Mumbler Reviews York

Classes & Group Reviews

Real parent reviews of classes and groups for babies and kids in York

Becky Ellerington Postnatal Strength Classes, York: A Mumbler review

Guest Review by Local Mumbler, Rachel

Becky Ellerington Postnatal Strength Classes

…and collaboration with AFNutrition and Yorkshire Breath School

Over the past six weeks baby Rory and I have been attending postnatal strength classes with the brilliant coach Becky Ellerington. The classes we went to were held at one of York’s newest gyms Supersonic, in the city centre but she also runs weekly classes on Mondays at John Jeffery Pavillion, Wiggington.

I was 5 months postpartum when I started going to classes and during my initial chat with Becky we disused my goals which were to begin to rebuild my core strength and general fitness.

Becky Ellerington Postnatal Strength Classes weightsBabies welcome

Becky and her partner Fred (he’s also a qualified Personal Trainer) work together during sessions and their baby Albie often comes along too. Finding a gym group where babies are welcome has been brilliant and although the classes are well-planned and structured there is lots of flexibility to allow for nappy changes, feeds and cuddles.

Postpartum Health

Becky has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of Postpartum fitness and her passion for this is clear in every session she leads. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own level and exercises are adapted to meet your needs and abilities.

Nutrition

Becky has recently teamed up with Abby Foreman from AFNutrition and Jade from Yorkshire Breath School.

After keeping a food diary for a week I was kindly offered a session with Abby. Abby is a Registered Nutritional Therapist who specialises in Endo and Hormone Nutrition so it was really interesting to talk through my food diary. We looked at ways I can adapt my meals (and in particular my snacks) to aim for a better balance of protein and carbs which should help with my mid-afternoon energy dip. Abby also shared her incredible recipe book with me which has a handy snack guide. Since my session with Abby I’ve tried to be more organised at planning snacks and using her tips on balancing meals has meant I’m not reaching for the sweets as often in the afternoons.

Abby works with women who want to learn how to use nutrition to fuel their body and nurture their hormone health whilst raising a family.

If this sounds like you then follow Abby on Instagram or sign up for her monthly Hormone Club.

And… BreatheBecky Ellerington Postnatal Strength Classes Rachel and Rory

Jade from Yorkshire Breath School talked me through the importance of conscious and diaphragmatic breathing during the online sessions I attended.

At the beginning of each session, we talked about how I was feeling, discussed energy levels, and any problems sleeping or illness.

From this chat, the session was catered to my needs.

Jade creates a bespoke practice to focus on what you need at that time. Including gentle movement patterns and breathing exercises to boost energy and increase positively all whilst creating a feeling of calm.

I found it really helpful to hear Jade talk about breathwork in postpartum and the connection between breath and the pelvic floor.

We focussed my sessions on breathwork for energy and vitality and Jade led me through breathing techniques and patterns to help with this. After each session, I came away feeling serene yet energised.

Since having the sessions I have called upon the techniques I learnt and after meeting Jade I do find myself focusing on my breathing more consciously.

Jade offers a 20-minute Conscious Breathwork Zoom session for £4.50 as well as regular online Pilates, and Hatha Yoga sessions too.

Great results after six weeks…

Thank you to Becky, Abby and Jade for kindly letting me join the sessions. They have really helped me to focus on my post-natal health and well-being and I’m going to continue strength training sessions with Becky having seen great results already after just six weeks.


Becky Ellerington Postnatal Strength Classes babyUseful links & information

Becky Ellerington: Visit Becky’s Instagram page for more info or email Becky.

Abby Foreman from AFNutrition: Visit Abby’s website for more details, or visit her Instagram page.

Jade from Yorkshire Breath School: Visit Jade’s website and Instagram for more information

💜 For more Mumbler reviews of the shows and attractions in and around York visit the Mumbler Review section here.

Daydreamer Collective, York: A Mumbler review

Guest Review by Local Mumbler, Rachel

An invitation to play

Daydreamer Collective reviewBaby Rory and I were invited to play at the Daydreamer Collective, where we were warmly welcomed by Emily and Claire. The moment we arrived at Deighton Lodge (on the A19 ten minutes drive south of York) I felt calm and relaxed and ready to enjoy the beautiful play space.

