Start For Life
From bump to baby and beyond
Good health is about more than fitness. It’s about growing together, building confidence, and creating healthy habits that last.
Through our partnership with NHS Best Start in Life, we’re supporting families through every stage, from pregnancy to your child’s early years, helping parents feel confident, connected and ready for life’s next steps.
To find out more, visit the Best Start in Life website today.
Gentle fitness for pregnancy and postnatal recovery
Staying active before, during and after pregnancy helps boost energy, ease tension and support overall wellbeing. Whether you’re preparing for birth, adjusting to life with a newborn or regaining strength as your routine settles, we’re here to help you move with confidence at every step of family life.
Gym workout
Our gyms provide safe, welcoming spaces for different stages of pregnancy and parenthood. Gentle strength and mobility work during pregnancy can ease back pain and prepare your body for birth. After your baby arrives, light resistance and core stability exercises support recovery, posture and confidence. As your energy returns, regular sessions help you build strength and resilience for the everyday demands of parenting.
Fitness classes
Our wide range of fitness classes offers something for everyone — from gentle, low-impact options to more energising workouts. Many sessions are suitable during pregnancy and postnatal recovery, helping you stay active safely while enjoying the motivation and support of a group environment.
Live Better
When getting to the gym isn’t possible, Live Better helps you stay active wherever you are. Members enjoy inclusive access to a library of over 2,000 online fitness classes, including dedicated sessions for pregnancy, postnatal recovery and beyond. It’s a flexible, supportive way to keep moving and maintain your wellbeing around family life.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the most supportive ways to stay active before, during and after pregnancy. The water helps you move freely, ease tension and boost your overall wellbeing. Once your baby arrives, swimming together can be a wonderful bonding experience, helping both of you feel relaxed, confident and connected.
Swim for fitness
For expectant and new parents, swimming is a gentle yet effective way to stay active and support recovery. During pregnancy, the water eases pressure on joints and back, while gentle movement can improve circulation and help maintain strength for birth. After your baby arrives, swimming offers a safe, low-impact way to rebuild core stability, boost energy and support overall wellbeing. Always check with your midwife or doctor before starting a new routine.
SWIMBiES
Our SWIMBiES programme offers parent-and-baby swimming lessons from 3 months to school age. Led by qualified instructors, these sessions help little ones build water confidence while you share their first splashes and milestones. As the UK’s largest provider of baby swimming lessons, Better makes it easy to find a class near you.
