What we like about them

Fitness by Babs is a personal and group fitness training company run by Barbora Jones. Barbora, or Babs, is a much-experienced trainer who set up her company with the intention of bringing fitness and well-being to people who may find traditional gym environments intimidating or those who need specialised guidance. As a mother from Epsom, Babs draws from her personal journey of post-pregnancy challenges to offer a unique and empathetic perspective, so she’s great for clients facing similar circumstances - though her knowledge also means she’s a badass at training people with a whole variety of needs..

We tried out one of her group sessions based at Ashtead Rec. Throughout, Babs's passion for fitness and her commitment to assisting others in achieving their goals were evident. Plus, we loved the variety of exercises she incorporated into just one class, from heavy weight lifting to HIIT and cardio exercises, making the session fun and entertaining. It reflects her approach to her own fitness - which is that the body is capable of achieving anything with the right approach. 

Class sizes are always small, capped at around 8 participants, so allow for personalised attention and a supportive community atmosphere. Working outdoors is great, and ties into Babs’s belief in the benefits of fresh air and vitamin D.

If you choose her for personal training, you’ll start with a consultation and fit test, followed by tailored workouts which entail a warm-up, your main workout, and a cool down. Within these 1 on 1 sessions, Babs emphasises whole-body workouts and encourages you to push yourself to your limits. You can have your sessions in a number of locations, such as your garden, any local parks or her outdoor garden gym. Sessions are 45 minutes long. 

In your first session, Babs will suggest taking measurements and a posture assessment, if you feel comfortable to do so. She will also give you a 7-day food diary to complete, which is free when you buy 10 sessions with her. She’ll look this over and give you feedback on your eating patterns, plus provide tips on how to improve your nutrition. What’s great is, Babs knows that embarking on a fitness overhaul like this can be intimidating. She’s sensitive to that, and works out the small steps you can take to help you lead a healthier lifestyle. Once a month, you’ll have a check-in - so if you had measurements taken, she’ll do them again and see how well you are doing in achieving your goals. 

So whether you're a new mum navigating body changes or someone seeking a refreshing outdoor workout experience, Fitness by Babs offers a welcoming and supportive environment for achieving your health and fitness goals.