#ThriveUnderwire

Thrive Underwire: The Cohort Series

It's finally "your" time, isn't it?

It has been a year, hasn't it?! We're mid-July and it feels like this year has been more like a decade. With most of us either still in social-distancing mode, or just about back to the new normal, one thing is clear: women have been affected from every angle. Reports are now dripping out giving the stark reality of #WFHWK (that's work from home with kids).

Parents are struggling and according to this Fortune article, 27% of respondents now plan on leaving their work. Mothers have been pushed into the unenviable position of choosing work or their children - as this New York Times article highlights, namely, that this pandemic could scar a generation of working mothers.

During my time, as a single working mother, it has been felt on a financial level. With an immediate, overnight, drop in income it has left me, and many other self-employed parents, with anxiety, stress, and panic. The reality of checking your bank account and deciding what you can afford - food, electricity, rent - and then walking into an abyss. On top of the financial hit, parents are also realising, quickly, that it is an impossible task to provide safe childcare, education, and work their normal "job" hours, for such a prolonged period of time.

The physical and mental impact is real.

With gyms and fitness studios forced to close, and in some countries they remain closed, the "me time" for parents has been obliterated. However, this has inspired many fitness companies to move to a full online schedule providing existing and new clients the chance to work out, at home, for a fraction of the cost.

Live, in-person, classes and training sessions are always fantastic. You get the high-5 from your buddy next to you. You get the music inspiring you to go that little bit further. You get the praise from the trainer - even just a smile of encouragement gives you that extra 5% to push harder. But online training should not be scoffed at!

According to Market Watch "consumer use of fitness apps is surging among Americans, new survey results show" and goes on to say that "some 41% of Americans used a fitness app for the first time during quarantine and over half (56%) are so confident in their home workouts that they plan to cancel their gym memberships."

My own company, Fit Mama Fitness Inc, has always been an online fitness and wellness business. During confinement I also offered a Zoom HIIT session twice per week, online coaching with new clients, and PT sessions with existing clients. The reality is that online coaching is successful, compatible with my clients' schedules and meets financial expectations too.

As an avid supporter of women who work, who are also mothers, I have also interviewed mothers, around the world, to find out what life is like for them. Discovering that their motivation to work out is down, the ability to find a space in the home to do a workout can be tough, and the lack of accountability / camaraderie from peers is really impacting them.

As a solution I have developed a cohort - all online - specifically addressing these issues: lack of motivation to work out; unsure of what to do (what workouts are right for me); reduction in income; accountability. The cohort is called Thrive Underwire, and gives the client access to me, as a personal trainer, a workout schedule with videos and technique sessions, one-to-one coaching sessions, and a group of like-minded individuals to help them to stay on track.

Mothers - like me - are needing some support and encouragement and it is hoped that Thrive Underwire will provide that.

Thrive Underwire: The cohort collective series is an innovative online programme connecting like-minded high-performing women to nail their fitness, food, nutrition, goals, habits, and mental health aspirations.

The 8-Week Cohort costs $320 (that's $40 per week!) and includes all material, all coaching, access to our exclusive, private online platform, and a Tribe!

NEXT COHORT: MONDAY AUGUST 10TH - ONLINE

For full details and how to register - HIT THE SITE NOW!

Michelle Caira is the Founder and CEO of Fit Mama Fitness Inc , a community contributor at Thrive Global and a certified Master Personal Trainer. Michelle launched Fit Mama, a digital platform for mothers, in 2018. Its goal is to equip women with the fitness, nutrition and mental wellness solutions and tools they need to thrive - at home and returning to the workplace. Passionate about women in business, Michelle is an entrepreneur with a global vision, and committed to help create a world where women thrive, regardless of any and all other factors.