Which prenatal fitness class is best for me?
Hey Mama - Congratulations! You’re expecting a new bundle of joy and now you’ve made the decision to stay active and fit during your pregnancy. Searching the internet for what to do and how to do it can be overwhelming (check out the 2019 Canadian Guidelines here). It’s also a huge season of change which can be hard to adapt to and keep up with your fitness regimes on your own.
As prenatal fitness specialists we understand that the health, safety and comfort of baby and mom-to-be are of the utmost importance so all our programs are safe and effective for every stage of pregnancy. In addition, our instructors are sensitive to common prenatal “ailments” and can offer modifications tailored to each participant. It's also important to consider which components of fitness you are achieving on your own, and which you could use some support with.
Whether you’re new to exercise, easing back into things, a seasoned gym-goer looking for prenatal friendly options, or someone looking for a fun way to connect with other pregnant people, we strive to have a class option that you will LOVE. Read on to see which classes will be right for you.
Prenatal Cardio + Strength
key features: cardio, strength, core, stretching
In this moderate intensity class, participants perform a variety of exercises that offer practical, “real-life” training for the prenatal and postpartum mama. With a range of low to medium impact options you can work at the level you are comfortable, while still getting the benefits of the specific movement.
As the name implies, you can expect to receive the benefits of cardiovascular exercise as well as full-body strength and core training. Strength training helps promote good posture and alignment so you can support your growing baby and belly. Whether you’re looking ease back in, maintain or increase fitness levels during pregnancy, this class would be a great choice.
Current schedule: Sessions | fit together (fittogetherwpg.ca)
Prenatal Barre
Key features: posture, strength, core & stretching set to fun music
This low impact, ballet-inspired class offers low to moderate intensity exercises that are specially designed to improve core strength and develop stabilizing muscles (think shoulders and hips). Using mostly body weight and light dumbbells, exercises focus on isometric movement - flexing the muscle without contracting or expanding it, like pulsing. Moving to music is also a feature of this class.
This class promotes good posture – which is so important during pregnancy. Proper core stability and alignment will help ease and prevent lower back pain. Many women prefer lower impact activities – especially later on in pregnancy – so this class is ideal if you’re looking strengthen your body and core but keep impact to a minimum.
Current schedule: Sessions | fit together (fittogetherwpg.ca)
Prenatal Pilates
Key features: posture, strength, core & stretching in a relaxing atmosphere
This low impact class offers low to moderate intensity exercises that are specially designed to improve core strength and develop stabilizing muscles. Using body weight , exercises focus on on careful muscle activation.
This class promotes good posture – which is so important during pregnancy. Proper core stability and alignment will help ease and prevent lower back pain. Many women prefer lower impact activities – especially later on in pregnancy – so this class is ideal if you’re looking strengthen your body and core but keep impact to a minimum.
Current schedule: Sessions | fit together (fittogetherwpg.ca)
Prenatal Aquafit
Key features: weightlessness, low impact cardio, pain reduction, core, better sleep
Aquafit class is one of our most popular classes for prenatal participants. It offers low impact, moderate intensity exercise and you’ll get a mix of cardio and strength training – especially for the core and upper body. Water offers a feeling of weightlessness – so there’s no stress on the joints and you can “take a break” from supporting the weight of that growing belly!
Besides reaping all the health benefits of physical exercise, you’ll also find the hydrostatic pressure helps reduce swelling and increase circulation. This class is particularly beneficial to women with pelvic/girdle pain, pelvic floor discomfort and Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction. Even if your joints are aching, many mamas-to-be find these pains lift as they enter the water and participants report a better sleep after class.
Current schedule: Sessions | fit together (fittogetherwpg.ca)
Prenatal Yoga
Key features: mind-body connection, lower body strength, breathing exercises, flexibility, relaxation
Relax and enjoy yourself at our prenatal yoga classes. Each class includes the components of a yoga class, but tailored to the prenatal body. You’ll stretch and strengthen all your muscles from head to toe, focusing on strong core and pelvic floor stability.
Combining breath work with mindful, relaxation segments, you’ll connect with baby and enjoy the benefits of reduced stress and less aches and pains. Focused and mindful breathing helps train the body and mind for labour and delivery.
This is a great class if you are looking to destress, and prepare physically and mentally for the challenge of labour.
Current schedule: Sessions | fit together (fittogetherwpg.ca)
Prenatal Personal Training
Key features: personalized training tailored to your needs. convenience of exercising at home
Our prenatal personal training programs are tailored to each individual so if you have specific goals or needs, this approach would be right for you. It also has the flexibility of working around your own schedule – which is great if you have a busy calendar, work shift work or have other children already at home. Your trainer will create a plan that meets your needs. Training is virtual for 2021.
This program is perfect if your have a busy schedule and want to maximize your prenatal training program at home.
Current schedule: Sessions | fit together (fittogetherwpg.ca)
While all of our classes promote physical health and well-being, the power of relationships during this special time are also important for your emotional health and well-being. Our classes foster a safe environment to connect with other women that “get” what you’re going through. It’s a place to talk and ask questions and we’ve seen so many friendships blossom in our classes, both prenatal and postnatal.
No matter what class you choose, Fit Together’s prenatal programs will prepare you for your labour, delivery and postpartum journey with confidence, support and strength. If you have any questions or would like to try out one of our classes, please contact Aileen at: aileen@fittogether.ca.
Cheers and have fun!
Ashley & Aileen, Fit Together prenatal instructors
