The postnatal exercise class runs once a week at the River Bourne club (Chertsey). It is run by a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist for those who require strength and conditioning post pregnancy.
Exercising postnatal helps to improve flexibility and strength which can often be impacted in pregnancy. This reconditioning process can help to alleviate pain and restore strength in the body so you can return to pre-pregnancy activities without issue. The class is run by a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist who is trained in postnatal related conditions such as postnatal pelvic and back pain and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
The class aims to improve:
- Strength
- Movement
- Flexibility
- Bodily awareness
The class is tailored and can be adapted for different ability levels. You might be guided or encouraged to make some exercises individual to meet your own goals.
What happens in the class?
Each class lasts 45 minutes and takes place in the ground floor exercise studio. It consists of a warm up, core strengthening exercises in a variety of positions and stretching.
You should inform the physiotherapist if any exercises are painful, cause urinary / faecal leakage or vaginal heaviness.
You can bring your new baby with you until they are more mobile such as crawling / bottom shuffling / walking (this cannot be accommodated due to space limitations). We cannot allow older children into the class. Mats will not be provided for babies routinely but you can bring a mat for your baby to lay on or they can stay in their pushchair / with you. Everyone in the class is up to 1 year postnatal and we welcome you bringing your baby with you. However some people do find having childcare and attending the class alone allows them more time to focus on the exercises.
After the class
We encourage you to also try to complete similar exercises again in the week (an exercise sheet will be provided) or if you have been provided a home exercise programme by your physiotherapist then you should complete this through the week.
Class resources:
Exercise videos:
Please only do these postnatal exercise videos if you've been recommended by your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital.
