How Does Mom & Baby Gym Work?! Here are the nuts and bolts:
Mom & Baby Open Gym (MBG) runs from 11 AM -1 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. During this time, attendees arrive on their own schedule (with the last entry at 12:30 PM) to participate in a postpartum specific circuit.
There are six stations set out in the group class space-each one has all the equipment needed to complete the workout. Each station also has a postpartum circuit on a laminated card. The space has thick yoga blankets for baby to rest on, plenty of toys available for use, a changing table, a separate space for feeding and a baby seat as well. Each mom and baby duo is meant to make themselves comfortable in whatever way feels best!
On arrival, I check in with each person, walk them through the circuit and provide modifications along the way. I’m available for questions and assistance, but this is not a structured class or one-on-one with me.
It’s meant to be a space for moms to go at their own pace, to utilize the exercises listed and/or incorporate additional movements that feel best!
This is looking a bit different for everyone and this is the beauty of it!
The postpartum circuit changes weekly and if utilized as designed, attendees follow along with the scheduled circuit and we progress as strength increases.
Despite the design, MBG allows for great flexibility, so for some moms this means using their time for a bit of stretching and socialization, for others it’s incorporating their at-home PT exercises, for others who are in the Return to Fitness Program (RTF), it’s getting in their RTF strength training routine as well.
We’re finding that the real assets to MBG are the flexibility in terms of arrival time, the guidance for modifications based on each person’s needs and the opportunity to connect with other mamas (ie: get out of the house!!)!
Research shows that socialization and physical activity help to reduce the incidence of postpartum depression. This is HUGE part of the reason that MBG exists.
We’d love for you to join us as soon as you’re ready
If you FEEL good, if you FEEL ready, if your body is craving gentle movement and your spirit is craving connection, you need not wait until your six week check.
If you haven’t yet been “cleared for exercise,” there’s still so much that can be gained from gentle stretching, alignment work, breathing and mom-to-mom connection in the earliest weeks. That’s exactly where we will start and I will guide you through it step by step.
After all, motherhood is a VERY physical job–even in it’s earliest days–so we should be moving well to avoid injury and feel our best!
Still unsure? Nervous about starting early, but also feeling ready at the same time? I totally get it. With your permission, I’m always happy to connect with your provider on your behalf t
o discuss the type of gentle work we might do in the earliest days. Through collaboration, we can come up with a plan.
Your first drop-in is always free, so please reach out via e-mail, text or call to l et me know you’d like to stop by and we’ll have a spot ready for you and baby!
maura@bodiesforbirth.com, (206) 734-5902
Hope to see you there!