Mums-to-be can follow in the footsteps of tennis star Andy Murray’s wife and try Pilates to keep fit during pregnancy.

Kim Sears, who gave birth to a girl on Sunday, was spotted going to a class just weeks before her due date.

The exercise technique is also a favourite with celebrities including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Fitness instructor Jane Brennan is keen to spread the word about Pilates and how it is suitable for men and women of all ages.

She works with pregnant women, new mums, the over-60s, people with multiple sclerosis, cancer sufferers and people recovering from surgery.

Jane runs classes across Medway but she is hoping to attract more people to one in particular, at Borstal Village Hall, or it may have to close. She needs to attract more to the class which is held on Wednesday mornings, because it is currently running at a loss.

The 51-year-old said: “It is a fantastic class. We have people aged 80 alongside people in their 20s, but not enough people know it is there. I have been running it for a year and really don’t want to stop doing it.”

Pilates aims to strengthen the body, with emphasis on core strength, to improve general fitness and wellbeing.

It is claimed that regular practice can help improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieving stress and tension.

Pilates was developed by German-born physicist Joseph Pilates, who believed mental and physical health are closely connected.

Jane, who has been running fitness classes for 35 years, said: “Pilates is about total body alignment. It tightens the core and lengthens muscles and limbs. It can help with all sorts of ailments and issues.

"The most important thing about Pilates is that it is non-impact but you see maximum results. The class in Borstal is a group class but it is catered to each individual.”

Visit www.janebrennanfitness.co.uk/ or call 07710 747499.