Pregnancy Pilates and Postnatal Pilates
Postnatal Pilates helps you to restore core strength after pregnancy and childbirth. Our postnatal Pilates classes are smaller, more focused classes that babies, and young children are welcome to attend with you.
In our postnatal classes, our expertly qualified physiotherapy team design, flowing, tailored exercise programmes with a emphasis on core strength, pelvic floor health and self care for Mums at any stage of their postnatal journey.
“It was lovely to find group with such a knowledgeable and supportive instructor. Having 1:1 time each session is really good”
“Lauren got to know me. She understood me and I felt confident exercising with her. My pelvic pain improved loads!”
“Classes with Lauren have been my little calm bubble! I have learnt so much about how my body works. Better than NCT!”
“A friendly, informative and knowledgeable instructor, makes this class my favourite exercise of the week. My core strength has improved, the routines are easy to follow, and I always feel content after each class!”
“I’ve really enjoyed this course – it has been an opportunity to do something just for me. Frankie has been so welcoming and helpful. I’ve found the ‘hands on’ support so useful – it has helped me to do the exercises correctly and I can really feel the difference when I do. I’m looking forward to next term.”
“An excellent class, very baby friendly, but with a focus on mum.”
“Lauren is amazing. The Pilates has been brilliant at boosting my strength and confidence as I recover from baby number 3! Thank you.”
Postnatal Pilates
Postnatal Pilates helps you to restore core strength after pregnancy and childbirth. Our postnatal Pilates classes are smaller, more focused classes that babies, and young children are welcome to attend with you.
In our postnatal classes, our expertly qualified physiotherapy team design, flowing, tailored exercise programmes with a emphasis on core strength, pelvic floor health and self care for Mums at any stage of their postnatal journey.
Post natal pilates FAQs
Certainly. Pilates is a low-impact, gentle but effective strengthening and stretching programme. You do not have to have an certain level of fitness to start. Our clinical team will meet you where you are and help you gently progress at the pace that is right for you.
No, you cannot attend just one class. Our classes are booked as part of a progressive course of 6-8 sessions. Each week our course gently progresses so that you get fitter, stronger and more flexible week by week.
If you would like to try a class why not book a pre-class introduction. See more here.
Don’t worry if you need to miss a class, your instructor will continue to work with you when you are back. Our small class sizes mean we can support our clients 1:1.
We also offer online catch up sessions. We have live stream classes on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and pre-recorded classes by your physios each term. Both of these can be accessed on the members area. It is free as part of your programme membership.
We cannot carry missed sessions over into the next programme or offer refunds for any missed classes.
Our postnatal classes last 45mins. They are a tailored programme of mat exercises. Sometimes we use small equipment like weights or bands too. Your instructor will led you through a warm up, your exercises and a cool down, offering individual support and adaptations all the way through.
In our St Clements and Abingdon Postnatal Classes we have a welcome area with tea, coffee and biscuits. You are welcome to arrive earlier to feed and settle babies if you wish. These classes also have time set aside to chat to your physio after class. Check out our postnatal conversation topics here.
Your babies are most welcome to attend with you. We supply toys, play gyms and mats for your little ones to enjoy whilst you work out. If you little one is asleep in their pushchair you can bring this into the hall too. Our physios will do all they can to help you get the most out of your exercises whilst parenting your baby – please let us know if you need anything.
Whilst you are most welcome to bring your little one we also welcome Mums to come along if this is better for them. Other caregivers can wait in the coffee area with your baby if your baby needs to be close but you don’t want to bring them into class with you.
That is ok. We can help. Separation of the superficial layer of abdominal muscles, recti divarication, affects up to 2/3rd of women after delivery. Sometimes it is small and improves without any treatment. Other times it is larger, deeper or more persistent.
Mention your concerns at your first session and you physiotherapist will be able to tailors your exercises to help. You may wish to book a pre-class introduction, or some 1:1 sessions if you would like a little more time for a through assessment and advice.
Whenever you feel ready after your 6 week check. If you have had a more complicated delivery or a c-section you may wish to wait a little longer and will need to start more gently. Our physiotherapists can advise you based on your individual circumstances. Get in touch here
There is no upper limit on joining our postnatal classes. They are suitable anyone feeling they need postnatal rehabilitation. Some times it can take a few years to get around to focusing on you after a baby. Toddlers and young children are welcome to attend these classes with you.
Can Pilates help me with my pelvic floor?
Yes. When taught well, Pilates is excellent for you pelvic floor.
All of our Pilates classes include pelvic floor strengthening in their programmes. Our pregnancy and postnatal classes play special attention to strengthening them.
This is important because both pregnancy and childbirth can make it harder for your pelvic floor to work well. Our women’s health physiotherapists will be able to develop the right training programme for your muscles.
For more detailed information you might find our article ‘Will Pilates help my Pelvic Floor’ helpful.
About Pop up Pilates Postnatal Classes:
From in depth, initial health assessments, optional pre-class 1:1 assessments, small class and hands on 1:1 attention in each and every class your physios will work with you as an individual. We can help women with pelvic girdle pain, back pain, incontinence, prolapse and recti divarication reach their fitness goals. Your physio will carefully challenge you each week to help you get stronger, fitter and more flexible at the pace that is right for you.
Connect with other Mums, foster friendships and benefit from the support from specialist trained physios, most of whom are also Mums to young children and babies.
We have clean, developmentally appropriate and engaging toys for your little ones to enjoy whilst you work out. From baby gyms and sensory baskets, to tuff trays full of themed activities, to crafts and games for older children, we know if your little ones are happy you will be too!
Going to miss a week? Don’t worry, with pre-recorded sessions and live stream catch up sessions each week if you miss a week you don’t have to miss out.
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Postnatal Conversations
Join us between classes for the chance to chat to other mums, attend workshops on health and wellbeing and play with your little ones.
Postnatal Social Space
Between our Postnatal Pilates classes we some time and space for you to meet other Mums, play with your little ones and have tea, coffee and biscuits. These sessions run at St Clements Family Centre and Christ Church in Abingdon and are free to attend for anyone registered on one of our courses.
Each week your physio team lead a mini workshop on an aspect of postnatal health and wellbeing. Here you will find a safe space to discuss pelvic floor muscles, back problems, returning to exercise and to chat to a specialist physio about any concerns you have.
We have regular guest speakers and collaborations so you can hear from other health care professionals, including Oxford Sling Library too. See individual class timetable to find out more.
Pregnancy Pilates Classes
Pregnancy Pilates classes are specially designed to help you keep active, strong and connected to your body thorough all stages of your pregnancy.
In our pregnancy Pilates classes, our expertly qualified physiotherapy team design, safe, relaxing and effective exercise programmes with a emphasis on gentle stretches, core strength, pelvic floor health and self care.
About Pop up Pilates Pregnancy Classes
At Pop up Pilates all of our Postnatal Pilates instructors are qualified and experienced pelvic health or musculoskeletal physiotherapist . You can be sure you are in safe knowledgeable hands. We use our understanding of pregnancy, anatomy, physiology and movement to develop effective, progressive and flowing programmes for all stages of pregnancy.
From in depth, initial health assessments, optional pre-class 1:1 assessments, small class and hands on 1:1 attention in each and every class your physios will work with you as an individual
Connect with other Mums, foster friendships and benefit from the support from specialist trained physios, most of whom are also Mums to young children and babies themselves.