About the session

The studio is set up with Scandi-inspired open-ended resources and toys- muted colours and minimal patterns, natural materials and very high-quality playthings (it’s like stepping into the Instagram nursery of dreams!).

During the sessions, children are invited to explore the room and resources as they wish. ‘Proper’ coffee and the most delicious traybakes are offered to parents and as the groups are kept small it really feels like a safe and supportive space where parents can chat, relax and make friends. In the weeks that we’ve been attending conversations have circled on weaning, returning to work, siblings, and of course the ever-elusive sleep!

Pop-up and bespoke packages

Over the summer Daydreamer Collective ran a number of pop-up sessions in their new Bell Tent which were really well-received by those who joined the fun. I’ll definitely be coming along to pop-up events in the future. Look out for updates on their Instagram and Facebook.

Daydreamer Collective also offer bespoke packages providing childcare for weddings and events. Emily and Claire have stacks of experience and knowledge of childcare and both have backgrounds rooted in education which is evident in the carefully curated resources, toys and books on offer. The toys are available to hire for children’s parties too and would be perfect for that all-important first birthday party. Prices start from around £85.

We really enjoyed the Daydreamer Collective

We’ve really enjoyed being part of the Daydreamer Collective and the Friday sessions will continue to be a regular fixture in my maternity leave calendar.


Useful links & informationDaydreamer Collective review sign

⏰ Fridays, times detailed below

🎟

  • Your first session is £8 and after this trial session it’s £10 per session. Block bookings of 6 sessions at £55 are advised as there are limited spaces each week.
  • On Fridays Bobbins (0-4 years) 10am-11.30am (Siblings are welcome at Bobbins sessions at a discounted rate). Babes (under 1’s) 11.35- 1.05pm

📍Sessions run at Deighton Lodge, YO19 6HQ

ℹ️ Find out more about find about the Daydreamer Collective  on Facebook or Instagram. Contact Emily and Claire if you’d like to attend via Facebook

💜 For more Mumbler reviews of the shows and attractions in and around York visit the Mumbler Review section here.

Mama’s Got Moves, York: A Mumbler review

Guest Review by Local Mumbler, Rachel

A fabulous dance session with Mama’s Got Moves!

Rachel and her son were invited to take part in a dance session with Mama’s Got Moves. Find out what they thought of it in their Mumbler review!

Step 1: Get your baby cosy in their sling 👶

Rory and I went along to an incredible dance session with Mama’s Got Moves. Sita welcomed us along with seven other mamas and their little ones to St Olaves hall, just off Marygate near the city centre.

The first step was to get Rory cosy in the sling. I’ve got a second-hand Connecta carrier but Sita has some slings available to borrow for the session if you don’t have one (and the York Sling Library is worth checking out if you’re new to baby-carrying too). Sita helped me get my sling on, adjusting the straps to get Rory in a good position for dancing.

Step 2: Learn the moves 💃

I was thrilled to discover that we were going to dance to ‘90’s hits (think, Backstreet Boys, Billie Piper and B*witched). Sita demonstrated the steps and we slowly but surely pieced the dance together, practising with lots of repetitions to perfect our moves.

Step 3: Perform the dance💃

Step three was to perform our dance all the way through without stopping. Looking around the hall as we danced every single mum was grinning (also concentrating hard on remembering the moves!) and most of the babies (Rory included) were fast asleep in their slings!

It was such a great session and I’m hoping to book back on for some more ‘90’s-youth-club-disco-fun! 🪩


Useful links & information

Times & Locations:

  • Monday 9.30-10.30 Rowntree Park Terry Ave, York
  • Tuesday 9.45 am-10.45 am AND 11 am-12 pm, LEEDS Meanwood outside at the Beck and Call, Stainbeck Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS7 2NP
  • Wednesday 11 am-12 pm Acomb Carlton Tavern York, 140 Acomb Rd, Holgate, York YO24 4HA
  • Thursday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm Rowntree Park Terry Ave, York
  • Friday 11.30 am-12.30 pm St Olaves Hall Marygate (this is not the church, it’s a separate hall)
  • Once a month at Rowntree Park, where you can come and learn a routine together to dance as a family. Older children are welcome, although the dance will be too tricky for them, but if they are happy playing at the side then please do bring them along.

