Mums and Bubs
It is often hard to find time to exercise with a new baby, in fact it can be hard to find time to do anything much, but at Agility we have a class designated for Mums (or Dads) with bubs. You are welcome to bring your baby along, either in a pram or if they are happy playing on a mat, while you exercise under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
As we are all well aware there are many changes that occur to a woman’s body during pregnancy and the body doesn’t just “go back to normal” postpartum. Add to that the extra demands of lifting and carrying a baby, feeding and general fatigue and our bodies are often left feeling stiff, unstable or both. The idea of Mums and Bubs Pilates is to gently get your body feeling stronger, more stable and more flexible again to cope with the demands of day to day life.
Being a Pilates based class we are very focused on the correct activation of pelvic floor muscles and deep abdominal muscles to assist in supporting not only your lower back but providing a good stable base for the rest of your body to move from. Prior to attending your first class you will be assessed by one of the physiotherapists for any diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles), any medical issues you encountered during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum as well as any other medical considerations you may have. You will also be taught how to properly activate your pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles. This can often be difficult in the early stages postpartum as with the change in posture that occurs during pregnancy, the weight of the growing fetus pushing down on the pelvic floor and stretching of muscles through a vaginal delivery or the muscle trauma associated with a caesarian section there can be a loss of awareness of activation of these muscles. Starting exercise slowly and in a controlled fashion is important to ensure you are able to activate all muscles correctly and have time to build both strength and endurance through these stabilizing muscles.
It is important that you get the all clear from your doctor or obstetrician prior to commencing any exercise postpartum so we ask that you wait until your six week check-up before attending these classes.
As we mentioned at the start if you are a Dad and looking after your little one on the day the classes are run you are also welcome to attend. Many Dad’s still struggle with the fatigue of sleepless nights and stiff upper backs or sore lower backs from carrying a new born or the extra load of dealing with other children while their partner is busy with their baby. So, if this is you, you are also very welcome at these classes. We still recommend an assessment so that we are aware of any medical history and can teach you the basics of pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscle activation (yes boys, you have a pelvic floor too!)
Please call the friendly Agility Physiotherapy & Pilates Team on 07 3862 2322 to book your session.