Meet Danielle.
Danielle joined 23W at 4 months postpartum, looking for a supportive environment that would allow her to rebuild strength while balancing life with a newborn.
Without family support nearby in Melbourne, finding a training environment that accommodated her baby was essential. The MOM program allowed Danielle to prioritise her health while still caring for her little one — helping her rebuild confidence, strength and routine after pregnancy.
Since starting, Danielle has rediscovered her strength and created habits that support both her physical and mental wellbeing.
Her journey highlights just how powerful the right environment can be when returning to exercise postpartum.
Since Jan 2026
I signed up with 23W at 4 months postpartum wanting to get back into health and fitness after the birth of my little girl. I was on the look for a gym that accommodated my little one to make training easier for me to commit to, and being in Melbourne with no family close this was important.
When I came across 23W I signed up straight away and haven’t looked back since. I absolutely love coming into the studio and feel like it’s a family for me here in Melbourne!
Comparing my strength to prior pregnancy and juggling mum life with training.
To feel good within myself and to gain back strength.
I did exactly what I set out to do and started to gain my strength back. I was actually only saying this to Korina the other day that I feel strong again and it’s motivating me to keep going.
Physically I feel better within myself since postpartum.
Getting to classes with little sleep sometimes. On some days it was a struggle although I always felt better after training.
To allow myself to build the muscle gradually and not expect it to appear overnight.
Easy! There is no pressure around how heavy you lift, only support. My trainers challenge me without pushing me past my limits. I feel so comfortable in the studio.
I love it! I work out with people who are on the same journey as me.
To continue committed to my training. Even with obstacles such as returning to work etc, I love the studio so much that I will make it work to ensure I continue getting stronger and fitter to keep up with my growing baby!
I’m so happy I came across 23W, the studio has made my return to fitness journey a lot easier than I expected.
Ange Drake is a personal trainer, women’s empowerment coach and fitness blogger in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. She is the director of one of the few womens’ only strength training gyms in Melbourne, 23W. Ange helps women to learn how to use strength based training, nutritional strategies and a positive mindset to transform their bodies, relationship with food and mind.
