Tarka Leisure Centre introduces AI powered personalised aqua natal sessions for mums-to-be

Tarka Leisure in Barnstaple is expanding its support for mums-to-be in the local community by introducing Bump Boost, a tech driven personalised aqua natal workout.

Despite the NHS recommending a minimum 150 mins of moderate physical activity across the week, a report from the Active Pregnancy Foundation shows the staggering reality with less than 40% of pregnant women feeling they had the opportunity to be active*. The foundation said the report “emphasises the need for tailored support to help women integrate physical activity at their own pace.”

Bump Boost is a Goodboost Aqua Natal exercise programme that answers this need, with self-paced and tailored support. Using AI, Bump Boost provides each individual with a personalised programme, tailored to meet individual needs throughout 0-40 weeks of pregnancy and delivered via a water-resistant tablet in a class environment. During each session, Tarka Leisure’s pre and post-natal exercise specialist joins the class to guide and answer any questions.

Ellie Wilson-Hird, Tarka Leisure’s Fitness Manager and pre-and-post natal specialist says: “We are always looking at how we can further support the health of our community, and ensuring we have a pre-natal programme that combines both exercise and social connections is a big focus for us this year. Swimming is a really good form of exercise during pregnancy because the water helps support the increased weight, so it’s easy on the joints. Swimming is also a full body exercise including abs and core, so it will help our mums prepare their body for birth.”

Mums who want to join Bump Boost can simply self-refer or they can get a referral from their healthcare practitioner, with forms available via the Tarka Leisure website. They will then meet with a member of the Tarka team ahead of their first session to complete the registration with some screening questions and get set up on the tablet.

A new evening Bump Boost class will start from February 2025, every Thursday evening at 7pm, in addition to the weekly Wednesday 12pm and Thursday 9am classes, which currently run alongside the GoodBoost classes. Classes cost £6.50 and are bookable via the Leisure Centre App, online via the Tarka Leisure Centre website or on site, once registered onto the Bump Boost programme.

The Tarka team also runs a free weekly social session every Friday at 10.30AM for all GoodBoost participants. The hope is that this will continue to grow and bring expecting mums together, to create an essential support network for the mums in the community.

Suzanne Gabb, COO Good Boost said "We are delighted to support Tarka Leisure Centre with the launch of Bump Boost, an initiative that brings the benefits of tailored aquatic exercise to expectant mothers. Staying active during pregnancy is crucial—not only does it support physical health by improving circulation, easing joint strain, and strengthening the body for birth, but it also enhances mental wellbeing and builds a sense of community. At Good Boost, we are passionate about making exercise accessible and enjoyable for all, and by working with Tarka and the Active Pregnancy Foundation, we aim to ensure that more women can experience these transformative benefits throughout pregnancy and beyond." 

In addition to the Bump Boost classes, participants will have access to a free Supporting A Healthy Pregnancy Guide which brings together the latest NHS guidance to encourage a healthy pregnancy.

The launch of Bump Boost at Tarka is just the start of a broader role out of GoodBoost Aqua Natal sessions within Parkwood sites across the UK.