A WINSFORD mum who trained until she was 37 weeks pregnant is hoping to inspire others to keep fit during their pregnancy.

Ali Banahan, who lives in Grange Lane, carried on lifting weights until she was within two weeks of her due date.

Since giving birth to George nine months ago, Ali, 37, has been training for her first competition and promoting the benefits of training while pregnant.

She said: “I followed advice from my GP before I went on. As I had been training before and have been doing for quite a few years, I was fit and healthy to carry on.

“It made me feel better and helped me have more energy. It helped with my sickness, as well.

“It helped a lot with my hormones. If I felt down I would get to the gym – it was a mood enhancer. I would be on the squat rack and everyone would be looking at me. It spurred me on.

“At the end of my pregnancy I was lifting heaver weights – I actually got stronger as I went on.”

New mum Ali is now balancing training with her work at the DW gym in Winsford Cross.

She has enlisted the help of an online coach, and will be competing in the bikini and fitness model category at a Milton Keynes competition in October.

As well as personal gain, she is hoping that her work can inspire those around her but stresses the importance of seeking the advice of a doctor before making a decision.

She said: “I used to look forward to workouts, and enjoyed them. I was determined to carry on.

“My friends and family were really supportive and thought it was great. I helped to inspire a few of my friends.

“The doctor’s advice was: if you have been training beforehand there is no reason not to carry on what you are doing. Obviously it depends on what your body can do. Listen to your body.”