Weekly Blog

Mum Guilt & the Gym: Let’s Change the Story

By Stacy Clement – Wife, Mum of 2, and Founder at Confident Healthy Active Me CIC 04/05/25

When Self-Care Feels Like a Luxury

As a mum, I know the tug of war between looking after ourselves and caring for our little ones. One of the first things many of us let go of when life gets busy? The gym.

But it’s not just a time issue—it’s the guilt.

That creeping feeling that we’re being selfish for taking an hour to move our bodies. The worry that our children are missing us… or that we’re missing something important in their day.

And yet, deep down, we know how much we need that space. For our bodies. For our minds. For ourselves.

What If the Gym Could Be Shared?

Here’s where I think we need a shift—especially through the work we’re doing at Confident Healthy Active Me CIC.

What if the gym wasn’t a solo act or something mums had to “escape” to?
What if it became a shared space—a place where children aren’t just allowed, but welcomed?

I believe we can create fitness environments where both parent and child grow together. Where kids absorb the value of health and strength simply by being near it. Where they feel involved, not excluded.

A New Kind of Community Space

With a bit of thoughtful planning, we can reimagine our approach to fitness:

  • Classes where little ones can safely join in or play nearby

  • Gyms and bootcamps with child-friendly zones

  • A culture that embraces family wellbeing—not just individual results

Let’s move away from the idea that self-care comes at the cost of parenting. Instead, let’s build spaces where looking after yourself is seen as something smart, strong, and even generational—because your kids are watching and learning too.

What We're Building at Confident Healthy Active Me

At Confident Healthy Active Me CIC, this is our mission.

We support mums (and all parents) through inclusive, empowering, child-friendly fitness opportunities. With backgrounds in primary education and sport science, we know how to create engaging, safe experiences for children—so parents can take care of themselves without the guilt.

Because this isn’t just about getting stronger.
It’s about showing our children what it means to care for our bodies, our health, and ourselves.

Ready to Be Part of the Change?

If you’re a mum who’s ever felt the tension between self-care and parenting—we see you. And we’re building this with you in mind.

💬 We’d love to hear your story, collaborate with you, or invite you into our movement.

📩 Email us at stacyclementcham24@gmail.com