As an officer in the British Army, Becca went from commanding over 120 soldiers to running post-natal boot camps for new mums. During her pregnancy she set-up Inner Balance Fitness a fitness & nutrition business to help people ‘find their normal’. We say bravo to this mum as she tells us how she balances life as an Army Officer, a business owner and a mum. 

How did you start your business?

I started training as a Personal Trainer when I was two weeks pregnant! I developed my business model, marketing strategy and branding throughout my pregnancy so I could be in a position to launch once I felt ready. When my son, Henry, was about five months old I decided to launch the business. Although I did train the odd private client whilst pregnant which made a few heads turn as I was running around the track with a 25 week bump! 

Does the business fit with your life as a mum? 

My role in the Army is hugely rewarding, but I knew I had a unique skill set and experience of exercising throughout pregnancy and post-partum to help others. At the moment I can take Henry along to many of my classes and private clients. When he gets older I think this won’t work so I’ll need to balance revenue and scheduling with childcare. This is something I am working on at the moment.

So, how do you balance work and baby life? 

With difficulty! I’m not going to claim it is easy or there is a simple solution. There isn’t. I have a very supportive partner who is happy to take over when he comes home from work as I am rushing out the door. The huge bonus of post-natal training is that I run classes that babies are welcome to attend. I have shaped what training I offer to also suit me! My real break-through was establishing Henry into a routine from 12 weeks old. I know he will have three naps a day and I know at what time. This allows me to achieve tasks whilst he is asleep, such as replying to clients, designing my sessions for the week or advertising my business. 

What has the biggest challenge been since becoming a mum? 

Confidence. I have gone from commanding over 120 soldiers to suddenly doubting if I can run a Bootcamp for 15 people. Sometimes you just need to give yourself a little pep-talk and get on with it before you bottle out! Prioritising is also difficult, sometimes I feel guilty that I’m not taking Henry to the latest ‘Sing and Sign’ or Baby Massage class. 

What advice would you give to new mums trying to balance work and baby? 

GO FOR IT! Write a list today of your top three goals you want to achieve in the next six months. Then work out what tasks you need to do to achieve these goals and start ticking them off. The first step is the scariest and you doubt yourself and your business model. Get your baby into a routine, schedule time in your day for business development and don’t be scared to ask family and friends for a bit of help. Remember you may be a mum now but you are still You. You are allowed your own identity and your own time.

What is your mission? 

To help people ‘find their normal’. No fitness fads or restrictive diets, just sustainable life changes. A particular area I am interested in is pre and post-natal women, and empowering them with the confidence and knowledge to keep exercising during pregnancy and after birth.

Becca is based in the Cotswolds with clients in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud. If you’d like to know more, you can contact her here.