Many women across Bedford had struggled with their mental and physical wellbeing in the early days of the pandemic. A lot of their families were self-employed meaning that their family income and significantly decreased. Fitnisia is a women's only exercise group that serves the female community in Bedford and in light of the struggles that women faced in the pandemic, it was important that fitness sessions were affordable, accessible and on the doorstep.

Fitnisia run Pilates sessions every Tuesday and Body Conditioning every Thursday and one participant has described these sessions as a 'godsend', as her family were negatively affected, both mentally and physically, by the pandemic. She describes the sessions as 'uplifting' and states how her mother, who suffers from severe mental health issues and is often isolated, has attended the sessions and is visibly happy throughout.

One aspect of these fitness sessions that everyone is grateful for is the environment. There's no judgement, it's friendly, accessible and everyone works at their own pace. The women that attend all support each other and always make sure to have a laugh throughout. There is also significant respect for the instructors who create this environment, push the participants to their own individual greatness while still maintaining empathy and encouraging everyone to feel good about themselves.

These classes have engaged people from a variety of culturally diverse communities and those who's first language is not English, showing just how accessible these sessions are for women in the Bedford community.

A participant of the sessions has stated how the attitudes towards physical activity amongst this community has changed since attending these vital sessions. Even in the face of adverse weather conditions, these women are still attending their classes outdoors and for some, has been the first time they have ever exercised outdoors.

The women behind these classes believe that they wouldn't have been able to achieve what they have achieved without the support from the Together Fund. Without it, the sessions wouldn't have been affordable, accessible or inclusive for all women to join in. Making a difference is so important to all who participate in these classes, and it is clear that these classes have made a significant difference to the mental, social and physical wellbeing of women in Bedford.