A MUM is expanding her “empowering” women’s workout classes which she says have been going from strength to strength.

Charlotte Luck, 26, launched a free fitness class called Women’s Only Workout in Dovercourtin August to inspiremums and women to get fit.

She said she got into fitness because she wanted to keep up with all the fit mums on social media after she gave birth to her daughter Elbie in January.

Charlotte, of Gwynne Road, Dovercourt, said: “Working 9am until 3pm and looking after my two children, I couldn’t find the time or money to join a gym, keep the momentum up, nor did I want to keep leaving my kids behind to workout.”

So she started going to Harwich Free Fit classes and then launched Buggy Bootcamps - an outdoor exercise class for mums in Cliff Park.

But, Charlotte kept being approached by women without children asking if they could attend her class too - so she decided to open it up to all women.

The lettings negotiator now runs her classes twice a week voluntarily and pays for hiring halls with her own funds.

She said: “Finding funding has been a struggle, but these classes mean too much to me to stop.

“The sense of community is so high, the women laugh together, they are kind to each other and empower each other.

“It’s women helping women to be a better version of themselves which is what we should be teaching the next generation.

“It’s what I want my daughter growing up to see and I’m so proud of each one of the ladies for helping me teach my daughter this.”

The group started off as about four women working out in Cliff Park, and now Charlotte has up to 30 attending her classes at a time.

Teresa Lindsay, who is part of Women’s Only Workout, said she moved to the Harwich area a year ago and with a busy working life with long hours, and did not have the chance to get out and meet new people.

She said: “Along with this I have anxieties, so finding the get up and go can be difficult to say the least.

“Charlotte has helped me overcome a major part of these anxieties and joining her classes has not only made me feel better in myself, but meant I have now met some really great ladies who are so supportive and welcoming.

“It feels more like a family having fun than a fitness class.

“We are a great team, welcoming new members weekly and helping to push each other to do our best.

“I can’t thank Charlotte enough for her passion, motivation and dedication to helping us all achieve our own individual goals no matter what they may be.”

The classes are held on Thursdays between 6pm and 7pm at the small Mayflower Hall, in Main Road, and on Sundays between 10am and 11am at the Harwich Community Arts and Heritage Centre or Long Meadows Community Centre.

Charlotte will soon be expanding her classes to Brightlingsea.

Children are also welcome to attend with their mums.