Caren Van Gastel received the best group trainer title at the recent ExerciseNZ awards.
The mother of two started her business, Empower Me Fitness & Consulting, after she experienced severe pelvic floor dysfunction and found little support for women in her situation.
She said after her second baby she rushed back into high-intensity exercise, which resulted in serious issues, including a pelvic organ prolapse, that prevented her from lifting any weight over 5kg — such as her children.
"After you’ve given birth, you’re not the same person you were before. Your body has changed."
She decided to educate herself on how to safely return to exercise after having a baby.
Having a background in fitness, she started Empower Me in 2018, operating classes out of the Mornington Presbyterian Church in Dunedin.
Her goal was to create a safe, comforting environment where mothers could feel supported both physically and mentally.
"I really appreciate having the opportunity to help mums return to exercise."
Receiving the award was an acknowledgement of her hard work and the importance of pelvic floor dysfunction awareness, she said.
New mother Hannah Christopherson, who was taking Ms Van Gastel’s class yesterday, said she was feeling a lot stronger after taking the classes and Ms Van Gastel’s approach was "kind and compassionate", which had had helped her get back into fitness.
ExerciseNZ represents the national exercise industry.
The Exercise Industry Awards are held annually.
This year they were held in Auckland last month.
