Welcome to StartStrong Fitness CIC
We are a grant-funded parent and baby exercise community interest company, offering free exercise classes for pregnant women, new mums, and dads. Our classes provide a space for parents to work out while their babies relax and play—no need to worry about childcare. Just come along, get active, and connect with like-minded people.
Our mission is to ensure no parent navigates the journey of parenthood alone. We’re building a supportive community, using exercise as a way to bridge the gap, foster meaningful conversations, and have fun while getting a great workout!
Meet The Team
Emma Shaw
Founder & CEO
Shannon Parsons
Freelance Instructor Ipswich Class
Emma is our Founder and CEO of the business. She founded the business nearly 3 years ago through having her own battles of an eating disorder, she wanted to make a difference in the health and well-being sector and to create classes which are accessible to everyone. Emma has over 6 years of experience in the fitness industry and over 4 years of experience in Pre and Post Natal Coaching. Emma is an eating disorder recovery specialist but is also a level 3 personal trainer, Pre & Post Natal Specialist coach and a level 5 nutritionist. “ Being a parent myself now I know how it can be a hard and lonely role that’s why I set up these classes, to build a community of like minded people whereby nobody has to navigate parenthood alone!” You will see Emma across all sites when it comes to her classes as she is passionate and thinks it is important to not only be the face behind the buisness but also be present at all the classes.
Shannon is our Ipswich Instructor. She founded her personal training business (SP PT) around a year and a half ago and haven’t looked back since. Previously worked teaching (Bounce) classes and classes within gyms. After struggling with both exercise and food in her teen years she now has a passion for helping people understand how to exercise correctly and safely but also find the joy in it and not see it as a chore! Currently Shannon holds her Level 2 fitness instructor and level 3 personal trainer qualification . She is currently working towards her pre/post natal qualification, level 4 nutrition qualification and level 3 exercise referral so watch this space! You can meet Shannon every Thursday at St Francis Church at our Ipswich class.