Training when pregnant...recommendations please Post Reply

[firsttimemum_101]

Hi all,

So, this is my first ever post so forgive me if I don't get it quite right.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations of somewhere I can continue to train whilst pregnant? I know that there are really mixed views on how much you can do in each trimester, but I don't want to give up everything I have been doing.

Yoga and Pilates is really not my thing, no offence to those who love it, so I don't really feel like the pregnancy yoga sessions are going to stretch me enough (excuse the pun)!

Does anyone know of anywhere that does any specific pregnancy classes or of any personal trainers that are experienced in training during pregnancy?

I'm based in the Clapham area

Any help would be really welcomed.

Thank you x

[Jane Wake]

Hi First Time Mum! My name is Jane Wake and I'm an expert in pregnancy fitness, a big Nappy Valley supporter and of course a Mum. I teach antenatal Pilates but please trust me when I say, its so so much more than just Pilates! I have studied sports science to masters level and became very frustrated during my own pregnancies because there was so little information out there for people like you and me to be able to find out what is safe and what it not and what will actually benefit both you and your baby during pregnancy. There is lots of great research about Yoga in Pregnancy which is why you'll see it recommended so much and why its favoured a lot by pregnant mums. There is more research however on cardiovascular exercise - the right amount and type can not only give you amazing health benefits but it can also have a dramatic effect on your baby too! the problem is a lot of people are unsure how much is enough and how much is too much. Even trained fitness instructors and personal trainers don't always have the right info. Here's the thing though - every woman and every pregnancy is different. If you've exercised a lot prior to pregnancy then you'll be able to do something different to some one who has not. but conversely if you have specific health issues or joint or muscle issues, the level to which you will be able to exercise will again differ. This is why its so important to exercise under the care of someone who really knows what they are talking about. Then there is your strength - Ask any mother and they will confirm that giving birth is probably the most strenuous thing you can possibly do! Im not trying to put you off - Mother nature has sorted most of that out for you! Our bodies are designed to do the most amazing things. BUT if you are already strong, have worked your core muscles including the pelvic floor correctly, are aware of your posture, are confident, feel empowered and strong, then its going to have a dramatic effect on the birth and your postnatal recovery. So thats what I do in my classes. They are called antenatal pilates but I teach you how to lift, carry, move functionally, do cardiovascular exercise, breathe, connect, strength exercise, core work, become body aware and most of all be strong and confident to give birth. I also do a free trial! https://www.janewake.com/

[Catherine123]

I used and would strongly recommend Charlie Launder a specialist pre and postnatal PT (google Bumps and burpees). I found her on here! She was great keeping me in shape for the birth and sorting me out afterwards!

[firsttimemum_101]

Thank you so much Jane and Catherine, this is a really helpful starting point.
I will definitely look into it further but great to get some tips x

[dudette]

I kept fit with both my pregnancies by swimming. The good thing about it is you can keep doing it right up to term (do front crawl, not breast stroke which can damage your ligaments). When you're heavily pregnant it's so nice to ease yourself into the water and feel supported and lightweight again.

[Lilybarsid]

I know you're looking for something a bit more sweaty, but I'd recommend giving Jane's classes a go. I went throughout both of my pregnancies (and to her antenatal classes after no.1) and felt suitably challenged throughout. I also felt safe knowing that her teachers were both knowledgeable in their field as well as having their own experiences of childbirth that could be applied to their teaching. Good luck with it all! x

[SJ1979]

Fit for a Princess is great and lots of pregnant ladies still go to their classes, some right up until their due date.
There are always alternatives for you to do which the trainer will give you if you're pregnant.

[NadyaFairweather]

Hi First time mum,
First of all congrats on your pregnancy. I hope it's going well so far. I run a mobile personal training company and I currently have three amazing pre and post natal trainers working with me. I trained all the way up to my due date with both of my pregnancies and it definitely helped with recovery! If you need any information please feel free to look at our website u-shape.co.uk
We have lots of info on there. Or you can contact myself nadya@u-shape.co.uk or sian@u-shape.co.uk
Best wishes,
Nadya

[TheParent&BabyCoach]

I would 100% recommend Hub Pregnancy (The Hub - Clapham Common). I went today for the first time, it's an hour class and really works you hard (but in the right way for pregnancy!). A lot of it was circuit/HIT type exercises , and I genuinely came away feeling like I had worked out which is rare for a pregnancy class I think!

Do give them a call, they offer a first trial class free and if you do, mention The Parent and Baby Coach.

[firsttimemum_101]

Hi everyone - thank you so much for your posts!! I actually tried out Hub Pregnancy and absolutely love it! They don't only do fitness they have osteopaths there as well and massage therapists. Definitely worth checking out really enjoying going there x