By Kiki Obisesan
A mum-of-three has quit a 15-year corporate career to launch a community-focused fitness business catering to parents with childcare commitments.
Jordan Williams, from Strood, quit her high-flying advertising role in London to pursue her passion for staying in shape and helping others to do the same in her hometown.
The Fit Club Co owner Jordan Williams and her sons Reggie, six, Hunter, four, and Arthur, two
The Fit Club Co is aimed at making exercise more accessible and affordable for families, parents, older adults and anyone who may feel intimidated by traditional gyms.
Jordan, who lives in Orchard Avenue, told KentOnline: “My husband works away quite often, so it’s the kids and me.
“I don’t have the luxury of being able to afford to put them into the crèche, so I needed classes that were readily available for me to take them with me.
“Still able to be a mum but also work out and kind of feel like me again.”
In late May, the 32-year-old handed in her resignation letter to advertising firm Hogarth where she worked as a senior account manager and made the decision to go it alone in the fitness game.
Buggy bootcamps are a fun way for mums to get a workout with kids in tow. Photo: Jordan Williams
But while daunted by the prospect one thing Jordan, a qualified personal trainer, believes separates her from the competition is the ability for parents to exercise alongside their children, as well as the beginner-friendly nature of her classes.
They include a “buggy bootcamp”, allowing adults to exercise while keeping little ones close by and her “move and meet” session which is aimed at mobility for older adults.
She added: “The childcare thing was such a big thing. I’ve got three children under seven…so I needed somewhere to take all three of them with me, which unfortunately, there just wasn’t anything out there for that.”
Jordan hopes her classes can provide something that “ticks the boxes” for everyone.
And although the business is in its early stages and Jordan knows it will take time to grow, she remains confident there will be a lot of interest.
She added: “I think it’s what people need in the community”.
I think there’s more to life than being stuck in a nine-to-five job five days a week
For anyone thinking of leaving their corporate job and following their own passion, she offered the following advice.
“It is massively scary, but I would say that if you’re passionate about something as much as I am about this, then you should go for it in all seriousness,” Jordan said.
“I think there’s more to life than being stuck in a nine-to-five job five days a week.”
The Fit Club Co is launching with introduction sessions and Jordan is hoping to expand to other locations if there is demand for it.
The Move & Meet sessions take place at Broomhill Park in Orchard Avenue, Strood.
Her Buggy Bootcamp – a parent friendly outdoor fitness class where children are welcome to attend – launched last Wednesday (July 1).
Jordan Williams quit her job in London to set up a family-orientated fitness brand closer to home. Photo: Jordan Williams
Jordan added: “There were smiles, laughs, mums working hard, little ones joining in, playing… and yes, a few moments where babies needed a cuddle or a walk in the buggy.
“And that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.
“This isn’t about perfect workouts or babies sitting quietly for 45 minutes. If your little one needs you, you stop.
“You cuddle them, walk them around, settle them, and then jump back in when you’re ready. No judgement. No pressure.”
Alongside the classes, Jordan is also working with a local primary school on a Healthy Living Event taking place in July, helping to encourage children and parents to be more active together through fun family fitness activities.
You can book spaces for future classes by following @Thefitclubco26 on Instagram or The Fit Club Co. on Facebook