Sweaty Dada fitness class raises £200 for men's mental health charity Andy's Man Club

A special workout class for dads and their little ones has raised over £200 for men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club.

Hosted by Jen Smith, who runs the local Rochdale and Todmorden Sweaty Mama pre- and post-natal exercise classes, the special ‘Sweaty Dada’ class took place at Littleborough Boxing Club on 16 July.

Fitness instructor Jen said the dads’ event was held to celebrate six months of business and as they “don’t often get chance to come along to classes with their little ones due to returning to work so soon after their birth.”

The former registered mental health nurse said: “Before Sweaty Mama, I spent 10 years working as a registered mental health nurse and maternal mental health is something that’s really important to me. Alongside demonstrating the benefits of exercise, I regularly advocate the need to be around people who understand what it’s like to be a new mum and am also on hand to lend a listening ear when needed.

“However paternal mental health is important too and is something that isn’t talked about as often: one in three new dads are worried or concerned about their own mental health, and three in four dads are worried or concerned about their partner’s mental health.

“With dads often going back to work shortly after the birth of their baby, this can make it difficult to access the support systems that are more available to their partners and can lead to increased feelings of isolation.”

Jen continued: “Unfortunately I had to rearrange the date of the event last minute which meant a number of the dads weren’t able to join us, but we had a superstar trio who came along and brought loads of enthusiasm. 

“The workout can be tailored to suit any level of fitness and we involve the babies throughout the class. Little ones of any age are welcome - from six weeks up until they start at school. 

“The dads realised that having a baby strapped to your chest really does intensify your workout.”

Andy’s Man Club is a men’s mental health charity that supports, empowers, and gives men the opportunity to talk about things that are affecting their mental health and wellbeing. The sessions are free to attend, and really work to challenge the stigma around men’s mental health. The club started out in Halifax and it’s since grown into a national venture.

There are two clubs in Rochdale: Mayfield Sports Centre and the Our Spot Community Hub at the Crown Oil Arena.

Andy’s Man Club runs every Monday from 7-9pm every Monday (except Bank Holidays) and is open to any male aged 18+.

If you would like to attend Andy’s Man Club, please email info@andysmanclub.co.uk or message the Facebook page.

Donations can be made via the Sweaty Dada JustGiving page.