“Post-Covid, people are craving social interaction.”

So says Dorset personal trainer, Ginette Brandon-Smith.

It may be three years since the pandemic hit the UK, but we’re still feeling the effects.

And none more so than with our physical and mental health.

Ginette, Founder of Powered From Within PT, said: “Since Covid, I think people are much more aware of their health and wellbeing.

“Remember when we were limited to one form of exercise per day?

“Even going out for a walk became a luxury, not a chore – something to look forward to and be cherished.

“Many people realised the impact that exercise had not just on their physical health but on their mental health as well.

“Being able to get outdoors in nature gave us a chance to escape the four walls at home and gain a new perspective.”

The forced isolation seems to have also affected the way we exercise.

Earlier this year Ginette, 42, began running in-person group classes.

They were in response to the demand for fitness with social interaction.

She said: “As a personal trainer, I love working one-to-one with clients, being able to really get to know them and tailor exercise programmes to their exact needs.

“However, I also understand the value of training with others and the social boost it gives you.

“Clients and contacts alike were asking if I would run group strength and conditioning classes.

“They wanted to improve their fitness but also have fun in a social setting.

“There’s a unique atmosphere about training alongside others, supporting and cheering each other on.

“There’s a different connection when you’re turning up each week to check in with others and work towards a common goal.

“I’ve been amazed at how quickly my Monday night classes have filled up.

“There’s clearly a need out there.”

The cost of living crisis is also having an impact on exercise, according to Ginette.

She said: “With costs going up everywhere, people still want to invest in their health but need to find ways to save money at the same time.

“Group classes are cheaper than one-to-one sessions or gym memberships, giving more flexibility and a lower monthly cost.”

Having grown up in North Dorset, Ginette relocated from Kent to Christchurch in 2009.

She said: “From a young age, I have always been passionate about exercise and a fan of training, long-distance running and the gym.

“Originally, I worked in care and then teaching, but when I became pregnant with my second son Fraser, I couldn’t find a trainer or class that had expertise in pregnancy fitness.

“After a lot of research, I found a superb specialist based in New Zealand who offered the right sort of training.

“I wanted to be able to lift weights and carry on resistance work but had no idea how to do it safely.

“I couldn’t believe that this sort of expertise wasn’t available to women at such a critical time in their lives.

Ginette with her son, Fraser.

“After Fraser was born in 2014, I retrained in pregnancy and postnatal personal training so I could offer women the support they need.

“I am passionate about empowering women and supporting them with their fitness journey through all stages of life, from pregnancy to menopause and beyond.

“As women, we carry a lot – both mentally and physically.

“Your body should be the one thing that you can always rely on.

“Having confidence in your body brings confidence in other areas of your life too.

“I believe strongly in the power of strength from within, both emotionally and physically.”

Ginette is part of a dynamic local business duo.

Her husband Alex, pictured right, has his own successful business, The New Forest Locksmith, and together they run The Cedarwoods, their luxury Airbnb.

When she’s not running classes or personal training sessions, Ginette can be found out for a run on the beach or on her paddleboard.

She said: “My husband and I had talked for years about living by the sea.

“I’m so glad we made the move all those years ago and are now bringing our boys up so close to the coast.

“We are lucky to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world.”

• poweredfromwithinpt.com