South Tyneside
Meet Shirley,
your coach.
Hi, I'm Shirley Murray — founder of Fitness and Play and your guide to feeling stronger, more energised, and more connected as a mam in South Tyneside.
I created Trimmed Toned & Toddlers because I believe every mam deserves to feel brilliant in her body — and that your children should be part of that journey, not a reason to put it off.
Shirley's Story
Why I started Fitness and Play.
I became a personal trainer because I saw a gap — brilliant, capable mams who desperately wanted to feel better in their bodies, but couldn't find a class that understood the reality of life with young children.
The fitness industry kept telling mams to "find a babysitter" or "make time for yourself." But for many of us, that's simply not realistic. I wanted to create something different — a place where your children are welcome, where the atmosphere is warm and non-judgmental, and where you leave feeling energised and uplifted.
That's how Fitness and Play was born. What started as a small class in South Shields has grown into a thriving community of mams across South Tyneside — all supporting each other, celebrating each other's wins, and having a brilliant time along the way.
I'm so proud of every single mam who has walked through the door. And I can't wait to welcome you too.
Our Mission
To help parents improve their fitness while building community connections.
Fitness and Play is about more than exercise. It's about belonging — to a community of mams who get it, who cheer each other on, and who make South Tyneside a better place to raise a family.
Warmth & inclusion
Every mam is welcome, whatever your fitness level or background. Shirley creates a space where no one feels judged — only supported.
Family first
Your children aren't an obstacle to fitness — they're part of it. Every class is designed so little ones are happy, safe, and entertained.
Community connections
Fitness and Play is as much about making friends as it is about exercise. Many of our mams have formed friendships that go far beyond the class.
Sustainable wellbeing
We're not about quick fixes. Shirley builds habits that last — because your family needs you feeling great for the long run.
Credentials
Qualified,
insured & trusted.
You're trusting Shirley with your health and your children. Here's why you can do so with complete confidence.
- Level 3 Personal Trainer (REPS Registered)
- Level 2 Fitness Instructor
- Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialist
- First Aid & CPR Certified
- Fully Insured — Public Liability & Professional Indemnity
Our Journey
Qualified as a Personal Trainer
Shirley completed her Level 3 PT certification and began working with clients across South Tyneside.
Specialised in postnatal fitness
After seeing how underserved new mams were, Shirley trained as a Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialist.
Founded Fitness and Play
Shirley launched Fitness and Play — bringing together mams and their little ones for community fitness classes in South Shields.
Expanded across South Tyneside
Growing demand led to new class locations across South Tyneside, reaching hundreds of local mams.
A thriving community
Fitness and Play is now one of South Tyneside's most loved mam and baby fitness communities — and it's still growing.
By the Numbers
South Tyneside's
favourite mam fitness community.
100s
Local mams
Mams across South Tyneside who have found their strength and community through Fitness and Play.
5.0★
Average rating
Consistently rated 5 stars by our community of mams across South Shields and South Tyneside.
6+
Years in South Tyneside
Over six years building the Fitness and Play community right here in South Tyneside.
Come and join
the community.
Your first class is completely free. Bring your little one, come and meet Shirley and the group, and see what Fitness and Play is all about.