About us

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fitmums and Friends?

Fitmums and Friends is a Charity affiliated to England Athletics which is led by volunteers who are passionate about supporting members of their community to become more active. Fitmums and Friends has very specific systems of support which mean we can support people of all abilities from complete beginners to people who are regularly active. 

What activities are available?

A range of options are available but not all at each venue, best to check individual club details on the website. Activities include:

  • Running
  • Fitness Walking
  • Nordic Walking
  • Cycling
  • Family Friendly Sessions
  • Junior Athletics
  • Coached running and walking sessions

We also provide specialist programmes to support people through life’s challenges, including Menopause, Bereavement, Breast Cancer and Sight Loss. 

Do I need to book?

Not for the majority of sessions. Please just turn up a little before the advertised time of the session so that you can be welcomed. We recognize that it can be daunting attending a new group for the first time so we care very much about making sure attending a group for the first time is not scary. On arrival look out for the welcome paddle. We understand how nervous you may feel but clubs are so pleased to welcome new faces so don’t worry.

Booking is required for Junior Athletics and Dragon Boat Activity Programmes only. 

How much will it cost?

The first 3 visits to a Fitmums and Friends session are FREE. If you decide this is the right club for you then membership is £39 for the year (1st April-31st March). If you think you may struggle with the membership fee you only need to get in touch as we have aMemorial Fund that may be able to support you. 

There are no costs per session and you can attend any session anywhere, not just the club you join. There are some costs for the Family Friendly Sessions and Junior Athletics due to venue hire – so best to check website for details. There is also discounted membership for people joining late in the membership year, students and second claim members.

What shall I wear?

The best thing to do is to wear active clothing, this doesn’t need to be expensive but should be comfortable and allow for movement (jeans are not ideal). Trainers are essential but again don’t need to be expensive. Thin layers are ideal so you can remove them and carry them if needed. The most common mistake is to wear too many clothes – you will get warm! During autumn/winter it is essential to wear a high vis element to ensure you are visible e.g. high vis vest or arm band.  Items like this are available from sports outlets.  Clubs may have a small number available to borrow until you can source your own.  

Can I bring my child with me?

Children under 16 years are only able to attend junior and family friendly sessions where these are offered. Young adults aged 16-17 years can attend any session and we have appropriate safeguarding policies in place.

Am I fit enough?

Everyone is fit enough for Fitmums and Friends activities. We pride ourselves on ensuring that every activity is tailored to individual needs. The run sessions offer distances of 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 miles at each session so you can just fit into the distance that feels right for you. Fitness and Nordic Walk distances vary. Each distance has a dedicated, qualified leader. You will be encouraged to run/walk at your own pace and you need not feel any pressure to go faster than you are able. Cycle starter rides will take into account the needs of complete beginners. The longer distance rides still use support systems to ensure the group stays together.

I’m worried I will hold other people up.

You won’t. We use a system called shepherding which enables different abilities to run/walk together but at their own pace. It is hard to go faster than is comfortable for you but it can also be uncomfortable to go slower than your natural pace. Shepherding therefore encourages people to go at a pace comfortable for them and the different paces within the group are managed by the Leader. Shepherding is the way Fitmums and Friends is able to support mixed abilities in a group to enjoy the fun, camaraderie and support of group running/walking which is why Fitmums and Friends exists. You can see more about shepherding here. 

What if I move up to the next distance, or I’m in a group where I regularly can’t keep up?

If you find you are consistently much slower than the runners in the group, move down a mileage group but don’t be demoralised. Instead try and increase the number of times you run per week to build up your stamina (at least twice a week). At each re-group make sure you push hard when running back to the rear of the pack. This helps you increase your distance and the speed work will help to improve your pace.

Leaders may advise you if they feel it is beneficial for you to move groups, either up or down, this is for the benefit and safety of both you and the group so please do not be offended.

What if I am already an experienced runner and want to improve?

Our systems also support more experienced runners/walkers. Leaders are able to make sessions appropriately challenging to ensure that everyone gets an effective workout. The shepherding system means that experienced runners may end up running/walking further than their chosen distance. Coached sessions are also available at some clubs which offer an opportunity to improve technique, endurance and pace under the instruction of a trained Athletics Coach. These sessions are all part of the membership fee. Coaches are also available to write individualised training programmes to support particular training goals.

Where is my nearest group?

For details of current Fitmums and Friends sessions please see here. If there is not a session currently in your area but you are keen to see one develop then why not contact us to see if there are any plans for set up near you.

Are there sessions for children?

Yes. Fitmums and Friends offers athletics sessions in some areas for children from 5-17 years of age. These are facilitated by England Athletics trained coaches. There is an emphasis on fun whilst also supporting the development of agility, balance and co-ordination skills. All athletics disciplines are included; run, throw and jumps. Details here.

If you need any more information please email admin@fitmums.org.uk