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
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 Searle
Freelance Instructor
Colchester & Ipswich
Shannon Searle has been singing, dancing, & acting from 7 years old with a love for all things performing arts. Having graduated from Cambridge Performing Arts with a level 6 National Diploma in Dance & Musical Theatre, Shannon went on to obtain her Level 2 Exercise to Music qualification. Allowing Shannon to work within the fitness industry whilst auditioning and working in London. Shannon left London’s auditioning circle to travel America teaching dance and fitness in Pennsylvania at a top health and fitness camp as seen on MTV. Since travelling Shannon has always been in both the dance & fitness worlds. In 2024 Shannon had her son. Shannon has since been running dance classes for Mums & Babies, and now she aims to juggle mum life & work life but sharing her passion of fitness with other like minded Mummas. Now qualified as a level 3 Pre and Post Natal Fitness Coach, you'll see her teaching at Ipswich and Stowmarket.
Michelle Evans
Freelance Instructor
Castle Point
Michelle has always been into fitness and sport. She decided to work in a role that she is passionate about, so qualified as a Level 2 Fitness Instructor, Level 3 PT Instructor, Spin Instructor, Pre and Post Natal Exercise Coach and a Mental Health First Aider. She started work at Castle Point Active as a gym instructor and doing PT sessions for clients at her home gym. She moved from the Gym Team to the Well-Being Team supporting the community of Castle Point to be more active and connected. Part of her role as a Well-being Ambassador for Castle Point Active involves setting up new exercise/social sessions within the community. Now running the parent and baby exercise classes in Castle Point. Michelle teaches in Castle Point.