How To Organise A Mums' Event In A Local Pub Or Cafe

It's getting colder, rainier, darker... so how about a little extra boost to get you and your local group of mums outside exercising together?

This week I attended a lovely event in Earlsfield in London. Two Local RSM volunteers run weekly exercise groups for mums in Wandsworth, both within walking distance from a local pub called The Wandle ... which just happens to serve delicious scones and hot drinks...

So the groups got together last Monday and combined exercise with socialising.

First, volunteer mum Catherine ran her usual weekly session at 10.30am in King George's park. Licensed Ready Steady Mums Instructor Lucy Howlett made a guest appearance to put us through our paces and introduce us to the joys of the "curtsey lunge" and "the dolphin". Then a quick cool-down, and with achy legs and glowing cheeks, we walked over to The Wandle for hot drinks and scones (laid on for free just for us!).

Two Postnatal Exercise Instructors joined our volunteers and other local mums to share tips on keeping fit and healthy all winter long. How do you keep the motivation going when it's cold and rainy? We discussed how helpful it is to commit to your local RSM group so you can encourage each other to stick with it. And also tricks like sharing how great you feel after a session on Facebook, so you can remind yourself next time you're tempted to stay tucked up at home.

Very inspiring, tonnes of fun, I feel great!

HOW DO I ORGANISE A LOCAL EVENT FOR MUMS MYSELF? I hear you ask. 

If you're a volunteer running your own Local RSM weekly exercise group then you could organise your own local "Winter Warmer" event. (This would also be a good way to kick off a new Local RSM group - email local@readysteadymums.com for more info on how.)

It's really easy. Here is a quick check-list for how to organise a mums' coffee event in a local pub or cafe with Ready Steady Mums.

1. Choose a local pub or cafe that you think might want to attract more mums in.

2. Go in and ask to talk to the boss.

• Explain how you get local mums together to exercise as a volunteer that and you'd like to bring a group in to their venue.
• Ask when their quiet times are or times when attracting a group of mums in would be of interest to them and their business.
• Ask if they would offer anything free e.g. a hot drink.
• Together, choose and confirm a date and time at least 3 weeks in advance.

3. Tell all the local mums you know about the event, post it on Facebook and Twitter, email people, text people, ask friends to bring friends...

You might also organise a special exercise session before your "Winter Warmer" for existing and new members to try. And if you know a physiotherapist, a personal trainer, a dietician, a dancer, a sportstar - or anyone inspiring, you may want to invite them to speak with your group.

Afterwards, remember to heap praise on the venue that hosted you. If you help them get more business they will invite you back and together you'll be building more community spirit for local mums. Follow up with mums that joined in too, encouraging them to get active and stay healthy all winter long.

Happy training!