FIT4BIRTH

  • Course Details
  • Sign Up For Fit4Birth

What

Gentle exercise during pregnancy is a lovely way to aid relaxation, maintain your fitness levels and help you to feel happy and positive. If you are expecting a baby, and whether you are in the first, second or third trimester, it is truly important that you do the right sort of exercise. To keep both you and your growing baby safe it is highly advisable to exercise with an instructor who is fully trained in pre and post natal fitness – this will also give you peace of mind.. Pregnancy affects our bodies in so many ways: posture is altered, the abdominals lengthen and stretch, and the pelvic floor is put under a great deal of strain. Taking part in a regular exercise programme that is tailored for expectant women will not only increase your energy levels and help prevent lower back pain but it will also encourage a more speedy post natal recovery.

Fit4Birth is a highly effective, easygoing and enjoyable ante natal exercise class incorporating a unique mixture of Pilates, core stability and postural strengthening exercises, using foam rollers, resistance bands and body weight exercises. The course will help to strengthen the postural muscles, thus reducing the risk of pregnancy-related back pain, maintain the tone of your deep abdominal muscles during the first months of pregnancy, keep the pelvic floor strong, and aid relaxation.

When

Courses start in January, April and September and run during term time only for 10 weeks on Thursdays at 6pm: this enables me to look after the same small group of women for the whole of this period, and it also ensures that I am aware of any medical restrictions (back trouble, joints, pregnancy-related complications etc.) that people might have on the course, as everyone fills in a confidential medical screening form beforehand. Fit4Birth takes place in a lovely new hall set in beautiful countryside just south of Loughborough. Classes are limited to a maximum of 15 so that I can make sure that everyone gets sufficient help and feedback.

How Much

The course costs £59.00 and for this you get:

  • A small group setting where you are looked after as an individual, catering for the stage of pregnancy that you are in, and any individual problems such as back or joint pain
  • A complimentary natural cotton shopping bag filled with information about, and special offers from, lots of interesting products and services
  • A monthly newsletter with lots of information, tips and recipes
  • An optional organised evening out each term
  • A bespoke Fit4Birth aromatherapy blend diffused in class to relax and uplift
  • An interesting and varied mix of equipment used in class to keep you strong and to help release tension in the lower back and shoulders.

If you are coming towards the end of your pregnancy and you don’t complete the course, I will offer you a reduction – equivalent to the number of classes missed – on one of my popular and very sociable post natal exercise courses.

If, on the other hand, you are in the early stages of pregnancy you are invited to book for two consecutive courses with an overall discount of 10%, so that you pay £99.00 rather than £110.00

Testimonial

Jo tailored the exercises to suit each stage of my pregnancy, to help with my posture and core strength. Her classes are always good fun and challenging; even when pregnant I felt I had a workout and was always much more relaxed after the class. Jo is an excellent teacher, explaining how to do exercises very clearly […]

Caroline, University Lecturer

Pictures

I do hope you like the sound of Fit4Birth. If you do, please have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions below, and then follow a few simple steps for booking onto the next course. If at the end of all that you still have any unanswered queries then please do feel free to contact me via email (info@zest4lifeuk.com), text (07899938032) or telephone (01509 210269).

3 Steps To Joining Fit4Birth

  1. Go into Timetable and Availability and check that there are spaces available.
  2. Then please fill out and send the Online registration form
  3. We will then be in touch shortly with payment details.

That’s it! Once I have received the forms and payment, your place is booked. Dates, times and venue will be confirmed in an information sheet which I will then email to you. I would strongly advise you to print out the information sheet and keep it somewhere accessible as a reminder of all the bits and bobs you need when the course starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When does the next Fit4Birth course start?
A. Go to Timetable and Availability
Q. Must I already be exercising to join Fit4Birth?
A. Not at all. This class is appropriate for anyone who is generally healthy, regardless of fitness levels.
Q.I already exercise. Is there any point in my doing Fit4Birth?
A. Yes! Unlike, non-specialist exercise classes, Fit4Birth is designed specifically with pregnancy in mind, and focuses on all those changes that occur to the body during pregnancy. Every week you’ll be getting a dose of exercise that is tailored specifically to you and your pregnancy.
Q. Can I wear my normal, everyday clothes to Fit4Birth
A. You are best off wearing loose clothing, such as a tracksuit or gym wear, which allows freedom of movement. Although this is a non-impact class, it is still important to wear a bra that provides good support. Trainers are recommended.
Q.I suffer from back pain. Is it alright to do Fit4Birth?
A. This course uses Pilates techniques and focuses specifically on strengthening your back muscles and encouraging good posture. It can, therefore, be particularly beneficial for those suffering from back pain. I would, however, suggest that you seek advice from your GP before enrolling.
Q. Your current course is already running. May I join part-way through?
A. It depends on whether or not my course is full. The best thing is to contact me directly if you would like to try and join a course part-way through: info@zest4lifeuk.com
Q. Where is Fit4Birth held?
A. Fit4Birth takes place in a tiny village less than 10 minutes south of Loughborough. For security reasons, the actual location is not on the website but you will receive an information sheet with the exact address and postcode when you sign up.
Q. I suffer from PGP (pain in the pelvic area). Is Fit4Birth appropriate?
A. This depends on the severity of your PGP. Many (but not all) PGP sufferers report reduced pain following Fit4Birth sessions. The best thing is to arrange to come along and try a session to see how you get on. Contact info@zest4lifeuk.com to book your trial session.
Q. What should I eat before coming to class?
A. Please make sure that you have a light snack and a drink about 1½ hours before the class starts, so as not to end up with a sugar low.
Q. At what stage in my pregnancy may I start Fit4Birth?
A. If you have been doing Pilates prior to conception, have carried on since, and everything is going smoothly, there is no reason why you shouldn’t start Fit4birth immediately. If, on the other hand, you are new to exercise or have not been exercising recently, I would suggest waiting until you have gone past the 12 week mark. Feel free to book a place now, though!
Q. I have been getting wrist pain in pregnancy. Can I do Fit4Birth?
A. yes you can, and certain exercises will be adapted for you, so that you are comfortable.
Q. My blood pressure is low in pregnancy and this sometimes makes me feel dizzy. Can I do Fit4Birth?
A. It depends on how low your blood pressure is. Much of the class is mat-based and so you are unlikely to feel dizzy. However, some exercises are standing and these can be adapted to a seated position for you.