Class Descriptions

Healthy Moms® is an exercise program designed to prepare a woman for the physiological changes of pregnancy and postpartum, to develop stamina and strength for labor and delivery, and to restore muscle tone after her baby is born. Our classes serve as a way for women to meet others experiencing the many changes that occur during this special time.

Enjoy exercising with other women sharing similar experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Babies welcome! Our program adheres to the latest American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) Guidelines for pre and postnatal exercise and is taught by certified perinatal fitness instructors. 

Medical Permission is required for participation in the Healthy Moms® program. Participants should bring permission slips from their obstetrician/midwife to their first class. Click here to print out a permission slip. For more information please call Marybeth at 781-MOMS(6667) for Raleigh/Cary or Kathryn at 489-MOMS(6667) for Durham/Chapel Hill.

Current Classes: (click on class name for detailed description)

AquaMoms
This is the ultimate in low-impact workouts! It builds strength and promotes balance in the comforts of a pool.

Moms, Babes & Balls
Mom will engage and entertain her baby while gaining strength and flexibility. This workout is great for moms who aren't quite ready to leave their babies in a nursery.

Postpartum Ab Recover/Intro to Pilates
This is a class specifically designed for restoring abdominals. Mom will strengthen her "core" utilizing the methods of Joseph Pilates (upon caregiver's approval.)

Mat I Pilates NEW!
For postpartum moms who've either "graduated" from the "Ab Recovery/Intro to Pilates" class, or any woman who wants to strengthen and tone her core utilizing the methods of Joseph Pilates' mat work.

Mom & Tot Fitness NEW!
A great workout for moms and actively crawling babies and toddlers (up to 3 years old)! This interval workout combines movement, Pilates©, core strength, and yoga poses to tone arms, abs and legs while interacting and moving with your tot!

Postpartum PowerStroll
"It's more than a walk in the park!"
Take it outdoors with this complete workout for Mom and Baby/ies that targets those problem areas that arise from pregnancy. (No umbrella strollers, please. All strollers must have functioning, locking brakes for safety.)

Pre-/Postnatal Yoga
Mom will practice focused breathing, gentle stretching, and relaxation to help her meet the physical and mental challenges ahead.

 

TBC - Total Body Conditioning
Join us for a head-to-baby-to-toe workout to train and prepare Mom for the "main event", including warm-up, cardiovascular and strength training, and stretching. "TBC with Balls" utilizes Exercise balls!

General FAQs:

1. Why should I exercise while I'm pregnant?
(Get ready! The answer to this question is a long one!)
There are LOTS of reasons to exercise during your pregnancy:

> Studies conclude that moms who exercise during their pregnancies experience less weight gain and less joint pain during pregnancy, increased stamina during labor and delivery, leaner babies, shorter labors, stronger babies that remain more stable during labor and delivery, and fewer interventions during labor and delivery;
> Sleep better!
> Return to your pre-pregnancy weight faster!

2. Will my baby(-ies) get too hot while I'm exercising?
No. Your pregnant body is extremely efficient at dissipating heat and protecting your baby(-ies) from increases in your body temperature. To help your body in these processes, always drink water before, during, and after your workouts.

3. Will I take away too much oxygen and blood flow from my baby(-ies) when I exercise?
No. Your baby(-ies) is (are) your body's #1 priority, and its (their) needs are well met, as a result. Additionally, during pregnancy, your body experiences increased blood flow and oxygen capacity.

4. Can I just show up for class when I'm ready to start?
No, you must first contact Healthy Moms® to schedule your orientation and confirm written consent from your OB or midwife. For Raleigh/Cary classes call 781-MOMS or email info. For Durham/Chapel Hill classes call 489-MOMS or email Kathryn.

5. Do I need written consent from my OB or midwife to participate in your programs?
Yes, for most moms. If you are pregnant, or less than three months postpartum and new to Healthy Momsâ, you must obtain written consent from your doctor or midwife. If you need assistance obtaining your consent, please contact the Healthy Momsâ office-we're happy to help.

6. Will my instructor be certified in pre- and postnatal fitness?
Yes! All Healthy Momsâ instructors are Certified Perinatal Fitness Instructors. Many have additional fitness certifications, as well. (To learn more about your instructors' qualifications, see "About Us" on this website.)