Pregnancy Fitness with Zoe

Around six months ago I learnt the delightful news that Zoe, a friend from the Glossopdale Harriers running club, was expecting her first baby. As we chatted I could tell she was 100% committed to keeping herself active and healthy throughout her pregnancy. She made the decision to be proactive in her approach to pregnancy fitness, and to be honest, I wouldn’t expect anything less from her. I was delighted to have her on board for Pregnancy Fitness. Zoe is a regular runner both socially and competitively, and was up for trying anything that would make pregnancy more comfortable and the birth … Continue reading

Exercise & Breastfeeding

A common concern for new mums is whether returning to exercise will have a negative effect on breast milk. Good news – there’s no evidence to support a detrimental effect from exercise. Once you’ve received the go-ahead to exercise safely from your doctor or midwife (and been checked for a tummy gap – see below*) there’s no reason to stay on the sofa. In fact, the benefits that come from exercise are immeasurable (improved mood, better sleep and energy, time for you – to name a few). You’ll need to find the best time for you and baby to exercise – most women … Continue reading

Preconception Fitness

We believe that there is no better time to take control of your physical and mental health than when you are considering getting pregnant.   Undertaking regular exercise can go a long way towards ensuring normal conception and a healthy, happy pregnancy. If you are healthy then there’s a good chance your eggs will be too, and your womb will be in the best condition to receive the egg and lead to a viable pregnancy. And don’t just think preconception fitness is only for the woman – men need to be producing healthy sperm – making babies is a two person thing! Being fitter, stronger, and at … Continue reading

Certified Pregnancy Fitness Instructor

We are pleased to announce that Lynne is now a fully qualified Pregnancy Fitness specialist. Pre-Natal and Pregnancy fitness plans are now available to help prepare you for your pregnancy and birth. Personal Training in the pre-natal period is tailored towards preparing your body for pregnancy, learning strategies to help you connect with your pelvic floor by strengthening (and relaxing) the pelvic floor muscles in functional ways. Each session builds on your overall and core strength, as well as safe weight loss if needed. All of these are key elements in establishing the perfect environment for your child. Pregnancy fitness evolves as your baby … Continue reading

5 Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy

1. Be as active as possible A combination of aerobic fitness and strength exercise is vital – you need to be fit for birth. If you’re unaccustomed to exercise there’s even more benefit to getting active – you don’t really want to lose weight when you’re pregnant, but if you’re pre-conception then that’s a great time to start working towards a healthy weight. During pregnancy, fitness levels can be boosted to prepare you for the demands of birthing and motherhood. Good activities to continue throughout pregnancy are brisk walking, running if you’re used to it, swimming and weight training. In addition, guided training on pelvic … Continue reading

4 Key Issues to Avoid during Pregnancy

Staying healthy during your pregnancy is vital for you and your baby. Here’s a few tips that should help you have a healthier pregnancy: 1. Dehydration: your blood volume increases; fluid is needed for the amniotic fluid that surrounds the foetus; you lose more fluids if/when you experience morning sickness through vomiting (hyperemisis gravidarium in extreme cases – the NHS information on this condition is worth reading) and you need to supply your growing baby with good nourishment. Reduced fluid intake will affect all of these areas. 2. Overheating: there is the potential to affect the development of your baby if your core temperature is elevated above normal. During pregnancy your … Continue reading