Why should I exercise?

Antenatal and postnatal exercise can provide the following opportunities:

• Reduction in pregnancy symptoms - research has shown that exercise can reduce many of the minor ailments associated with pregnancy.
• Appropriate exercise - exercise can be designed specifically for the needs of ante/postnatal women.
• Support - offering the chance to to meet others in a similar situation. Women gain the opportunity to discuss concerns, feelings and receive reassurance from fellow participants.
• Social aspects - Group sessions can lead to new friendships.

When Can I Start classes?

Initially, Sarah prefers to speak to everyone before they participate to ensure that everyone's needs are safely met.

• Antenatal exercise can usually be started at 16 weeks - the 2nd trimester.
• Postnatal exercise can usually be started after the 6 week check up by a medical practitioner for a vaginal birth.
• Caesarian birth minimum 10-12 weeks.

How long can I continue to exercise?

• Antenatal classes can be contined throughout the pregnancy as long as you remain fit and well. (ACOG guidelines will be used).
• Postnatal exercise classes can be continued for as long as you like.

How do I know my teacher is adequately Qualified and insured?

• It is important that parents are discerning when booking antenatal and postnatal exercise classes and swimming lessons.  All teachers should be happy to provide evidence that they are appropriately trained, qualified, and insured so please don’t be embarrassed to ask for this information when looking for classes. 
  Sarah Allen has a degree in Physical Education from the University of Warwick 1988,  is a Level 3 Instructor of Antenatal and postnatal Exercise to Music (YMCA 2002), is a qualified Aquatic Exercise Instructor (Hydor-Actif  2002)  and attended the training for antenatal and postnatal exercise in water (Hydro-Actif 2002  ).  She has almost completed her training to be an NCT antenatal teacher with the University of Luton.  She is trained in CPR (Teachers rescue test for Swimming) and in Safe-guarding Children (Histon Early Years Centre  ).  She has a licence to teach Buggyfit in Cambridge (See Buggyfit Website)  She is insured with Premier Training for Public Liability to the value of £10,000,000 and is a member of the Guild of Antenatal and Postnatal Exercise Teachers.  She has several enhanced CRB certificates!  Sarah has been a qualified ASA Level 2 Swimming Teacher since 1986 and has been a qualified ASA Adult and Child Teacher since 2002. She is insured with the IOS. Sarah was a tutor for the English Ski Council for Freestyle Skiing (Aerials) and held the post of Honorary National Development Officer.