Jessica Beck was skeptical about hitting the gym 11 weeks after giving birth to her son, Austin. The Macon mother admits working out during her pregnancy was not a priority either.
“Some days, if I don’t have any appointments, I just stay home all day and watch TV,” she said. “Then I feel guilty and lazy like I haven’t accomplished anything. I think being able to come and work out will be good for me mentally and physically.”
She’s right.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends exercising for at least 30 minutes a week. Exercise can help alleviate some of the discomforts during and after pregnancy, including constipation, bloating and swelling. Other benefits include increased energy, mood improvements and better sleep.
“Activity/exercise during pregnancy has been shown to help maintain an appropriate weight gain during pregnancy and help with weight loss after delivery,” said Dr. Ernest Carlton with Women’s Specialty Care in Macon. “There is also a decreased rate of gestational diabetes in patients who exercise. Risk of postpartum depression is lower. Some studies suggest lower cesarean rates and shorter labor times.”
Kevin Carter, director of The Medical Center of Central Georgia’s Wellness Center, says the center saw a need for an exercise curriculum targeting prenatal and postnatal women in the area.
“We felt that as a medically based fitness center, we needed to target this special population to complete our women’s continuum,” he said.
In August, the Wellness Center launched MommyMoves. Certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor Jennifer Woodson heads it. Woodson earned certificates from both Moms in Motion and Motherwell Maternity Fitness in order to prepare her for working with prenatal and postnatal women.
“While there are a few restrictions when you’re pregnant, you still like to get in shape and get those hormones moving so you don’t have a hormone backup and alleviate some of the discomfort that comes with being pregnant,” she said.
MommyMoves includes three different classes. In four-feet of water, MommyAqua combines low-impact aerobics and muscle toning. Woodson says the buoyancy of water can help relieve stress on the lower-back as well as help decrease the swelling in lower extremities.
MommySculpt focuses on core strength and coordination. She says it’s perfect for moms looking to get back into shape post-baby.
MommyYoga uses classic yoga poses selected specifically for use during pregnancy. The class focuses on breathing techniques and strengthening, which aids in the labor and delivery process. She says the moves can be safely used throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy.
The program also offers nutrition counseling, prenatal massage therapy and personal trainers who specialize in prenatal and postnatal fitness.
Woodson said the program is just as much about emotional health as it is about physical health.
“You’re coming, you’re meeting other moms, and getting together and realizing you all are going through the same trimesters and having similar issues. It’s other people to get along with,” said Woodson, who took aqua classes when she was pregnant. “It gives you a chance to socialize with people who are in the same situation.”
Physicians in the area say there are key benefits to these structured classes.
“Trainers will make sure the patient has an appropriate program. Also, being around others is a good motivator to continue,” said Carlton.
Beck, who has taken several MommyMoves classes, agrees.
“If I know I have friends that are looking forward to or expecting me to be there, that’s going to help,” she said. “And the low intensity is really good for me to get started.”
MommyMoves classes at the Wellness Center are free for members, and non-members purchase a class card.
Physician approval is required for participation in the program.
