Pregnant?
At what point should I begin “Prenatal Exercise”? There is no one size fits all and it’s less about fitness level and more about preparing your body for the changes to come. At Active Mom Fitness you are welcome at any trimester. By starting to focus on prenatal-specific exercise early, you’ll learn how to properly incorporate the pelvic floor into core and strength training. Starting in the third trimester will help you stay active until delivery while preparing you for the postpartum period.
What training options are available to me? You can review all of your options by navigating to the menu of services. All options can be purchased and scheduled online. If you’d like to form your own group of 2-4 people, you can use the contact form to set it up.
Can I continue to work with Active Mom Fitness after pregnancy? Absolutely! It is advised to work with a postnatal exercise specialist so that your return to exercise addresses the changes to your body in an effective and safe way.
Are there any precautions I should take with exercising while pregnant? Make sure you have supportive shoes and a good bra. Stay well hydrated. Eat a snack before exercise. Avoid overheating. Challenge yourself, but don’t lift weights that cause you to strain. We follow the ACOG/ACSM guidelines. Click here for information on when to stop exercising while pregnant.
Postpartum?
Am I considered postpartum? The term postpartum often has different meanings. The true definition is “following childbirth”. We use the term postpartum, but your workouts are always going to be need-based and not based on a specific timeframe. So whether 6 weeks after birth or 6 years, if it’s your first step toward fitness after having a baby we’re going to start building your core strength fitness foundation first. All postpartum groups will assume you need to start with building a fitness foundation before beginning more vigorous activity.
How soon can I begin exercise after having a baby? Most people will wait to be “cleared for exercise”. The issue with this is that your medical clearance has nothing to do with your fitness ability or your personal progression in exercise. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but for most people who did not have a complicated delivery, you can start reconnecting with your pelvic floor and deep core muscles through breath, walking, and stretching before 6-8 weeks. You should not start more vigorous activity until after you have been cleared by your doctor, and after you have begun to address core strength and functional needs. You can begin working with Active Mom Fitness when you feel ready to start moving more.
What training options are available to me? You can review all of your options by navigating to the menu of services. All options can be purchased and scheduled online. If you’d like to form your own group of 2-4 people, you can use the contact form to set it up.
How do I know if my abs are separated and can you fix it? Abdominal separation is called diastasis recti, which is the separation of your rectus abdominal muscles (six packs abs). The actual muscles aren’t torn, but the connective tissue connecting the muscles is stretched, causing your abdominal muscles to be separated from each other. Google it and you’ll probably find exercise Do’s and Don’ts, and promises to fix it. It’s really not that black and white; as depth, amount of separation, integrity of the connective tissue, and your ability to activate your muscles all come into play. As a fitness professional, it’s out of my scope to “diagnose” diastasis recti or any pelvic floor concern, but I do assess for it and will design your program around it.
Can I bring my baby to the studio? There is no dedicated childcare area in the studio, but you may bring your immobile baby to private training (inquire about group series space) if childcare is a barrier. There is a changing table and you are welcome to feed and attend to your baby as needed.
I don’t think I have any postpartum issues, will your workouts still be challenging for me? Yes! All exercise programs are going to be safe and progressive, yet challenging.
Can I continue to work with you after the postpartum period? Absolutely! Moms should feel strong and confident through all stages of motherhood. See the menu of services to learn more about your options.
More Info for All
What is the Core, Function & Fitness training method? This approach was created by Ashley Reid and has helped hundreds of moms feel strong and confident. The idea is that core strength and function is the base of your pyramid, next you should be able to function and move through daily life and workouts without pain, and finally fitness represents what you’d typically think of when it comes to exercise goals (cardio, strength, flexibility, running, weight loss, etc.). You can also look at this method as a pie chart. Your needs will determine what percentage each component holds and will shift as you progress and move through motherhood.
Can I combine services? Yup! You can participate in as many services or programs as you’d like.
My kids are older, are the workouts still good for me? Yes! I know the demands of motherhood both from a physical standpoint and a time perspective. I make sure your workouts address your needs and goals, and that you're not wasting your time exercising without a plan. You’ll gain core strength, muscle definition, and more. The Core, Function & Fitness membership is meant for moms like you!
I’m not a mom, can I still work out with you? Indeed you can. I choose to work with moms because there is a gap in knowledge and care when it comes to prenatal and postpartum exercise. However, my approach to core training and fitness is beneficial and result-producing for everyone. Please contact me for training options.
Do I need to do the Consult session? It is required with private training. If you want your group sessions to feel personalized or if you have specific concerns, then you should also schedule a consultation.
What do you have at the studio? The studio is fully stocked with bands, dumbbells, barbells, Hip thrust, TRX trainers, benches, steps, Pilates balls, mats, and other equipment. There is a restroom with a changing table. You’ll have a place to hang your coat and put small belongings like keys/phone. There is no lobby/waiting area, lockers, or showers. There is no parking lot, but street parking is free (the studio is located a 1/2 block from the Berks station stop on the Market Frankford line).