Fit mums working it out together
Patience and time are rare elements for many new mums experiencing the challenge of raising a newborn and running their own business, so one fit mum is helping others work it out … literally with workouts.
CrossFit champion Jess McCabe, of Bethania, has 10-month-old Henry in her life now and is learning to meet the challenges of motherhood while training and competing – as well as throwing her gym doors open to others on similar journeys.
Along with her fiance Adam, Jess owns the CrossFit Iron Barbell gym in Meadowbrook, and the pair are opening their business to host the Fit Mumma Classic competition for mothers in CrossFit on 21 July.
‘One of the mums I know through the CrossFit community reached out mentioning the organiser Patsy Tierney was looking for a location to host her event and we were in a position to help out, with plenty of space in our new facility,’ Jess says.
‘Both Adam and I support what Patsy is promoting for women and mothers in the CrossFit and fitness community.’
As a new mum, Jess understands the demands on time for women wanting to stay fit.
When their son was just a few months old, Jess and Adam moved facilities in December last year and opened the new Meadowbrook gym in January, all the while with Jess trying to regain her personal fitness after 10 years doing CrossFit.
‘It can be challenging at times training and competing, as no two days with a baby are the same,’ Jess says.
‘I think the best way to approach training is to accept the day or the season you are in, and know your health and fitness is all about consistency over time.’
The Fit Mumma Classic, sponsored by Logan City Council, will see mums compete together in pairs against other mums, in levels from first-timers to seasoned athletes.
Masina Swinglehurst, of Daisy Hill, and Kayla Martin, of Rochedale South, have already teamed up for the competition in the Beginners division.
Masina, mother to 1-year-old Ella, took a 2-year break from CrossFit and returned about 10 months ago with a goal of ‘coming back better and stronger’. ‘Being around other like-minded “Mummas” is so empowering and exciting,’ Masina says.
‘I’m excited to be under the one roof with everyone. It’s given me something to focus on that’s for me, not for anyone else.
‘It’s tough being a mum, but having hype girls in your corner makes the journey so much sweeter.’
Her competition partner agrees – Kayla, mother of toddlers aged 1 and 2, says her reason for taking part in the Fit Mumma Classic is ‘to show up for myself’.
‘As a mum we’re always nurturing and caring for other people. I think it’s important to put that same amount of energy into ourselves too’ Kayla says.
‘It’s also a bit of fun and a great opportunity to get the gals together for some healthy competition in a safe and supportive space.’
A percentage of funds will be donated to the Baby Give Back charity, which helps families in crisis with donations via social service agencies and social workers who are qualified to assess families’ needs.
For competition details visit Classic | Fit Mumma.
Photo at top: Mums staying fit at the CrossFit Iron Barbell gym in Meadowbrook, from left, Kayla Martin with Amali, Jess McCabe with Henry, and Masina Swinglehurst with Ella.
