passport of 10 sessions for £30.00 -and save £10, three, six and annual memberships are availiable. You'll receive your very own membership card which you collect stamps in each session to chart your progress. You can use up your sessions on any class (spaces permitting). Please make sure you bring the correct amount if paying in cash, as change cannot always be given. Cheques need to be made payable to (Stuart Ashley, Face West Fitness)
What should I wear?
A good support/sports bra, trainers and comfortable clothes. Don't feel you have to go out and buy a new pair of trainers/clothes for the workout, as long as you're comfortable and the trainers and bra give you the support you need, they should be fine.
What should I bring?
Wear trainers and sports clothes and bring along a bottle of water for you to drink during the class. Bring something for your baby to drink/eat so they can feed afterwards at the Cafe afterwards. As our classes are outdoors, make sure you and your baby dress appropriately. You'll need to bring a rain cover for your buggy and a small towel; a book or toys may be advantageous and sun cream in the summer months.
Are the classes taught by a qualified instructor?
Yes, Stuart holds the YMCA Level 3 Personal Trainer and Ante/Postnatal Instructor Certificate and also has further YMCA Level 2 qualification, Core Stability (Abdominal strength) and Circuit Training. Stuart has been Police-checked and is a member of The Guild of Pregnancy and Postnatal Instructors.
What do I do if my baby cries?
All babies cry and everybody is in the same boat! The aerobic workout incorporates the buggy in the routine e.g. marching forwards and backwards, so generally when babies are moved often enough, they settle back to sleep. Don't worry; there are plenty of opportunities for you to take your baby out of their buggy for a cuddle and/or a feed if you feel that is what is needed. You know your baby best, so even if you have to stop exercising for a while to settle them or feed them, that's absolutely fine.
Is there an upper age limit for babies?
Currently, there is no upper age limit for babies attending classes. You will be the best judge of this. If you baby is still happy to stay in their buggy, they will certainly enjoy Buggy Fitness.
How do I register?
All you need to do to register a place is fill in a Pre/Post Natal Health Questionnaire (found on the website) and bring it along to your free trial class.
