Does this sort of class exist?

[SE13Mummy]

I've somehow put on two stone in the past 4/5 years, probably as the result of a more sedentary job than I had before and an unresolved health issue that caused dangerously low iron levels and general fatigue. The health situation is mostly improved but it flares up a couple of times a year, thankfully without such low iron though.

Anyway, I'd like to lose weight but more than that, I'd like to be fitter. Four years ago I started weekly PT sessions at home and I was pretty good at doing the 'homework' exercises another two or three times each week. I stopped when the PT moved away and didn't restart as that's when I started having investigations for the low iron etc. I'd like to do a class that my 10-yr-old can also do. She's hypermobile and isn't built for running plus she's involved in a regular sport at the weekend so Parkrun isn't what I'm after. She wants to be stronger, specifically in her upper body as that will help with her sport as well as with holding the weight of the reasonably heavy musical instrument she plays - she's small and fairly light for her age but isn't as strong as her peers. I figure my upper body is as good a place to start as any!

Is there a class aimed at parents and children, that isn't running-based and would help develop upper body strength? If so, what's it likely to be called? I've looked at strength training, weight training type things but none seem to be aimed at children. Would a rowing class be any good for building upper body strength? Does anyone know of something that would fit the bill and happens to take place in SE London?

I'd look for "family fitness".

Rize have family classes and a studio in Balham that might suit, or Prama looks interesting. It is something very specific you're looking for though! Could you look into a PT that would be prepared to do gym sessions for both of you at the same time?

Problem is, what a pre-pubescent & hyper mobile child's body needs - and can safely & healthily undertake - and what an overweight middle-aged woman's body can take safely & healthily - are likely to be very different.

Things that you could do safely might include yoga and Pilates, but the hypermobility in your DD would need careful coaching & expert advice. Hyper-mobility is not the great thing that people think it is in terms of being flexible.

I'd also suggest looking at various body weight training ideas: that way you could both get stronger but safely. But you need to learn proper form, and your DD needs to learn how to control & strengthen her hypermobile joints.

That is really tricky at her age - it's when a lot of girls go through the "Bambi" stage -all skinny long legs and lots of flexibility but little strength. If she makes "muscle memory" (proprioception) wrongly, then it'll set her up for a lifetimes of injuries. Alignment and proper balancing out of strength and flexibility are needed for your DD in a way that you don't need.

Thanks for the suggestions @Cohle - I can't find any Prama classes apart from in central London which is a shame as it looks fun.

@Dolorabelle DD's hypermobility is why I'm keen to find something that involves instruction rather than simply looking on YouTube or finding an app. Given our needs will be different I'm wondering if it would make sense to look into a PT that would work mainly with DD but I joined in with sessions so we could practise together in between sessions. I figure it's more important that things are tailored to her and for me, anything will be better than the nothing I currently do.