Busylizzy​ Richmond​ is opening its ​new site​​ on 11 September at Teddington Cricket Club in Bushy Park.  

The maternity club offers flexible pre-natal and​ ​post-natal ​f​itness classes​ and baby classes​. The launch marks the extension of the ​Club's ​two successful sites in Twickenham and Richmond.  

Jacinta Francis, ​Owner​ of Busylizzy​ Richmond​ maternity club, said: "It always been my plan to move into Teddington- it's a great area for new mums," she said. "I'm very very very excited." 

Francis explained the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the friendships being made.  

She said: "I've seen so many friendships built within the club. 

"Mums-to-be are so excited and they are so nervous as well. They really love to be around other pregnant women to talk about their experiences together." 

She spoke of women getting to know each other more through the pregnancy classes and the different socials.  

"What's been amazing is when they come back after they have had their babies," Francis said. "When they come to a class with their new babies, and they all know each other and they are friends- it's just so nice knowing they have me​t​ through Busylizzy." 

Francis added: "It's such a special time and having friends in the same boat as you is just invaluable." 

Two mums practising for Buggy fitness. (Photo: BusyLizzy Richmond)

Classes range from the more strenuous ​B​uggy fitness classes (prams included) and outdoor ​Bootcamp​ to more gentle ​Yoga​ and Pilate classes for those who don't want a high-impact workout.​ There's a range of Baby classes, from Baby Massage to Baby Boogie.

No childcare is required as members can take their babies (from six weeks to 18 months) to every class and change, feed or settle if needed.

Francis explained: "You can pick and choose which classes to go to. The classes offer loads of flexibility which is exactly what you need when you're a busy mum. 

​​"Say if you've not had much sleep that night, you can cancel the class with two hours' notice​ and book yourself onto a fitness class on another day instead​."​ 

The maternity club is based on a membership scheme where ​members ​can either enjoy unlimited classes with a pregnancy plan or a 'mum & baby' plan or even build their own classes from between four to eight classes a month.  

Classes are booked via an app and can be selected up to four weeks in advance, so the new timetable for Teddington should appear soon. Free trial classes are also on offer, alongside the site's open days commencing 18 September.  

​​Busylizzy Richmond ​members can access any of the classes running between Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington. The club is growing from 12 to 18 classes, with the additional six being held at Teddington site.  

Seven freelance instructors run the classes, and Francis is looking to get ​three​​ ​more for the Autumn. ​Some of the​ instructors have been with the club for between five and six years and have their own specialities- one of ​them​ is a sleep expert. 

Members can take their babies (from six weeks to 18 months) to every class and change, feed or settle them when they need to.  

Francis also said she is hoping to extend the services to toddler classes in the next year or so.  

Held in Teddington's Cricket Club, Francis is especially excited about the new venue. She said: "It's an amazing location and perfectly suited." 

The club offers free parking, indoor and outdoor spaces and is a stone's throw away from Teddington High Street. 

"It's got a fantastic roof terrace ​overlooking Bushy Park ​which I can just imagine hosting socials on next summer," Francis said. "We also invite life coaches ​and other experts ​to the socials for an informal workshop or just to give advice." 

Mums racing in Buggy fitness class. (Photo: BusyLizzy Richmond)

Francis joined Busylizzy​ as a member​ in 2018 when she was first pregnant. As a result of two consecutive pregnancies, she remained a member long after her second child was born. Throughout covid, Francis joined in the online classes. 

Previously working in events and travelling a lot, the​ demands of family life ​frustrated her plans to return to work. "The opportunity came up to buy the Richmond club and I knew that it was absolutely what I wanted to do."  

Francis took over the Busylizzy ​Richmond​ ​club​ on 1 July 2022 and, despite the struggles of the pandemic, has grown the maternity club.  

She said: "I'm a huge fan of the club and I don't believe anywhere else offers the same amount of choice or flexibility." 

To register interest in the new Teddington Busylizzy ​classes​​​, follow the link.