Wednesbury mum who beat obesity starts family fitness group

Sylwia Juranek started walking to overcome depression and began to lose weight

A free fitness group for families has been set up by a mum who began exercising to help her mental health.

Sylwia Juranek, 38, was inspired to start Active Stars at George Rose Park in Darlaston after overcoming obesity and depression through walking with her son.

The Wednesbury mum is hoping to encourage other families to enjoy the benefits of being more active.

"I want children to be growing up in healthy families," she said.

"Understanding how important it is to come outside, get some fresh air and have a healthy lifestyle."

Parent Connor said he enjoyed getting active at the park with his daughter

Ms Juranek, a single mum and director of community interest company Reach for a Star, found her son also benefited from the time spent exercising together.

"He would hop on his bike or his scooter and I just would walk behind him and start walking really fast," she said.

"I started losing weight, I started feeling better and his results at school have improved as well, his behaviour changed and our relationship improved."

Initially finding it hard to do 3,000 steps a day when she started in 2019, she built up to 18,000 by pushing herself a little further each time.

Within three years, she had lost 28kg (4 stones and 5 pounds) and now believes in the power of setting goals.

"With the kids we always tell them to push themselves a little extra," she said.

Parent Connor, who attended a session with daughter Luna, said the group was "brilliant" for fitness and sociability.

"It's outside it's in nature, it's different kids who can all talk and play and make friends doing it," he said.

Chanttel and son Archie enjoyed the one-on-one time spent exercising

Chanttel Hull said she and son Archie, 7, looked forward to the quality time together.

"It's encouraged him to be a bit more brave and social, so he's mixing with other children," she said.

The sessions, which promote wellbeing for all ages, will run every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 BST.