By HTE Founder, Erin Hughes
One of the biggest challenges I faced when I became a mum was losing the freedom to move my body. Exercise has always been my way of feeling mentally clear and physically grounded, but those early years of motherhood? They were a blur. It’s like you’re there, but not really there.
I walked for hours. Honestly, the number of kilometres I clocked with that Bugaboo pram would shock you. We still have it now for our fourth child, it’s well and truly stood the test of time! Walking became my coping strategy, my way of staying sane. We didn’t live close to a gym or a studio or even a mothers’ group fitness class, so my movement came from pushing that pram up and down the streets, day in and day out.
When our second baby arrived, we upgraded to a double pram. The hills suddenly got a lot steeper with a baby and a toddler on board, but I persisted. Every day. It was one of the few constants I had.
Eventually, after a long stretch of feeling isolated, lonely, and a bit purposeless, I found a small group exercise class in Torquay (on the Victorian Surf Coast) that offered something life-changing: occasional care for an hour. That one hour to myself, while the kids were looked after and entertained, was exactly what I needed. It became our routine. It saved me, and, honestly, it saved us. These kinds of services are far more common now, but back in 2014, they were rare, especially where we lived in a small coastal town.
Fast-forward a few years, as the kids grew older and I had a bit more space to myself, I discovered Upstate Studios. The classes, the energy, the instructors, the people – it was everything I didn’t even realise I was craving.
From the very first class, I felt a connection with the space that has never left me. The workouts themselves are incredible, but it’s more than that. It’s the way you’re greeted, the buzz of chatter before class, the warmth, the smiles, the energy. You can’t help but feel better the moment you walk through the door.
Over time, it became not just my “me time,” but a place of true connection. I’ve met some of the most incredible people through Upstate, friends I cherish and relationships that have uplifted me. It’s one of my non-negotiables now. A vital part of my day and my version of self-care.
Joining a group studio has given me more than fitness. It’s given me community, joy, and a sense of self when I felt I was losing it in the fog of motherhood. On the days when the hours felt endless and I was starved of adult conversation, this little ritual brought me back to life.
If you’re reading this and know this feeling too well and are still in the thick of it, I encourage you to explore what’s available near you. Fortunately, there are so many amazing options now, from group studios, childcare-supported classes, even hybrid options you can do at home. Visit the spaces, see how they feel. Every studio has its own energy and vibe. Many offer intro passes or trial classes so you can give it a go without the pressure of committing. ClassPass is another great tool for trying out different studios in your area until you find your own version of ‘Upstate’.
Finding mine has made me feel stronger, happier, and more grounded. It’s helped me show up as the best version of myself, for my kids, my partner, and most importantly, for me.
