Laura Pledger officially launched Rise in April this year, providing indoor and outdoor group fitness classes for women.
Based at Cumbria Wildlife Trust near Carlisle, members can work out surrounded by wetlands, orchards and countryside views.
Before launching the business, Laura spent 10 years working in banking after studying law at university.
Despite enjoying a successful career, she said she could not shake the feeling that she wanted to pursue her passion for fitness.
Laura said: “I was in this really comfortable job, brilliant company, great hours. But I just thought, if I don’t try and do this, I’m going to regret it.
“When I had Leo [her son], I just thought: it’s now or never. I kept thinking, if he had a dream, what would I tell him? I’d tell him to go for it. So I thought, why am I not going for it?”
Women trying out Rise’s fitness classes. (Image: Supplied)
Laura said her decision was made easier by the encouragement of her family, particularly her three sisters.
She said: “They’ve been so amazing. Honestly, they’ve been my biggest cheerleaders.”
Growing up alongside her sisters also inspired her decision to make Rise a women’s fitness community.
“I know how good it feels to be part of that sisterhood, and that’s what I wanted to create for other people as well,” she added.
Laura said she has always been passionate about fitness but found there was limited guidance available for women during and after pregnancy about effective exercise.
She said: “I wanted to create somewhere women could come to get tailored, effective workouts designed for them, no matter what stage they were at, and honestly just somewhere fun and social too.
“This is my opportunity to use my passion and knowledge of fitness to help people and, honestly, that’s what drives me.”
The Cumbrian Wildlife Trust – where Rise is located (Image: Supplied)
Since opening, Laura said the response has been positive, with members praising not only the workouts but also the sense of community that has developed.
She said: “I’ve had a couple of girls tell me it’s really helped their mental health. When you hear stuff like that, it’s brilliant.
“It feels like we’re getting a bit of a community going.”
Alongside regular fitness classes and specialist mum-and-baby sessions, Laura plans to introduce outdoor activities, wellness events and music-themed fitness weeks.
She added: “I really mean it when I say we are welcoming and open to everyone. I want every woman to feel that they could come to Rise and know they’ll be supported.”
You can follow Rise on Instagram @rise.carlisle.