Pregnancy and Post Natal
Becoming a mother is one of life's greatest joys but the path can sometimes be tough physically and mentally and can challenge our bodies in ways never expected or experienced before.
Endless changes to medical advice over past decades have left a lot of confusion as to the safety and suitability of exercise during and post pregnancy, leaving many to err on the side of caution and reduce or totally remove exercise from their daily activity. This unfortunately can lead to unnecessary worry, complications and a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing. As a qualified specialist in Pre and Post Natal fitness, I have a good understanding of the research and evidence showing the benefits of exercise during your pregnancy and post natal months and can guide you in a safe and enjoyable way.
There are a handful of medical complications during pregnancy in which expectant mums may be advised to not exercise and we should always follow Doctors advice on this. However, if your pregnancy is low risk, with no known complications, then you are able to continue, or even start on your fitness journey, knowing that you are helping prepare your body for managing the extra stresses that it will experience, including weight gain, change of posture, labour and recovery.
When Post-natal, it is very wise to follow a planned route back to exercise which would include an abdominal assessment for 'Diastasis Recti'. Following this a gradual reintroduction to abdominal/core work, walking, gentle bodyweight exercising and then when ready the addition of weighted exercises and more intense cardiovascular work that improves, not detracts from your post birth recovery.
Classes
I openly welcome pregnant and post natal clients into my regular classes and will ensure all necessary adaptions are made so you can workout in a safe manner whilst still getting all the enjoyment and motivation that comes from group exercise classes.
For those with babies and young children, I also run a specific MUMFIT class which allows you to exercise without the need to find childcare. We work on strengthening your muscles and improving your cardio ability ready for all that carrying, playing and sports day races that comes with parenthood! You'll also have the added social benefit of meeting lots of other likeminded individuals that have similar age children in your local area.
Personal Training
If you'd like some more specific help during your pregnancy and/or post natal journey then Personal Training would be a great option. Babies are welcome in all personal training sessions to assist with childcare. Clients often like to start with some private 1-2-1 sessions for a few weeks before entering back into group exercise classes.
Rebuilding your Post-Natal Body
5 part series to support you on your post natal journey. It doesn't matter if you are 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years of 30 years post natal, your body would have adapted and changed during your pregnancy journey and the impact on this can stay long term. Getting the basics right is fundemental to allow yourself to progress with your fitness performance and goals as well as living in a body you have confidence and trust in.
Work you're way through each of the 5 videos to develop your understanding of how your body many have changed and how you can help yourself to remedy any lasting side effects.