TWO mothers are using the great outdoors to encourage others to take up exercising.
Personal trainers Alex Bradbury, 36, and Gabbi Roullier, 34, have set up the WorkOUT Company which holds outdoor fitness sessions in Shiplake and Henley to help women shift excess weight built up during pregnancy.
Mrs Roullier has been working at LA Fitness in Henley and has competed in numerous long-distance running events.
She has three children, Ella, seven, Mia, four and Oliver, three. Her husband, Nick, is a former Upper Thames rower and works for a technology company in London. Mrs Roullier, from Shiplake, said: “After each child was born I immediately worked hard to regain mfitness levels and physique. I worked to a strict five-day-a-week exercise plan and followed a healthy diet, increasing protein and reducing carbs.
“I used the Henley and Reading half-marathons as my fitness goals to achieve.
“Friends had commented to us that it was hard to lose weight through lack of motivation. The hardest part is getting started but once you start to see the results the process becomes easier and rewarding. We recommend to everyone to set yourself a challenging but realistic goal.
“It helps to work with friends in the same position as you. Ultimately working out together is fun and group camaraderie is established.”
Mrs Bradbury, also from Shiplake, has a BSc in sports science and did officer training at Sandhurst. She competes in triathlons and also teaches swimming. She has two boys, Charlie, seven, and Monty, five. Her husband, Richard, used to play for Henley Hawks and also works for a London technology company.
Mrs Bradbury said: “During both pregnancies I exercised right up until my due date. After the births I returned to swimming within three weeks and I lost my weight through cutting out cakes and biscuits while setting myself a goal to achieve by the time the babies were six months old. After Monty that was the Henley half-marathon and then the next year I came 27th in the London sprint triathlon.”
Classes are divided by ability and the women work to the pace of all members. Mrs Roullier said: “Gucci gym gear may not be suitable — come prepared to get at least a little bit dirty and wet.’’
Classes are held at Shiplake memorial field at 9.30am on Tuesdays and Mill Meadows at 9.30am on Thursdays. An introductory session is free. For more information, go to www.theworkoutcompany.co.uk
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Published on 01 December 2008
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