At Maternally Fit, they are dedicated to providing fitness classes that are accessible for all levels of exercise. Experts in pregnancy and postnatal fitness, they teach award-winning, physiotherapist-led pregnancy and postnatal fitness classes both online and in studios across London. Their mission is to provide safe, effective and enjoyable exercise programmes tailored to meet the unique needs of each mum and mum-to-be – with an aim to establish a positive attitude towards exercise while supporting mamas through their pregnancy and postnatal fitness journeys. Ilana Marismari became the Maternally Fit Director in 2024 and is passionate about empowering women, celebrating their strength, and providing them with the tools and knowledge to thrive during pregnancy, postnatally and beyond. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind Maternally Fit, their biggest breakthrough, the challenges they have overcome, and their hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Hi there! I’m Ilana, the Director of Maternally Fit. Let me tell you a little bit about my company!
The inspiration for Maternally Fit came from recognising a significant gap in the fitness world-one that truly understood and supported the unique journey of pregnancy and the postnatal period. It’s a transformative time, filled with joy, anticipation, and, often, uncertainty. Maternally Fit creates a space where women feel inspired, supported, and celebrated as they navigate these life-changing moments.
For babies, maternal fitness enhances placental function, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery. Research in the Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease suggests babies of active mothers often have healthier birth weights and better cardiovascular outcomes.
Postnatally, exercise is vital. It strengthens the core and pelvic floor, aids mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, and supports long-term recovery (International Journal of Gynaecology & Obstetrics).
Research consistently highlights the benefits of staying active during pregnancy. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines, the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) group, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) all advocate for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. These guidelines note its ability to improve cardiovascular health, support healthy weight gain, and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Importantly, it also prepares the body for labour and delivery by strengthening the muscles needed to support the growing baby.
Maternally Fit was born to provide women with expert guidance through these stages, ensuring they feel strong, supported, and empowered in a safe, evidence-based environment.
In short, Maternally Fit was inspired by a desire to create more than just a fitness programme-it’s a movement to empower women, celebrate their strength, and provide them with the tools and knowledge to thrive during pregnancy, postnatally, and beyond.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
When Maternally Fit started in 2006, the concept of specialised pregnancy and postnatal fitness was still in its infancy. The founder, Sarah Lorentzen, a passionate pelvic health physiotherapist, recognised a clear need for safe, evidence-based fitness programmes tailored to the unique challenges of pregnancy and postnatal recovery. At the time, there were few options available, and many women were left unsure about how to exercise safely during these transformative periods.
Sarah began by offering small, local classes across Surrey, England, designed specifically for mums-to-be and new mothers. Her goal was to combine the latest physiotherapy research with practical, enjoyable exercises that focused on core stability, pelvic floor health, and overall strength. These classes quickly gained a reputation for their expert-led approach, and word spread among women looking for a trusted, supportive environment.
The beauty of Maternally Fit is that it has always been led by women who truly understand our clients’ journeys. Each director, Sarah, Helen and myself- all started as a Maternally Fit instructors. Teaching these classes not only connects us to our MatFit Mammas but also gives us first-hand insight into their needs, challenges, and triumphs. That deep connection ensures that our programmes remain personal, effective, and grounded in real-life experiences.
From those early days, we’ve grown into a thriving community now offering both online and studio-based classes across London. What sets us apart from other providers is our unwavering commitment to safety, expertise, and care. Unlike many pregnancy and postnatal fitness classes, ours are designed and led by physiotherapists who specialise in pregnancy and postnatal health. This means our clients can trust that every exercise is based on the latest research and tailored to support them safely, whether they’re seasoned fitness enthusiasts or complete beginners.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come from those first classes. But our mission remains the same: to empower, support, and celebrate every woman through her fitness journey. Starting out as a small team with a big vision, we’ve stayed true to our roots while embracing growth, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
One of our biggest breakthroughs has been challenging the outdated belief that pregnant and postnatal women should avoid physical activity, sticking to rest and light stretching. While well-intentioned, this advice has held women back from experiencing the profound benefits of safe, guided exercise.
At Maternally Fit, we empower women with physiotherapist-led fitness programmes and evidence-based information designed specifically for pregnancy and the postnatal period. By educating our community on the importance of strengthening the body-not just for childbirth but for long-term health-we’ve seen a significant shift in mindset. This has been transformative for us and the women we support.
A standout moment for us was being named the Best Pre & Postnatal Exercise Class Provider in London in 2021 and 2024. Competing as a small, independent business against large franchised providers, these awards validate our hard work, passion, and dedication. They highlight the personalised care and expertise that make Maternally Fit unique.
Our classes prioritise pelvic floor health, core stability, and overall strength, empowering women to feel confident and strong. Highlights of our classes can be viewed on our social media accounts – check them out for yourself! These accolades have expanded our reach, reinforcing our mission to promote safe, effective fitness and create a healthier future for women and their families-one MatFit Mamma at a time.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work, family life, and running Maternally Fit alongside a full-time physiotherapy role is challenging but rewarding. The key is staying organised and setting boundaries. I rely on careful planning to prioritise tasks and ensure time is allocated for both work and family.
Delegation has been vital. I am lucky enough to have a fantastic network of incredibly talented and skilled people. My husband Chris and my parents, Kathie and Fario, have always been my biggest supporters. Without their belief in my abilities, I may not have even taken MatFit on when it was offered to me. I’ve enlisted help from friends and family for tasks like finance management, social media and website design, allowing me to focus on what I do best-supporting our MatFit Mammas. By trusting others, I’ve gained valuable time for my loved ones and personal commitments.
I also strive to be fully present in everything I do, whether teaching a class, managing the business, or spending quality time with family. While it’s not always easy, my passion for empowering women through Maternally Fit reminds me why I started. Knowing I’m making a difference helps me balance these worlds and keeps everything in perspective.
