Find out what Mumsnet testers thought of the RWL Fitness plans

[MaddyMumsnet]

A huge thank you to the Mumsnetters who’ve been taking part in our RWL Fitness plan test over the last few months - you’ve honestly been really inspiring, and definitely got us feeling motivated to move a bit more 💛!

We’d love to hear how you found it. This thread is an open, friendly space to share your experience - whatever that looked like for you.
To kick things off, it’d be great to know:
👉 Which fitness plan did you follow?

• Mamma Rebuild / Results with Bump / Manage Your Happy (Weightloss section) / Power Pilates

And then anything you fancy sharing around:

• What you enjoyed most (or what surprised you!)
• How it fitted into real life
• How it made you feel, physically or mentally
• Whether it’s something you’d carry on with

Feel free to reply to each other and enjoy a wider chat about fitness, motivation, and finding what works for you.

As a little thank you from RWL, everyone who comments on this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a 6 month free trial of an RWL fitness program of your choice 🎁✨.

We can’t wait to read your thoughts and get the chat going.
MNHQ x

I trialled Power Pilates and found the program great! A little challenging as I haven’t done any Pilates before but the instructors were very encouraging with adaptations to each exercise if you needed/wanted an easier option - this really helped me to carry on and not give up!

The app is very good - I liked that I could pin my program so that it was the first page when I opened it each time and didn’t need to hunt through for it. Also loved the ease of being able to airplay to my tv and not struggling to see what was happening on my phone! I probably haven’t explored other areas of the app as much as I could but have continued using after the trial so I will likely do more exploring of the other features. I also liked the motivating but not guilt inducing messages they send and had quick replies to any messages I sent. The guide to alternatives you can use if you don’t have equipment came in very handy so I didn’t feel pushed to go out and buy anything and my tins of beans as weights were used on multiple occasions!!

I only completed a section of the program as I struggled to fit it into busy daily life due to Christmas and then starting a new job but that’s not an issue with the program itself that’s me needing to work it into my schedule and prioritise it more regularly! Being able to fit it into any point of the day is a definite plus over having to go and do a class at a set time.

Yesterday I got a wedding invite for August and immediately checked the app for some upper arm toning exercises! I will definitely be using my invite as motivation to use the app much more regularly!!

Overall a very positive experience and I have taken advantage of the cheaper subscription for 3 months. After that I will have to decide if my budget allows me to continue!

I didnt see the option to sign up for any of the fitness programmes that were mentioned. I had access to the whole app and selected one which was a beginners level 6 week programme (I cant see the exact name on the app). I liked that no workout was the same, 20 minutes was the perfect length to fit into my day. I did feel that there were a lot of squats included which made it hard to do the recommended 4 sessions a week as it was heavy going for my knees, I'd have liked alternative moves to be offered. Altogether though it was easy to follow and challenging enough for my level of fitness.

I trialled the Mamma rebuild program on RWL and absolutely loved it. At 47 and 3 years postpartum I didn’t know really where to start to get back into any sort of regime (especially not having any time to properly commit to exercise). I would find myself searching for “easy tummy toning exercises “ or just randomly doing sit ups but now know how totally inadequate that is. My eyes were totally opened using the RWL app and was so amazed at the amount of useful content on there aside from my assigned Mamma rebuild program. The program itself focuses on rebuilding your core and strength in preparation for further exercise and it starts slowly and builds in intensity. I completed the whole program and it has really made me rethink my posture in general and really helped me reset. I stand taller, feel stronger and feel more confident in general. I forgot how good it feels to feel like you have worked out and achieved. The instructors were great and likeable and I’d never have done the varied exercises without been shown them in the app it’s really opened my eyes. I’ve looked at other areas in the RWL app and would totally recommend it for anyone as you can search for sessions by body area to train/exercise type/session length.. anything. I’ve also cooked some of the recipes and asked for recommendations in the friendly online community chat, everyone is so helpful and it’s lovely to see people achieving their goals. The app always has new content too and literally has hundreds of workouts, even live sessions. If you are busy and need to fit exercise round a hectic schedule it’s ideal as you can literally pick up your phone, tap on the app, head to your “favourited” routines and you are exercising in literally a minute. Brilliant 🤩

Oh gosh, I feel the same! I had really high hopes for this motivating me, but I really struggled. The app looks great, I like the fact that you can pin your plan so that it is the first thing you see when you open the app. Great to have short c10 minute workouts, but similarly sometimes it felt like hard work to get changed into gym wear for such a short workout. In hindsight it was perhaps optimistic to commit to this at the same time as returning to work from maternity leave.

