Your body changes. Your life changes. The way you exercise should, too.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Guidance, Grounded in Research
I’m Ashley Reid, an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and the author of Active Mom. I help moms stay active through every stage of motherhood, from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond.
My book, blog, and free videos answer the questions that come up as your body and life change. You’ll learn what to do, why you’re doing it, and when to adjust it.
Knowing What Exercise to Do During Pregnancy and Postpartum Isn’t Always Simple
Your core, pelvic floor, energy, and schedule change as you move through the different stages of motherhood, so it’s not always clear which exercise advice applies to you. Most moms want to stay active. The challenge is knowing how.
Of course you have questions. My goal is to help you understand what your body needs so you can make informed exercise choices at every stage.
What Is the Core, Function and Fitness® Framework?
Core, Function and Fitness® (CFF) is a trademarked approach empowering moms to exercise with confidence through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Whether you train at home, in the gym, with a coach, or through an app, CFF gives you the framework to know what to do, why you’re doing it, and how to safely adapt every movement.
CORE
Your core runs from your diaphragm to your pelvic floor and wraps around your abs and back. It works with your breath to support everything you do, which makes it the foundation of CFF.
FUNCTION
Function is training for the physical demands of everyday life. Those demands change from pregnancy to lifting, carrying, and chasing your child.
FITNESS
Fitness is training toward goals like building strength, running a race, or playing a sport. Prioritizing your core and function first sets you up for success with these goals.
Feel Strong and Confident in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Beyond
I wrote Active Mom (Bloomsbury, 2026) because a guide like this didn’t exist, and you deserve it. It helps you figure out where to start, make decisions about core and strength training as your needs change, and fit exercise into a busy family life.
Inside, you’ll find:
A self-assessment to find your starting point
Guidance for diastasis recti, incontinence, and back pain
Core and strength training charts
Pause, Push, or Pivot, a simple way to adjust any workout
Meet Ashley Reid, Exercise Physiologist and Author
I’m an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, a mom, and the author of Active Mom. In 2017, I opened Active Mom Fitness, a strength training studio in Philadelphia, where I coached hundreds of moms through pregnancy and postpartum. The studio was named Best Exercise Program for New & Expecting Moms four times by Philadelphia Family Magazine.
Today, I share what I’ve learned through my book, blog, and free videos, and I speak and consult with organizations on exercise throughout motherhood.
Get the Answers You’re Looking For
-
Read the Book
Start with a self-assessment, build your core and strength, and learn how to adjust as your body and life change.
-
Read the Blog
Find research-based answers to common questions about exercise during pregnancy and postpartum.
-
Watch the Videos
See exercise workouts and tutorials in action on YouTube, with cues and tips for each movement.
Featured In
What Leading Authorities Say
“Through evidence-based guidance and tangible goals, Ashley empowers moms to take care of their physical wellbeing in a very conscious way. I will be recommending Active Mom to all of my patients!“
— Jessica Vernon, MD, OB/GYN
“This book will provide a foundation and framework to know what can and should be done to stay active during your pregnancy and after your baby is born. This book will help you start your path to being happier and healthier during and after your pregnancy to be an Active Mom!”
— Dr. Linda May, associate professor in the Kinesiology Department at East Carolina University
“An insightful and well-written example of what prenatal and postpartum exercise should truly look like—thoughtful and intentional. A must-read for all moms and moms-to-be!”
— Dr. Samantha Fazio Semar, PT, DPT, PHC