Pregnancy and motherhood result in significant changes to a woman’s body, and finding an appropriate fitness regimen to support these changes can be quite challenging. However, maintaining an active lifestyle during and after pregnancy not only benefits physical health but also contributes to mental well-being. According to recommendations from the NHS, it is essential to wait at least six weeks postpartum before beginning any form of exercise and to seek advice from a medical professional beforehand.
Fortunately, London offers a wide array of prenatal and postnatal fitness classes specifically tailored to the unique needs of expecting and new mothers. Here are some of the top fitness classes in the capital that one might want to consider.
Willow London, situated in Clapham, is highly regarded among locals for its bright and soothing studio space which hosts a variety of yoga, Pilates, and barre classes. Specifically catering to prenatal and postnatal clients, the studio provides prenatal Pilates to prepare the body for childbirth, as well as postnatal Pilates and yoga classes intended to restore core strength and realign the body.
Paola’s Body Barre is renowned for its PBB BabyBarre class, a low-impact exercise combining Pilates and yoga. This class aims to strengthen core muscles and address pregnancy-related issues such as lower back pain and sciatica.
Frame’s Mumhood Classes come highly recommended for their prenatal yoga and postnatal core rehab sessions. These classes focus on reducing anxiety, strengthening the body, and building inner core unit strength. Additionally, triyoga’s Mummy + Me classes offer an opportunity for new mothers to strengthen their bodies and bond with their babies through play and gentle exercises.
For those who prefer outdoor workouts, BuggyFit offers hour-long sessions in various London parks. These sessions involve power walks for cardiovascular health and low-impact resistance training exercises tailored to rebuilding strength post-baby.
Barrecore, one of the UK’s leading barre studios, offers a specialised prenatal class known as BarrePRENATAL. This class focuses on posture and strength maintenance, and is designed for pregnant women, with adaptability based on each participant’s trimester and individual needs.
Ten Health & Fitness provides prenatal Pilates classes with a maximum of ten participants per session, allowing for personalised coaching and adjustments. These sessions focus on core stability and overall fitness while being entirely safe for both mother and baby.
Lastly, The Life Centre in Notting Hill offers pregnancy yoga classes featuring breathing exercises and visualization techniques to help women adapt to the changes brought about by pregnancy. Postnatally, mothers can join the Mums & Babies Yoga classes to combat fatigue and alleviate aches and pains, all while having their little ones by their side.
Maintaining an active lifestyle during and after pregnancy is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and with the variety of prenatal and postnatal fitness classes available in London, women have the opportunity to stay fit in a safe and supportive environment. Whether it’s prenatal Pilates, postnatal yoga, or outdoor post-pregnancy workouts, there is something for every mother in the capital.