I liked the look of some the recipes in the nutrition section, but it would be really helpful to be able to search by allergen.

I liked exploring the site and particularly liked the Manage Your Happy section. I dipped into some of the videos and they were enjoyable enough. I more enjoyed perusing the healthy food options on the site and found there were some great recipe ideas I hadn't considered before.

I was selected for power Pilates. I received lots of marketing emails and finally received my long in details after I’d already tried to set up an account. Unfortunately I was then struck down with a very nasty bug and was too ill to trial the sessions as was on enforced bed rest

I was invited to join Fat Loss Klub. This wasn’t listed above on this thread as a programme or on the other survey. (I filled that survey in on my general experience of the RWL app)

I found the video advice useful as a motivation to get started. Unfortunately starting my RWL journey coincided with Christmas and I found it harder to stick to a sensible eating plan when there were far too many temptations. I have tried more of the recipes since and the baked feta and tomato orzo is a new family favourite.

I think there is a lot of information on the app but don’t always find it that easy to navigate or to re-find workouts / recipes.

Of the workouts I especially enjoyed the Walk to the Beat routines.

I was selected for the power Pilates. I struggled to find the time to commit to it properly as the testing began in December just as silly season kicked off. It might have been better to have started it in January. It is sonething I am looking in to carrying on though as feel I have more time now to concentrate on sessions.
I have also received a large number of marketing emails which is frustrating. Though this seems to be happening with a lot of companies at the moment!

I absolutely loved using the Beyond bump programme with RWL, I loved that the exercises were short and easily accessible on the app. Perfect for completing around looking after my toddler and helping me to stay active during pregnancy! I would highly recommend this for any pregnant mama.

I was signed up to Fat Loss Klub. This was, like others, after receiving lots of marketing emails and having to chase it up. I watched the whole weight loss course of videos and some others, did workouts, used recipes as inspiration and looked through rest of the site for information and inspiration. It didn't feel like a "course" as such, but more like access to various bits and bobs.

The weight loss videos contain information best suited for people who are new to nutrition/dieting/weight loss/exercise but I've tried a lot of things over the years and there was no new information for me.

I noted that I looked up the meal planning and found that using the vegan filter, there were only 8 meals, 1 of which was not actually vegan, so 7 meals really which was 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 4 dinners so it wasn't brilliant in that respect for me.

The workouts were fine – nothing new for me again, but fine. Altogether I feel like there's nothing groundbreaking or unique, but it's a decent option for people new to this kind of thing that want everything on one website.

FYI I completed the survey but was not on any of the courses mentioned, I was added to Fat Loss Klub, therefore my responses are for that instead, but there was nowhere to write it.

Hey! I was really happy to be picked for this one as I’ve been wanting to make some positive changes health and fitness wise. I’m a solo parent so finding the time to exercise normally is non existent.

i used the mama rebuild program and i was genuinely impressed to start getting results from it. I liked how easy it was to set up and follow. The exercises were gentle and didn’t make me want to give up immediately like a lot of others have in the past. The instructors were great, giving different variations to make things easier/harder was particularly helpful. I really feel like I learned something from the program and will continue to train my core after noticing positive differences.

i also did a couple of Pilates classes on the app that I really enjoyed but as the trail took place over the Xmas holidays, I don’t really have the time spare to really get stuck into it. But just having that vast amount of different workouts/ information in the app was very impressive

Although it did take a while to get the email with my username from RWL, despite receiving other marketing emails, it was a very easy app to use. I am currently pregnant, so majorly engaged with the prenatal exercises. I really liked the ease of using it and liked that I could use it on my tab and my laptop and access it on the go.

