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THERE is nothing like experiencing something yourself to understand how others might feel in the same situation. In Yasmin Tselepis’s case, it led to an idea for a business – Yummy Mummy’s Outdoor Fitness Group.

When Mrs Tselepis, of Bexley, had her first child, now 3 1⁄2, she felt her life was descending into a mess, especially around the issues of sleep, fitness and time manage- ment. "I had some horrible days and sometimes I did not know how to cope," she said.

When she had her second baby, now 18 months, she was deter- mined not to have the same problems.

So she exercised, visited friends and talked to other mums and realised that most new mothers were in much the same situation.

Yummy Mummy’s Outdoor Fitness Group helps them get together with women in the same situation – and they can bring their babies.

Although the primary purpose is exercise, the group’s value extends to other areas of life.

"This form of personal training allows mothers to bring their little ones along," Mrs Tselepis said. "As some mothers don’t have the luxury of leaving their children with family or they are unable to afford child care, having their babies with them gives them the freedom to exercise and know their baby is close by.

"Getting mothers exercising in the great outdoors really does help with self-esteem issues, depression and can empower them to be the best they can be."

All levels of fitness are catered for and mothers can come alone if they wish, but usually the exercise session involves many prams.

The exercise sessions are held at Ramsgate Beach and Shelley Park, Cronulla, on various days of the week.