Prices: 

  • TASTER SESSION £8.50 -this class is for FIRST TIME PARTICIPANTS ONLY this class can be rescheduled until the day before. If you cannot make it you may use your space in any other venue that week.
  • SUMMER ONLY DROP-IN £9.50
  • Block of 5 classes £37.50 (£7.50 per class) to be used in 5 consecutive classes. If you cannot make one class you may attend a class in any other venue that week AND you can come to as many classes as you like in those 5 weeks AND if you can’t make a week you can gift a class to a friend.
  • Couples Classes £15 per couple once monthly classes.
  • FREE CLASSES – available to those on Universal credits or are struggling single mothers.

ℹ️ Find out more about find about Mama’s Got Moves on their website.

💜 For more Mumbler reviews of the shows and attractions in and around York visit the Mumbler Review section here.


Disclaimer: York Mumbler was given complimentary tickets for Mama’s Got Moves in exchange for an honest review.

Phonics with Robot Reg – A Mumbler Review

Mumbler Kelly went along to try out Phonics with Robot Reg – see what she thought here… 

An interactive and fun introduction to phonics!

I’d seen some lovely recommendations and photos of the Robot Reg classes and thought it looked lots of fun but part of me was a little unsure as to whether it would be too advanced for my Max (he is 2.5) or just more than we needed to know about phonics for that age but I wanted to give it a go and I’m so glad I did!

The class we attend is the preschool class which starts at 2.5 up until 4 so Max is one of the younger children in the class but we have both found the class to be so much fun, very interactive and all with a gentle introduction to phonics! I have been really impressed with how Max has picked up the actions to the phonics rhymes already after only a couple of sessions. From seeing the other children in the class too, I can tell how much they enjoy themselves and how well they have picked up the phonics knowledge!

Sam who runs the classes is a qualified teacher and has vast knowledge, she is always waiting to say hello when you walk in and have a chat. Sam sets up the room with vibrant coloured mats for each child and parent to sit on with their own little pack of resources needed for the session. There are displays around the room which give information to parents about the aims of the classes, term dates, contact information and anything you might need. Sam has the letter sound of the day displayed as well as the sounds we have previously learnt during the half term. There is always a basket of lovely books for the children to choose from whilst waiting for everyone to arrive which I think is a great idea!

Sam’s enthusiasm, energy and passion shines through, she keeps the children (and adults) engaged and entertained throughout!

The Preschool class starts with the children being able to select their name from a mat which i think is a brilliant way of getting them used to looking for familiar letters, Sam then comes round and asks each child to post their name in to the letter box (great for fine motor skills) and then asks each child to say their name.

Sam introduces the letter sound of the day and has props to help the children engage. She explains how is the correct way to say the sound (which is very helpful for adults, especially those who aren’t familiar with the phonics programmes) this week we did “l” and had play lolly pops to help us and a fun game of limbo.

Singing and dancing break up the different sections of the class which the children all enjoy and Robot Reg has a different game or activity for the children to help with, once they have woken him up from his snooze!

The class ends with playdoh (what child doesn’t love playdoh!) Sam has an interactive song, encouraging the children to practise different skills such as pinching, rolling and squishing to enhance their fine motor skills. Each child gets to take home a little laminated card with the letter of the day on it (each letter for the half term is also attached to their resources pack!)

Overall we find the class to be fun, interactive and a brilliant start to any child’s phonic journey! We would definitely recommend this class and especially Sam!

There is also a mini’s class available too which is from 12-30 months!

