Prenatal and Postnatal Fitness
There are many great reasons to exercise during pregnancy including, reduction in overall weight gained, relief from back aches, sleeplessness, and overall mood to name a few. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women exercise for at least 30 minutes on most if not all days of the week. According to Dr. James Clapp, author of Exercising Through Your Pregnancy, prenatal exercise is associated with a 35% reduction in the need for pain medications during labor, 75% reduction in maternal exhaustion, 50% fewer episiotomies, and 75% reduction in the need for Cesarean sections. One of the most important benefits to prenatal fitness classes is meeting other women who are going through this exciting phase along with you.
Postnatal classes are extremely beneficial to new mothers. Some great reasons to workout after the birth of your child are; improved mental and physical state, relief from back pain and incontinence, and building community with other new moms. Studies have shown that women who participate in structured exercise after the birth of their child have more success at losing body fat and keeping it off one year postpartum (O'Toole 2003). After the birth of your baby you will not be approved to workout until your doctor has given you the OK around 6 weeks postpartum. There are a few very small things you can do during those 6 weeks, like Kegel exercises to help regain strength in your pelvic floor, and "hollowing" an abdominal exercise that helps bring your abdominal muscles back together. Both of these exercises will be covered in more detail throughout the prenatal classes.
Prenatal and Postnatal will be held twice a week for 8 weeks. Classes will be structured to fit your level of fitness. Please check the calendar for upcoming class dates and times. All prenatal participants must provide a letter from their doctors approving them for exercise by the first class meeting. All postnatal participants less than 12 weeks postpartum must provide a release from their doctor prior to the first class meeting.
Postnatal classes are extremely beneficial to new mothers. Some great reasons to workout after the birth of your child are; improved mental and physical state, relief from back pain and incontinence, and building community with other new moms. Studies have shown that women who participate in structured exercise after the birth of their child have more success at losing body fat and keeping it off one year postpartum (O'Toole 2003). After the birth of your baby you will not be approved to workout until your doctor has given you the OK around 6 weeks postpartum. There are a few very small things you can do during those 6 weeks, like Kegel exercises to help regain strength in your pelvic floor, and "hollowing" an abdominal exercise that helps bring your abdominal muscles back together. Both of these exercises will be covered in more detail throughout the prenatal classes.
Prenatal and Postnatal will be held twice a week for 8 weeks. Classes will be structured to fit your level of fitness. Please check the calendar for upcoming class dates and times. All prenatal participants must provide a letter from their doctors approving them for exercise by the first class meeting. All postnatal participants less than 12 weeks postpartum must provide a release from their doctor prior to the first class meeting.