Mari-Carmen Sanchez-Morris, a former paediatric nurse from Birmingham Children’s Hospital and now a qualified personal trainer and health coach, knows firsthand the challenges busy mums face when trying to stay healthy. With three young children and a business based in Leamington Spa, finding time to exercise was a struggle — until she had a breakthrough idea.
Determined to make fitness accessible, Mari-Carmen developed the FIT MAMA app, designed for pre and postnatal women to integrate wellness seamlessly into their daily lives. Think of it as a personal coach in your pocket, offering tailored workouts, nutritional guidance, sleep support, and mental health resources. The app also includes guided meditations to help mums rejuvenate and boost their wellbeing wherever they are.
In a recent chat on the Brummie Mummies Podcast, Mari-Carmen shared her top tips for juggling motherhood and fitness. She emphasized the importance of mindset, urging mums to ditch unrealistic expectations and focus on achievable goals.
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“Many mums believe they have to do intense workouts quickly to get fit, but that mindset sets them up for failure,” she explains. “Health should be holistic — it’s not just about pounding the gym. Sometimes, starting small with a few extra steps a day can create a powerful, positive change.”
For Mari-Carmen, the goal isn’t about fitting into a summer dress but enhancing daily energy and patience. “When you exercise, you feel more energized and better equipped to handle motherhood’s demands,” she says.
Her advice to fellow mums is to show themselves compassion and creativity. “You might not be able to do everything you did before having children, but you can still find time. Turn school runs, club drop-offs, and even playtime into exercise opportunities. Get your kids involved with activities like Junior Park Runs or choose fitness classes that welcome babies and toddlers.”
Ultimately, Mari-Carmen works out not only to stay fit but to gain mental clarity and be the best version of herself for her children.
Discover more about the FIT MAMA app on the Mari-Carmen Fitness website and stay inspired to put your wellbeing first — one small step at a time.