Website and Class information-

https://robotreg.co.uk/pages/york

Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga at The Stables Yoga Centre – A Mumbler review

See what Mumbler, Rachel, thought about the Yoga sessions for parents and mums-to-be at the Stables Yoga…

I first met the team at The Stables Yoga Centre ten years ago when I started pregnancy yoga classes while pregnant with my daughter Darcey. I would go to classes on a Sunday night in a local church hall as this was back in the days before classes moved to the beautiful Stables studio just off Bishopthorpe Road. 

I returned again for pregnancy yoga classes three years later when pregnant with Dexter. 

As well as the practical yoga part of the class what I have always loved about pregnancy yoga at The Stables is the built-in discussion times. At the start of the class is the opportunity to check-in, to reflect on your week, to share your pregnancy milestones and your worries. There was usually someone else there going through the same feelings and experiences, and having a safe space to chat with others has been invaluable to me. Yoga teacher Lucy is at the helm, steering the conversations gently and with respect, and bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as much humour to the sessions. 

I couldn’t write this without a nod to a couple of other things I loved about the pregnancy yoga classes at The Stables. Learning yoga (Ujjayi) breathing (this helped massively in all of my deliveries) and the relaxation part at the end of the weekly classes (where I usually fell into a lovely sleep, and woke feeling very calm and with a deeper connection to my baby). 

Needless to say I couldn’t wait to book back in when I found out I was pregnant with Rory last summer. 

Fast forward to summer 2022 and after my postpartum check-up with the GP I was ready to start exercising again, and let’s be honest, ready to leave the house, do some gentle postnatal yoga and enjoy chatting over coffee and biscuits at the end with the other mums and their babies.

Further information on the benefits of pregnancy yoga can be found here

https://stablesyoga.co.uk/pregnancy

Pregnancy yoga and postnatal yoga classes are available to attend in-person at the studio (£9.50 per class) or online (£7.50 per class). The first class for new starters is free of charge. 

PREGNANCY YOGA – TUESDAYS 7:30-9pm @ The Stables Yoga Centre (and online)

POSTNATAL YOGA – WEDNESDAYS 11am-12:30pm @ The Stables Yoga Centre (and online)

Booking link: www.bookwhen.com/lucycorballyyoga

The Little Gym York – A Mumbler Review

The Little Gym at the new community stadium at Monks Cross opened its doors in April, offering classes to children from 4 months to 12 years old. Mumblers Fiona and Ashley take their children (aged 3.5 years and 19 months respectively) to weekly classes, and share their experiences here.

Fiona & Wilf – Funny Bugs class (3-4 years)

Like quite a few children, my 3 year old had lost a lot of confidence in physical skills like climbing and balancing when playgrounds and soft play were closed due to lockdown last year. When I saw that a branch of The Little Gym franchise was opening in York at the new community stadium at Monks Cross, I was keen for him to try it out.

There are different classes depending on the child’s age, so we attend Funny Bugs (age 3-4). At this age, the children are encouraged to participate in the class on their own, although the gym room is glass fronted so parents/carers can see (and be seen by) their children. The teachers are alert to the fact that some children may be shy and hesitant to be on their own at this age, so parents are welcome to come in to comfort their child if that helps to settle them in, and any nervousness is managed sensitively.

Classes are well structured, with the hour-long class split into different activity segments of just enough time to allow the children to have a few goes at something but to continue to engage their attention. The session starts with a 5 minutes free play on the equipment, before going into a group session – depending on the week, this might be using the air track (like a long inflatable pillow) to practice jumping/bouncing; moving or drumming rhythm sticks to music; or physical exercise involving early alphabet/phonics recognition. In these parts the children are often learning skills without realising.

The class is then split into 3 smaller teacher-led groups (each with a maximum of 6 children), with each group focusing on a separate piece of apparatus – this has included high beam, hanging rings, parallel/asymmetric bars, springboards onto mini “vaults”, floorwork including assisted forwards rolls. The children are brilliant at taking their turns fairly, and the teachers keep it moving so that the children aren’t kept waiting long between their turns.
The class then comes back together for another group activity before the end of the session – this could be a letter treasure hunt around the room; a game of “Disappearing Islands” (like musical chairs but with hoops); or using a pool woggle to dribble a soft ball around the floor.
Whilst classes have a formal structure, the leaders recognise that preschoolers sometimes want to do their own thing, so whilst participation in the exercises are actively encouraged, the children also have some freedom to run about if they wish as long as they are doing so safely.

