If you’re a mum-to-be, a new mum, or simply after a way to rebuild your strength and feel more confident in your body, FitRight is a women’s health and exercise centre worth knowing about. What stood out to me is that FitRight’s approach can start before you even have children. Their services support women through pregnancy, postnatal recovery, motherhood and well beyond, with classes for women in their 30s and 40s and for those over 55. Nothing is one-size-fits-all. Everything is built around where each woman is right now, her goals, her health history and what her body needs.
FitRight was founded in Perth in 2014 by Women’s Health & Continence Physiotherapist Taryn Watson. Her work in maternity care and further study in women’s health and pelvic physiotherapy showed her the need for more accessible, pelvic-floor-friendly exercise. Today the team offers women’s health, musculoskeletal and breast physiotherapy, women’s health GP appointments, dietetics, lactation support and physio-led exercise classes. There is also an online learning library and a podcast, The Pelvic Puzzle, hosted by Taryn. The clinics have longer consult times than the norm, which is a real plus when you’re a parent with a lot on your mind.
I went along to a combined Baby&Me and Toddler&Me class at the Scout Hall venue in Ardross, led by Principal Physiotherapist Jess Vanson. Baby&Me is designed for babies from 6 weeks to 12 months, while Toddler&Me suits children from 6 months to 5 years, and younger siblings are welcome too. Everyone set up their own workout station with weights, then created a cosy little space for their children with mats, toys and books. There’s also a separate area where older little ones can have a snack.
The session moved through stretching, conditioning, cardio and a cool-down. Jess guided everyone and offered modifications where needed. Music played throughout, and I loved that some familiar songs are repeated from week to week. Toddlers thrive on knowing what’s coming, and it turned parts of the workout into a bit of a dance party. One of the biggest drawcards is the help on hand when little ones are unsettled. Community volunteers are usually there to help with babies and fussy toddlers, so you can stay focused on your workout knowing someone is nearby. If you’re bringing a baby, they suggest bringing them in a pram so the volunteers can easily help, plus a few toys for your toddler.
There’s no pressure to keep up or perform at a particular level. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and genuinely designed around real motherhood. Children may need attention; plans may change and every body is different. Postnatal classes are suitable from 6 weeks after birth, and you don’t need to be fit or have any exercise experience to start.
Before your first class, every participant has an initial physiotherapy assessment. Your physio learns about your medical and exercise history, goals and concerns, then recommends the right class and any modifications. It’s particularly valuable if you’re returning to exercise after birth, managing pelvic floor concerns, recovering from an injury or simply unsure where to begin. If you have a prolapse, significant pelvic floor concern or want one-on-one attention, their Clinical Exercise sessions on the Pilates reformer are a more tailored option, in small groups of up to three. There are also pregnancy classes (Bump&Me), aqua classes and strength circuits if you’d like to explore more.
Studio classes run as 8-week courses, currently $296 ($37 per class), with casual classes at $42 where spaces allow. You can also join part-way through a course, and if you miss a class you can reschedule one per course. Initial assessments start at $199 for a 50-minute screening. FitRight says its classes are claimable on private health insurance if you have physiotherapy extras cover, so check your own policy for rebate details. The next course starts on Monday 19 October, with casual classes and mid-course enrolments open now.
For the Ardross studio classes, the venue is the Ardross Scout Hall on McCallum Crescent. I’d allow a little extra time on your first visit. There’s a kitchenette and bathroom, but no formal baby changing station, so pack your own change mat. Bring a water bottle and wear comfy clothes. Some exercises suit shoes, while others can be done barefoot or in socks. Bring your own mat, or a towel to lay over one of theirs.
For mums and mums-to-be wanting more than another fitness class, FitRight offers something quite different. You get professional women’s health support, individualised exercise and a welcoming mum community, with the flexibility to meet you wherever you are in your journey. It’s exercise, but it’s also about rebuilding strength, confidence and connection, with your little one right there beside you.
FitRight
Studio class venue (Baby&Me and Toddler&Me): Ardross Scout Hall, 41A McCallum Crescent, Ardross WA
Clinic and FitRight HQ: Unit 2/40 Ardross St, Applecross WA 6153 (a second clinic is at 43 Richardson St, West Perth WA 6005)
Clinic opening hours: Mon 7am to 8pm, Tue to Thu 7am to 7pm, Fri 7am to 5pm, Sat 8am to 12pm, closed Sunday and public holidays (class times vary, so check the timetable)
Phone: (08) 6444 7994
Website: fitrightwomenshealth.au
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Amelia Strachan is a South African-born stay-at-home mum living in Perth, Australia. As Perth Play Guide found on Instagram, her family roams far and wide, from the North to the South, and from the valleys to the hills. Passionate about family, adventure, and the outdoors, Amelia captures treasured Aussie moments while celebrating the joys of motherhood and life Down Under.
