Today was day 1 of my Ante and Post Natal Exercise course with YMCAfit. A 9am start for a day in a classroom is not exactly motivating but this is a course I have been wanting to do for quite a while. Having accidentally specialised in women’s training, this has naturally become an area of interest. That, and the fact that the course was cheaper than hiring a celebrity personal trainer to whip me back into shape after my child birth time has come.
Before today, I had a pretty good idea about what pregnancy entailed. My mum was a neonatal nurse for many years and I have been teaching a group of mums for the last year. I also have a few friends who have brought “mini me’s” into the world.
Well it’s the end of day 1 and I can say so far I have learnt ALOT! We have covered topics such as the physiological changes that occur during each trimester, hormones, adapting aerobic training and screening. We even took part in a class suitable for women in their third trimester consisting of an Exercise to Music warm up, a circuits main section, some abdominal work, pelvic floor muscle work and a little bit of stretching.
Having not yet been pregnant before myself, the most interesting part was wearing the bump! Imagine a vest stuffed with weight where your abdomen is and extra weight around your breasts! Wearing that whilst trying to manoeuvre on and off equipment in the fitness suite was a learning curve; just the bump alone is a workout in itself!
The course is 2 full days and will arm me with 20 CPD points which is more than enough for this year. Tomorrow is more classroom based learning and then I have the option to take an exam in the afternoon or leave it until I feel ready. Right now I’m not sure which option I will choose; I think I’ll sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning.
If you ever employ a personal trainer or work with a Fitness Instructor (even when not pregnant) you should check they are qualified via the Register of Exercise Professionals. On their website you can search the directory and see what qualifications your Personal Trainer or Fitness Instructor hold.
So Day 2…here I come!!
Elle 🙂 x
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