Meet Toni.
After welcoming her third baby, Toni was ready to prioritise herself again. Through the 8 week challenge and MOM sessions, she rebuilt strength, improved nutrition habits and created a routine that works alongside motherhood.
Her story highlights how supportive environments and small daily habits can create powerful change.
Late 2020 but after 2 years off I started back at the start of the challenge
After the birth of baby #3 I wanted to feel good and do something for myself.
My biggest challenge was curbing mindless snacking and staying hydrated while being at home on maternity leave. To overcome this, I started prepping healthy snacks in advance, which helped me opt for whole foods over processed ones. Having satisfying snacks on hand made a big difference!
After a two-year break from working out and having a baby, I wanted to regain my strength and tone up. I wasn’t fixated on the number on the scale, but more on feeling comfortable in my clothes.
My body fat percentage has dropped, and my muscle mass has increased, making my clothes fit more comfortably. Plus, I’m lifting heavier weights than before, which is a great confidence booster!
I’ve become more mindful of what I eat, paying closer attention to the protein and fiber content of my food, and being more aware of hidden sugars in my diet.
Controlling my mindless snacking and drinking more water.
I realized I wasn’t fueling my body right. My protein and fiber intake was low, leaving me hungry between meals and I was reaching for unhealthy snacks.
Completing the 8 week challenge postpartum was an incredible journey for me! It was a time of growth, strength, and resilience. As a busy mum, I was determined to prioritize my health and well-being, and this challenge helped me do just that. The challenge not only strengthened my body but also boosted my confidence and energy levels.
I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m grateful for the community of other members, trainers and Jenny that helped me stay on track.
Attending MOM sessions is a game-changer! You get to know other mums who understand exactly what you’re going through. The support and encouragement are incredible, just showing up is celebrated, let alone completing a workout while baby naps! It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who get it, and the positive vibes are contagious!
I’m excited to carry forward the nutritional habits I’ve developed and be more mindful of what I eat.
I’ve already locked in a membership and I’m looking forward to trying out some Pilates classes at the Essendon studio.
I love coming to the gym! The on-site nanny and the incredibly supportive coaching staff make it a total game-changer for me. Honestly, without Jenny and the in-house nanny service, it would be impossible for me to fit in workouts, let alone attend 4-5 times a week. Thanks so much for making it possible!
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.