The facility is brand new so all the equipment is in great condition and the space is bright and clean. The waiting area outside the gym is set up with chairs, tables and sofas so that parents can sit comfortably for an hour to view their children in the class. From a Covid point of view, the instructors wear clear visors so that their full face can be seen. There’s a mask policy for waiting adults. Sanitiser stations are dotted about and the equipment is cleaned between classes.
The class teachers are warm and professional, and pull off the tricky feat of keeping a room of excitable preschoolers engaged for an hour in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

We’ve now had a month’s trial period and my little boy’s confidence in his physical ability has absolutely skyrocketed – he loves it. With an annual membership fee per family then monthly membership per child, it’s quite a financial commitment, but for us it’s a good investment for an hour, and comparable moneywise to swimming classes, horse riding etc. If you have to miss a class then there is an option to catch up within the year so that you don’t lose out. No special outfit or equipment is required – children wear t shirts and joggers/leggings, and are barefoot.

Ashley & Pixi – Beasts class (19-36 months)

After a ridiculously long year of social isolation with my children, I was delighted to see the Little Gym pop up in my Mumbler emails. I took my 19month old along for the taster session feeling a little nervous considering her minimal interaction with children her own age has been limited to waves from the trolley in Tesco.

I was totally delighted when we arrived. We took the park and ride up to the new leisure centre, which is situated right next to the stop, and the atmosphere was immediately welcoming and calm, despite the buzz of little ones’ excitement.

We signed up to the monthly membership which allows for one core class a week and the freedom to attend another if we choose (an option available to Under 3s only, and dependent on class availability). Pixi is in the Beasts class which is for children aged 19months – 2.5 years and although she is in the younger age bracket, she was instantly comfortable and confident in exploring the space.

The class lasts 45 minutes which is the perfect timing and is filled with a variety of teacher-led activities and time and space for the children to explore the equipment. We have been for several sessions now and each week the equipment has been alternated. The children are encouraged to participate in the structured introduction and ending, but with the freedom to go off as expected at this age.

The mix of songs, play and opportunity to learn new skills is perfect and we are really pleased that this new space has opened.

The Little Gym, York – York Community Stadium, Monks Cross Drive, YO32 9AGF

Find out More about the classes by clicking the image below:

Mumbler Reviews: Toddlers World Soft Play at York Leisure Centre

Have you seen that there are some new Soft Play Sessions at York Leisure Centre at the Monks Cross / Vanguard. Mumbler, Sarah, went along with her 2 year old to check them out…

Earlier this week I went to check out the new soft play provision at York Leisure Centre (vanguard) with my little girl Lilian who is 2. The sessions are currently on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. They run from 9-12 and you need to book an hours slot in advance online for £4.20.

It’s located in the sports hall and they have a range of new equipment set out for the children to explore, including an inflatable, soft play blocks, balls, tunnels etc. There is plenty of space around the sides for buggies!

Lilian loved having the space to explore and choose what to play with. It wasn’t too busy so the children didn’t have to squabble over who’s turn it was – there was plenty of equipment to go round!

I’d say it’s a really fab place to go for an hour, and it’s good value for money. I think in the future I’d combine it with a shopping trip as it’s located close to vanguard / monks cross, and it’s nice for Lil to have something to do before having to go back into the buggy! I don’t think I’d have wanted to stay longer than an hour as Lil was getting bored after about that time period.

There was a lot of people with younger babies and I would say it was slightly more suited to babies that were just starting to crawl/walk than Lil, who now prefers more of a challenge – things to climb etc. it also seemed like a great place to get chatting to other mums; or a place to meet your mum friends at!

The leisure centre has a child-friendly cafe and small library in the reception area as well to keep little ones amused longer.I’ll definitely keep this in mind as a budget-friendly place to go to for an hour or so, it’s worth checking out and in a great location!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKING CHECK OUT THE YORK LEISURE CENTRE WEBSITE HERE

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