Exercising at Barreworks during pregnancy

Discovering you are pregnant is exciting, but it can also be over-whelming and a little confusing. Mixed (and often contradictory) theories about exercise during pregnancy can lead you to conclude that it’s just better not to exercise at all. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

You should always follow the advice of your GP or care-giver, but in principle, there is no reason why (whenever you feel up to it) you shouldn’t exercise all the way through your pregnancy. In fact, there are plenty of reasons why you should.

The benefits of exercise during pregnancy include:
- An easier pregnancy
- An easier labour
- Healthier, calmer and leaner babies
- A faster return to your pre-pregnancy weight
- Less likelihood to suffer depression and severe tiredness
- Overcoming morning sickness.

Our unique and highly effective exercises are suitable for all stages of your pregnancy, so if you’re already enjoying our classes, you can keep going! If you’re keen to start something new, come and try a class any time.

We always take your individual needs into account and you will be fully supervised during any class you take. We do a full screening before you begin taking classes and will make minor modifications, where required as you progress through your pregnancy and/or if you encounter any limitations to your movement. Instructors are fully trained in Pre and Ante-Natal exercise. We also provide support materials for you to take home so that you feel well-informed about what your body is able to do at this time.

We don’t run dedicated pre and ante-natal classes because we find that most clients enjoy being able to take a ‘regular‘ Barreworks class with other clients, to remain challenged and reminded of the fact that being pregnant does not need to limit your exercise regime.

If you have any further questions in relation to exercising at Barreworks during pregnancy, please contact [email protected] or call 0208 940 5746. To find out how other Barreworks clients have enjoyed the benefits of our classes during and after their pregnancies, read their testimonials below.

Testimonials

"I was a Barreworks regular when I fell pregnant with my son. I really believe the core strength I gained from the exercises helped me have a very happy and healthy pregnancy and I felt energised. I started classes again about 8 weeks post-natal and feel so much better for it! My strength and stamina have reappeared and the extra pounds have gone. The classes also give me a welcome hour to focus on myself!"
Liz Mehdevy

"I continued to really enjoy my Barreworks classes during my pregnancy - its surprising what your rapidly expanding body will still allow you to do. The great thing about Barreworks classes is that there’s no easy ride, but you get close supervision and modifications to the exercises if you need them. And when you feel tempted to just put your feet up and eat for two, you know that the endorphin release you’ll get from a class will make it worth the effort - you get a tough, but safe, workout and you leave feeling even more blooming (and ready for cake!)!"
Kate Peters

“On finding out I was pregnant I was determined to continue exercising. When morning sickness set in and in fact throughout my pregnancy, I was grateful for the low impact, yet highly effective nature of  the classes. I continued attending right up to the day before I gave birth. I'm convinced Barreworks had a large part to play in my quick (12 hours), natural labour. I returned to classes 9 weeks later. I'm delighted to say my daughter is not quite 6 months old and I have already returned to my pre-pregnancy weight and I feel fitter than I have in years. I'd recommend Barreworks to anyone, pregnant or not.”
Nikki Dawson

“I started exercising at Barreworks 2 months after the birth of my first baby (age 36 going on 37). Vicki immediately put me at ease by a thorough check to see that my stomach had returned to a state where abdominal work was safe again and after that I never looked back. Classes at Barreworks helped me regain my pre pregnancy shape (indeed more toned than pre baby) without any silly crash diets and whilst having a lot of fun at the same time. The varying times of classes meant I was able to easily fit in regular exercise around a small baby and a return to work. The fantastic music, variety of classes and general camaraderie at the Studio made me feel like the old me as opposed to just a Mummy. The exercises are also really well suited to those who are still breast feeding (you will know what I mean if you have ever tried to do the wrong kind of exercise with leaky boobs!). 18 months later I fell pregnant with my second child. I am now a week off my due date and still a regular attendee at Barreworks classes. Unlike my first pregnancy I have felt welcomed in class despite my expanding shape – the classes have also helped ensure that the main body part expanding is my stomach as opposed to other areas! Whenever I have felt tired or sick with the pregnancy, a session at Barreworks has always made me feel better. I have been able to carry on doing largely the same exercises as everyone else save for in latter stages where tummy work has been adapted seamlessly by Vicki (and without making you feel like you are some sort of invalid). I cannot recommend Barreworks highly enough for either post or pre natal women and am very happy to talk to anyone who might be considering going along – try a class and you won’t look back! It’s addictive!”
Anneliese Day