Independent Studio and women’s health expert Shakira Akabusi have launched a YouTube channel, ‘Strong Like Mum’, to empower mothers to lead healthy and active lives through pregnancy and beyond
With its launch on YouTube this week, ‘Strong Like Mum’ aims to support women with practical advice, creating a welcoming and convenient space to rebuild strength and confidence.
The channel combines structured workouts, honest conversation and community connection, helping mothers prioritise their physical and emotional wellbeing.
“During pregnancy, people often want to tell you of the things you’ll never do again. I think it’s time to shatter the stereotype”, says Akabusi.
Beyond fitness, Akabusi is an ambassador for 50:50 Parliament and works with Mental Health UK to champion women’s representation and open conversations around maternal mental wellbeing.
Olivia Foster, creative director at Independent Studio, says: “Having first met Shakira a decade ago, I remember being immediately struck by her ability to offer easy-to-follow fitness advice that felt truly actionable.
“She has a unique, relatable style that stands out in a world that can feel really alienating for people who don’t know where to start. Now, launching the Strong Like Mum YouTube, our aim is to bring that unique voice to a much bigger audience, with a fitness proposition that really meets women where they’re at; whether that’s pre or postpartum.”
