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Yorkshire Biz August 13 - Rachel Olsen-Saaler - Mama Unleashed
Want to have fun when you work out to create the best version of your mom self?
In August, we are featuring many amazing female Yorkshire entrepreneurs by showcasing their business (#yorkshirebizaugust) and a bit of personal life on our shop blog.
Make sure you enter our big Yorkshire Biz August Giveaway (#ybagiveaway) to win one of our prizes given out by these superwomen! No need to be in Yorkshire to enjoy our prizes. (read the bottom of this post to find out how to enter)
Today we are featuring Rachel and her Mama Unleashed fitness business which aims to create a safe, fun and encouraging environment for women to work out to be the best version of themselves.
Business Name
Business Related Questions
Which part of Yorkshire is your business based?
I live in Gomersal, West Yorkshire and normally my classes would be based in and around this area but they are currently online. Moving forward, I will be keeping online classes as well as venue classes so people can enjoy my classes from anywhere in the country!
Tell us a little bit about your business - What makes your business a little different from others?
I run Mama Unleashed which is a fitness business all about empowering women to become the best version of themselves. I know how hard it is to find the time to workout when you become a mum, your needs sometimes go to the bottom of the pile but I also know how important exercise is for both physical and mental health. I aim to create a safe, fun and encouraging environment for women to work out and also a place to meet a community of like-minded women. The classes I run offer something for everyone, aerobics, HIIT, Stretch & Tone and Hardcore Abs, helping everyone on their own fitness journey to achieve their own goals, whatever they may be.
What is really important to me is that my business continues to provide classes that women want and so I maintain flexibility in everything I do, regularly asking my community what they like/dislike/would like to see more of. I also encourage the social side of the group, arranging regular meet-ups outside of class or virtual meet ups as they have been recently!
What’s your favourite ever product or service that you currently sell or have sold?
My HIIT and Stretch & Tone Class prove very popular and I love them both even though they are completely different! HIIT is crazy and hardcore – definitely a sweaty one, but the endorphin rush after is brilliant and we laugh (a lot). Stretch and Tone is very chilled, think spa music and candlelight, very relaxing and the perfect way to end a busy day and have a bit of ‘me time’.
Why did you choose this business to run or establish?
I have always had an interest in health and fitness, doing a degree in Sports Science, but my career took me off in another direction after University. Two children later and a 15-year career in HR, I realised I wanted something different. I wanted to find a balance for being around more for my children but also pick back up on my passion for fitness. I initially started out with a fitness franchise but ventured out on my own with Mama Unleashed. I know what it’s like to try and find the time and motivation to exercise when you are a mum, I also know how isolating it can sometimes feel. Whether you want a class where you can bring your little one along or a class where you can have a bit of ‘me time, Mama Unleashed has something for everyone.
How are you pivoting or adapting your business during this crazy Covid virus time?
All of my classes have gone online and are available in my private Facebook group. Classes can be done live with me or they can be done at another time on catch up when it’s suitable. All classes stay in the group for 7 days before they are replaced with the new ones. Certain classes such as Hardcore Abs and HIIT stay on their permanently so there is a backlog of classes to go back and enjoy at your leisure.
What is your one product or service you would recommend for either a pregnant woman, newborn mom, or for babies, toddlers, or young children?
My daytime aerobics class is perfect for someone who is pregnant or a new mum. I give adaptations throughout so you can work at the appropriate level for your fitness and stage or pregnancy/post-partum recovery. I am pre and postnatal specialist trained in fitness so understand what is needed for pregnancy and post-partum fitness as well as knowledge around complications that can occur such as diastasis recti. The Stretch and Tone class is also a really great class for a new mum and again has adaptations for every fitness level.
Personally Related
Who or what inspires you?
This is a really tough question! I would have to say the mums who come to my class. Starting an exercise class is tough at the best of times but add bringing your little one into the mix and it can be a whole load more daunting! Add on top of that a lack of sleep, feeling tired, a cranky baby, and a feeding schedule and it can seem impossible. However week after week my mums show up and work out, regardless of what else is going on. Some haven’t exercised for years, others want to gradually reintroduce exercise and some want to socialise and be part of a fab group of women – everyone has their own goals and I love being part of it.
What TV shows can make you binge on all day long?
I am a Netflix addict, I will give anything a try – comedies, thrillers, true-crime, documentaries – you name it and I will give it a go. I have a rule that anything I watch, I have to give it at least 3 episodes before deciding whether I like it or not. If I am hooked at this point then I will carry on and if not, then I move on!
What is your favourite ‘me-time’ or ‘self-care’ activity?
My favourite activity is horse-riding but I don’t get a chance to do it that often anymore. I am waiting to see if my little girl is interested and then it may be an activity we can do together! I also love spas and any form of pampering and would always choose a relaxing day in the spa as a way to chill out and zone out.
What is one thing you love about living in Yorkshire?
The great outdoors! There are so many beautiful places in Yorkshire and I love that we have the most amazing cities and the most amazing countryside within miles of each other. There really is something for everyone and I think it’s a great place for children to grow up.
What advice can you give to a new mom?
Mum to mum advice - Listen to all the advice that is given to you (there will be a lot) and then decide what is best for you and your baby. Ultimately your decision is the one that is important and call it mums’ intuition, but you know what is right for your baby. As a new mum and having never done it before, you can sometimes get lost in what everyone is advising you to do. You need to be happy with the decisions you make and know that they fit with the parent you want to be.
Fitness Instructor to mum advice – take time for yourself and prioritise your needs as well as your little ones. Join a class that offers something for you, exercise is just one of those to consider. Mental and physical health are really important and part of looking after your little one is looking after yourself too.
Final Words
So there you go. I really hope you have enjoyed learning more about Rachel and her fabulous business, if you'd like to find out more, here are her contact details:
Contact details:
Website: http://www.mamaunleashed.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamaunleashed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mama_unleashed/
Yorkshire Biz August Giveaway
What are Rachel’s gifts for the giveaway?
Rachel’s giving out a set of weekly classes to each winner. Winner will be able to participate in 5 x 30-45 minute-long classes that are delivered within a week by Rachel online live or to catch up with the videos afterward. Classes include: 2x Aerobics, HIIT, Stretch & Tone, Hardcore Abs.
One winner is drawn from Facebook entries and the other for Instagram's.
Enter the Giveaways
If you want to enter our August Giveaway (entries close on 30 Aug 2020), click on the links below to take part.
Please make sure you read the description to understand how to enter the giveaway contests as the two giveaways have different requirements.
By reading this interview article, we hope it will encourage you to support more small local UK businesses. It will be even better if it inspires you to create your own business! There are many other Yorkshire Biz August businesses we have to introduce you.
Click here to find out more about the campaign and links to other interview blog posts.
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