From Struggle to Strength: How Squats & Tots Was Born

Ten years ago, my lifestyle was a mess - unhealthy habits, no exercise, poor nutrition, and zero self-care. It was the same cycle every day: eat rubbish, move as little as possible, feel awful, repeat.

I hit a point where I’d had enough. I reached out for help and started my health and fitness journey. As I got into training, I fell in love with the process - going to the gym, prioritising my nutrition, and actually feeling the benefits. That’s when I decided to push myself further and train as a personal trainer. I had no idea if it would be a full career change or just something to improve my own knowledge, but I jumped in.

Finding My Passion

During my Level 3 PT course, I was fascinated by everything—body anatomy, nutrition, exercise technique, and proper form. It just clicked for me. While studying, I started researching what was missing in the local fitness space and found a huge gap in pre and postnatal support. Local gyms weren’t offering much, and I knew that had to change.

So, after qualifying as a PT, I signed up for a Pre and Postnatal Exercise course, ready to specialise in helping mums. But life had other plans…

Pregnancy Changed Everything

Just before starting my course, I found out I was expecting a baby boy—my little surprise, Mason. Pregnancy hit me hard. I struggled with sickness, exhaustion, and keeping up with my studies. Training and eating well went out the window, and I lost the strong habits I’d built. I felt like I was back at square one.

Mason arrived in April 2015, and as I started thinking about returning to exercise, I realised just how little support there was for mums looking to regain strength and confidence postpartum.

• No gyms with crèche facilities

• No fitness classes where you could bring your baby

• No real guidance for new mums trying to rebuild their strength safely

  
  

It was isolating, frustrating, and overwhelming. I had all this knowledge, but I still felt lost and out of place in my own body.

The Birth of Squats & Tots

I decided to use my maternity leave to do something about it. I wanted to create a safe, supportive space where mums could:

✔ Move their bodies in a way that felt good and safe✔ Bring their little ones along without stress✔ Connect with other mums who get it✔ Enjoy coffee, catch-ups, and real talk about mum life - the good, the bad, and the messy

After months of planning, Squats & Tots launched in March 2016 in Yeovil & Sherborne.

9 Years On…

Since then, hundreds of mums and babies have been through Squats & Tots. I’ve heard so many women say it changed their life - not just physically, but mentally too. It’s more than a fitness class; it’s a community, a support system, and a space where women can just be.

It’s also been the foundation of everything I’ve built since - EBPT (Ellie Barter Personal Training) and The Lifestyle Method (TLM) - and, honestly, it’s helped me just as much as it’s helped the women who show up every week.

My Mission

I’m beyond passionate about supporting women at every stage of life - whether it’s pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or just navigating the ups and downs of feeling good in your body. Health isn’t just about the physical; it’s mental, emotional, and everything in between.

I’m here to make sure women feel strong, informed, and empowered—with the right support, the right knowledge, and the right community behind them.

Because you deserve to feel healthy, happy, and strong - for life. 💕💪

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Want to Join Us?

If you’re a mum looking for a fun, supportive way to move your body while keeping your little one close, Squats & Tots is waiting for you! Come as you are, and let’s build strength together.

📅 Monday's 10-11am

📍 Mudford Rec, Yeovil

Follow @squatsandtots__uk to book your spot