Working out while pregnant as well through postpartum can be a little daunting. What type of workouts are ok? What is not ok? Are you overdoing it? Are you not doing enough?

Physical activity is not only beneficial for the body, but it is also good for the brain. Exercise (in moderation) has been shown in one study to “improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.” Prenatal and postpartum exercise also have an impact on overall health and well-being. In a study from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a correlation was found between regular exercise including walking, stationary cycling, aerobics, dancing, and water resistance lowered the incidence of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertensive events, pre-term birth, cesarean birth and low birth weight. While all exercise during pregnancy and immediately after birth should be done after consulting your medical team, there’s no doubt that appropriate amounts of exercise can be good for your physical and mental health. 

So what are your options for getting moving prenatally or newly postpartum? We have found some excellent options for classes and community in the Metro Detroit area.

As a yoga teacher myself, I’m always the first to recommend prenatal yoga. With an emphasis on relieving stress and relaxing tired muscles, this can be a way for you to get your body gently moving. Sweet Momma Yoga offers not just classes for pregnancy, but leads Baby & Me classes as well. Elise, the instructor, who is also a doula focuses on caring for the whole of a mom’s journey. Having time available to share and ask questions at each class, and sharing in the excitement of welcoming each new bundle of joy are just other bonuses of joining a prenatal or postpartum class series. They also have classes just focused on you and getting a little self-care in their “Me Time Yoga” class. If you aren’t close to Bingham Farms, opt for Elise’s online classes.

Fit4Mom is a national company that offers class options like Stroller Barre, Run Club, Stroller Strides and Body Boost. With a user-friendly website that helps you find the location nearest you, your options really just at your fingertips. One fitness class that I have enjoyed has been Barre, Fit4Mom offers a class called Stroller Barre that gives moms the opportunity to get back to their Barre class, but now including their baby, creativity reigns supreme during postpartum.  Currently the Ann Arbor branch is partnering with Arbor Psychology Group that is hosting the 2021 Climb Out of the Darkness event in Ann Arbor. The money raised will go to making their Perinatal and Infant Mental Health program more accessible to parents in the Ann Arbor area. 

If you’re looking for a variety of classes to participate in from yoga to fitness all in one location, check out Nature’s Playhouse in Ferndale. They offer prenatal yoga, belly dancing, a postnatal core restore class, and several incredible support groups. Their emphasis on community and being a “sanctuary for parents” ensures that you’ll get the support you need (and deserve) in pregnancy, postpartum and beyond!

In today’s current circumstances in-person classes are not always available or accessible. But the upside of modern technology is that you can now take fitness classes right from the comfort of your home. When looking at online classes like those offered in your Amazon Prime subscription, remember the goal of prenatal exercise is not to lose weight but to keep your body and baby in good health. Don’t forget that as a new parent often the most important part of a workout is getting out and being social and finding a community to support you. So call a friend, invite them on a walk. It doesn’t have to be intense, just getting out and getting fresh air and seeing a familiar smiling face can do the body, mind and soul a world of good.

Do you have a favorite prenatal or postpartum fitness class in Detroit? If so, spread the love so we can support the incredible instructors and teachers helping keep us all healthy and strong.