Postpartum Fitness Training: A Lack of Understanding and Guidance Persists Among Trainers and Mothers Alike
In Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health have recently updated the National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines to provide specific, evidence-based recommendations for pregnant and postpartum women. The initiative, *Every Move Counts*, launched in June 2025, emphasizes the importance of gradual resumption of physical activity after childbirth, aiming for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, and incorporating muscle-strengthening exercises focusing on major muscle groups throughout the week [1][2].
Among those who are championing the cause for postnatal fitness is Elaine Gillespie, a mother and qualified pre- and postnatal coach. After struggling with training in the days and weeks postpartum, Gillespie left her career in property to found Sound Mamas, a Kildare-based organisation offering mother-and-baby fitness classes.
Gillespie's motivation to maintain an exercise routine stemmed from her parents' illnesses and her own postpartum experience. She became a mother at just 10 days postpartum, and her father passed away from cancer shortly after. This life-changing event, along with her own journey through motherhood, served as a "real turning point" in her life [3].
Gillespie's mission with Sound Mamas is to create a space where women can not only engage in safe and effective fitness activities but also connect with others going through similar experiences. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing motherhood and exercise, and her classes are designed to cater to the unique needs of postnatal women [4].
In addition to offering fitness classes, Gillespie provides insights on overcoming gym intimidation and shares tips for starting a beginner-friendly weight-training routine. She emphasises the importance of weight training for women as they reach middle age, as it can make small tasks easier in later life [5].
Gillespie's podcast episode can be listened to in the player above or wherever podcasts are available, offering a deeper dive into her personal story and the benefits of postnatal fitness. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of exercise in promoting physical and mental wellbeing, not just for mothers, but for all women.
References: [1] HSE.ie (2025). Every Move Counts: National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Ireland. [online] Available at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/public-health/health-promotion/physical-activity/every-move-counts/ [2] Department of Health.ie (2025). Every Move Counts: National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Ireland. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d4c33-every-move-counts-national-physical-activity-and-sedentary-behaviour-guidelines-for-ireland/ [3] Gillespie, E. (2022). Elaine Gillespie: From Property to Postnatal Fitness. [online] Available at: https://www.soundmamas.ie/blog/elaine-gillespie-from-property-to-postnatal-fitness [4] World Health Organization. (2020). WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015733 [5] Gillespie, E. (2022). Sound Mamas: A Podcast Episode with Elaine Gillespie. [online] Available at: https://www.soundmamas.ie/podcast/episode-1-elaine-gillespie-founder-sound-mamas
Science plays a crucial role in supporting the health-and-wellness of mothers during and after pregnancy, as evidenced by the National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines in Ireland. These guidelines, launched under the initiative 'Every Move Counts', encourage postnatal women to engage in fitness-and-exercise, targeting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises [1][2].
One advocate for postnatal fitness is Elaine Gillespie, a mother and qualified pre- and postnatal coach, who founded Sound Mamas to provide mother-and-baby fitness classes and support for women's health [3]. This dedication to promoting fitness is driven not only by the National Physical Activity Guidelines but also by personal experiences, as Gillespie recognized the importance of exercise for both physical and mental wellbeing [5].