Personally, I didnt see how it differed to just following YouTube exercises as I mainly used the on demand function. But I liked the fact that all of the exercises were in one place, and unlike youtube I wouldn't get derailed into watching other videos and then getting carried away.

Again it took a long while for login details to come through but I did manage to try and I liked the short sessions offered and that the plan was focused on rebuilding after having a baby. For me I would have liked music with it and perhaps more variety but the focus was good.

LOVED taking part. I actually have lost over 1 stone since starting but more importantly i have so much more confidence and stamina

I got a load of spam marketing email from the fitness app and had to hunt around to find how to access it. The format wasn’t for me.

I used the Mamma Rebuild programme. I loved that they were only 10 minutes long as that meant I could fit them in on my lunch break or before work started. I found the app so full of great sessions and advice, but this did feel like a bit too much at times and it made it difficult to find things. Also the number of emails I received from RWL about other products, promotions etc was way too much - Outlook automatically moved them all to junk as there were so many.
Overall, a good programme but the app and communications were just too busy for me.

I used the mamma rebuild as well. Loved they are super short “bite sized” exercises (although even that was a bit of a challenge with a newborn). They definitely felt like they were geared to people like me. I also loved the recipes that were on there. Some really quick, simple recipes. The app was a little difficult to navigate though and it did sort of feel like all the exercises had sort of been dumped on there at times, like not easy to navigate to or find where you left off.

I was selected as a product tester for the RWL Mama Home Workout Programme and I was overall impressed. You can pick short sessions which was handy as I could squeeze them into a busy day. As a mum, that’s such a big plus!

I love that there are different intensity options, so you can choose what suits you each day and go at your own pace. Whether I had lots of energy or just wanted something lighter, there was always an option that worked.

The site was easy to use and everything was pretty straightforward to find, which makes it even easier to stay consistent. Overall, it’s such a handy programme to have at home and perfect for fitting exercise around family life. I would definitely recommend to any mum who’s thinking of stepping back into fitness it’s there when she’s ready ✨

I received the email invitation and after a delay tried the first session. I’m a Pilates novice but have been regularly doing online Yoga for over 6 months.
The first session started without too much talk and with great energy, but I soon found I was wishing for more guidance or adaptations for those less experienced or less flexible.
Having not enjoyed the first session unfortunately I didn’t attempt the rest.

I am glad that I wasn’t the only one to not receive any link to join the RWL programme. I thought the glitch was all mine!
I was clearly on their system, as I was constantly receiving their marketing emails.

Having read the thread, I would be very interested in trying their app if they felt inclined to give us another go?

I was chosen for the free trial and was so grateful - a super way to kick off the new year. Admittedly, even with the flexibility of the app, I didn't manage to do as may as I was planning to so have extended my subscription which is amazing value when you consider what is included. Also got some training kit which is very high quality. Would highly recommend.

I was lucky enough to be selected for the mumma rebuild program and have found it quite good to fit in just for 10 minutes an day after my daughter goes to bed. I explored the app greatly and have since completed 2 other programs also (total transform and the first phase of total reset), and I am now a paying customer this last month. RWL has been life changing for me as I never had time to go to the gym classes I wanted, with work, a busy 3year old and a husband who works unpredictably away/very long days a lot. I am now 3 months in and I work out 6 times a week after my daughter goes to bed or before she wakes. It’s become a ritual for me and I am incredibly grateful to have been given this trial to find something that worked so wonderfully for me.

Power Pilates

It took me a while to get going with this, despite prompts, as I don’t have a regular exercise routine and it happened to coincide with an unexpectedly busy time in my life, which made things a bit trickier, so I probably didn’t give it as much time as I should have. I discovered that I like Pilates and will definitely come back to that, though. I think it might be worth revisiting this in a few months when life has hopefully settled down a bit. Overall, I think it’s potentially helpful if you’ve got the discipline to incorporate it into regular practice and if it fits with the rest of life!

It took ages for the registration and things to come through. I looked at everything a couple of times, but then it was Christmas and I didn't have time, and I didn't get into the habit. I do think it looked good but I would suggest starting it in the new year, or a new school year. Otherwise things crowd in and you won't get going