Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative phase in a woman's life. As a dedicated yoga practitioner, I always imagined that yoga would be on this journey with me and I would finally get to do all of the pregnancy yoga classes. However, my expectations were about to change. When I became pregnant, I soon discovered that my body required a different approach to exercise due to the natural production of relaxin and its effects on my pelvic stability. In this post, I share my experience of transitioning from yoga to perinatal barre during pregnancy, and how my background as a barre instructor, along with perinatal barre training, came to my rescue.
Pregnancy-Induced Challenges with Yoga: As my pregnancy progressed, I noticed that my regular yoga practice no longer felt as comfortable as before. Even gentle yin and restorative poses, caused discomfort in my low back and groin. The reason behind this unexpected change was the increased production of relaxin in my body, a hormone that helps loosen the ligaments and prepare the pelvis for childbirth. Although vital for the birthing process, it also led to pelvic instability during yoga poses like "baddha konasana" (butterfly pose) and "virabhadrasana 2" (warrior 2).
I knew that barre workouts were designed to be low-impact, strengthening, and ideal for targeting the core and pelvic floor muscles. However, my perinatal barre training took this knowledge to a whole new level. Equipped with a deeper understanding of how to adapt barre exercises for pregnant women, I realised that this was the perfect alternative for my evolving needs.
Benefits of Perinatal Barre during Pregnancy:
Enhanced Pelvic Stability: Perinatal barre training focused on exercises specifically tailored to support pelvic health during pregnancy. These movements targeted the pelvic floor and core muscles, providing much-needed stability and strength to counter the effects of relaxin.
Safe and Low-Impact: Perinatal barre workouts are designed to be gentle on the joints and ligaments, making them safe and suitable for pregnant women. This low-impact approach allowed me to exercise comfortably without putting unnecessary strain on my body.
Comprehensive Strength Training: The combination of ballet-inspired movements, pilates, and yoga in perinatal barre workouts offered a full-body strengthening routine. This comprehensive approach prepared my body for the physical demands of labour and childbirth.
Utilising Expertise: As a qualified barre instructor with perinatal training, I felt confident in modifying exercises as needed for my changing body. This expertise ensured that I received a safe and effective workout tailored to my unique pregnancy journey.
Training until Week 41: Throughout my pregnancy, I trained in perinatal barre around 3 to 4 times a week, right up until week 41. This consistent training routine allowed me to maintain my physical strength, flexibility, and overall well-being as I approached my due date.
Postpartum Benefits and Recovery: Following childbirth, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I recovered physically, mentally is a story for another time. I firmly believe that my perinatal barre training played a significant role in this swift physical recovery. The targeted pelvic floor and core strengthening I had engaged in during my pregnancy helped me regain my strength and stability faster than I had anticipated.
The transition from yoga to perinatal barre taught me valuable lessons about embracing change and the importance of adaptability. I was fortunate to have the expertise to tailor my workouts to suit my pregnancy needs. It reinforced the idea that every stage of life demands different approaches to self-care and exercise. Of course, experiencing this first-hand now allows me to have a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for my pregnant students. By staying active and consistent with my perinatal barre training until the very end, I discovered the strength and resilience that would serve me well in labour and recovery.
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