Our story
Women's health specialist services, built by a woman who needed it first.
Viva Core is the women's health hub Joyce Mwape wished had existed during her own postnatal recovery. Today it's a specialist home for women's health education, movement and empowerment, based in Northampton with global reach. Evidence-led, personal, and warm.
Joyce Mwape
Meet Joyce
Founder · BASI-Qualified Pilates Instructor
Viva Core was born out of frustration. Frustration at the lack of joined-up support during the postpartum period. A six-week check up that was mostly a tickbox exercise. A diastasis recti and hernia which was causing pain and discomfort. Multiple appointments with no results, for a process that's repeated countless times.
Something was broken - and Viva Core started as one woman's ambition to create a hub for women, to raise awareness and promote healing through movement. Joyce didn't come into this business for Pilates. She came into it because of the lack of a supportive postnatal pathway and the gaps in healthcare for women after birth. Pilates was the vehicle which helped her body heal, alongside physio and wider clinical support.
So she trained, and has continued training. Today she's a BASI-qualified Pilates instructor with specialist training in injuries, pre-hab and post-op rehabilitation, working as an injury and rehab specialist alongside physios, consultants and GPs.
Menopause and perimenopause thread through her private teaching too. When you work 1:1 with Joyce, whatever stage you're in, the session meets you there.
"I am building the women's health service I wish I'd had. A place where women's health education and empowerment take centre stage, whether it's at a workshop or in the Pilates studio."
Joyce Mwape
Our philosophy
What guides everything we do
Four principles shape how we design our classes, choose our partners and show up for our community.
Trust & Transparency
We promise to work in a way that's truthful and respectful. There will be mutual trust and understanding, and if at any point something doesn't feel right, please speak up.
Research-led
Everything we do is evidence based. We partner with specialists across clinical health, nutrition, movement and coaching to bring you support that is credible and personalised.
Community
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Join us on our mission to improve health outcomes for women through every stage of life.
Innovative & Responsive
Women's bodies are not static, and neither are we. We keep investing in research, listening to your experiences, and adapting our support.
Our home
The Vulcan Works studio
A warm, welcoming space with clinical-grade Pilates equipment in the heart of Northampton.
Teaching team
The instructors on the mat
The people you'll actually meet in class, leading every session with care and precision.
Joyce Mwape
Founder
Joyce founded Viva Core out of her own women's-health journey. Specialist in pre- and postnatal care, Diastasis Recti and, most recently, Pilates for injuries, pre-hab and post-op recovery.
Tammy-Ann
STOTT Pilates · 30+ Years Fitness
Tammy-Ann is a STOTT certified Pilates teacher and fitness instructor with over 30 years experience in the fitness industry. Her passion is to help her clients grow in mind, body and soul - to love better, get stronger and truly thrive.
Multi-disciplinary partners
Our specialist network
The women's-health professionals we work alongside, for referrals, workshops and joined-up care. The same partners who power our workplace and community programmes.
Melody Evans
WOMEN'S HEALTHPHYSIOTHERAPIST
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health with 20+ years of experience. Delivers compassionate, research-led menopause and perimenopause training.
WORKS WITH
- Pelvic floor
- Postnatal recovery
- Menopause
Samantha Rossi
Naturopathic Nutritional TherapistHelps women shift mindset, nutrition and lifestyle, backed by 15 years in corporate wellness. Practical, sustainable support, not a diet plan.
WORKS WITH
- Hormonal balance
- Energy & sleep
- Midlife nutrition
Nathaly Ramos
Mindfulness SpecialistCo-Founder of Find Your Flouu, Nat helps individuals feel more alive every day using a proven framework, equipping women with day-to-day tools for managing stress.
WORKS WITH
- Stress & burnout
- Breath work
- Daily practice
Lola Makinde
HR Specialist & Career CoachFellow of the CIPD with 20+ years in HR, Organisation Development and Career Coaching. Combines professional expertise with lived menopause experience, central to our workplace programmes.
WORKS WITH
- Workplace menopause
- Career coaching
- HR consulting
PARTNER WITH US
Clinician, coach or brand aligned with our mission?
Recognised across Northampton & beyond
As featured in
Independent press coverage and a formal seat at the county's business table, Viva Core is part of the conversation about women's health in Northamptonshire.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Senior Reporter Katie Wheatley profiled Joyce and Viva Core's female-only, education-first approach, reformer & equipment Pilates in the heart of the town, with a free community class every other Wednesday.
READ THE ARTICLE →Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce
Viva Core is a featured member of the Northamptonshire Chamber, sharing updates on free community classes and the new Menopause Corporate Partnership Programme with the county's wider business community.
View Chamber profile →Love Business East Midlands
Love Business East Midlands covered Viva Core's plans to form a new non-profit, Viva Core CIC, and founder Joyce Mwape's ambitions to open a second studio in Zambia.
READ THE ARTICLE →