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Rochester Local

Strengthen Your Core, Mama!

This post is sponsored by Olmsted Medical Center Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance (SMAP).  For more information on their CoreMama classes, please click here.
core mama, strengthening your core, postpartum fitness, rochester mn, roch mn

Motherhood changes a woman in so many ways, both mentally and physically. 

Unfortunately, the physical changes are usually more noticeable and therefore they can be the most daunting.

Hormone-induced acne, hair-loss and (especially) weight gain can cause a great deal of stress in a society that puts a lot of pressure on women to “bounce back” as quickly as possible. Not only is “bouncing back” really difficult for most women, in some cases it can be nearly impossible. 

It’s true. Our bodies change, some women may need surgery or have other complications that can negatively impact their fitness goals post-pregnancy. Multiple pregnancies can also leave midsections permanently scarred and some women end up with a tummy that will never quite flatten no matter how many crunches they do. 

I have my own excuses for why my baby is 7 months old and I’m still not wearing real pants. I haven’t lost as much “baby weight” as I would have liked, but that’s okay. In my defense, some of my excuses are valid (and seriously, leggings that look like jeans are genius!), but I know I could be doing better.

I mentioned some of my concerns to my doctor at my son’s 3 month checkup and she recommended I check into the perinatal classes offered at Olmsted Medical Center Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance (SMAP). She actually even printed off information for me. 

I’m not currently a patient at Olmsted Medical Center and haven’t been seen there since I was born over three decades ago. I was really excited that I could sign up for classes at their facility without actually being a patient.  Personally speaking, I think that it’s really awesome that they are offering new mothers in Rochester some really great, affordable postnatal support.

 

core mama, strengthening your core, postpartum fitness, rochester mn, roch mn
core mama, strengthening your core, postpartum fitness, rochester mn, roch mn

CoreMama at SMAP

Postnatal support is paramount; but most women are sent home from the hospital with a million questions and without the resources they need to feel empowered and confident in their role as new mothers. It seems SMAP is trying to rectify that, and I applaud them for their efforts! 

I attended their Core Mama class, a 6-week program that focuses on teaching the mother simple exercise routines to help strengthen their core and improve any diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles) after pregnancy/childbirth while safely using the weight of their baby.

Not only did my body change dramatically after my last pregnancy, but I was also shocked at how weak I had become. I lost both strength and endurance. The one day a week commitment for the duration of the 6 week session really helped motivate me to continue with my fitness goals.  

Emily, the instructor, was very welcoming and accommodating. She is a certified Yoga instructor and her passion for helping moms along their fitness journey was evident. Because of her knowledge in the practice of yoga, the class incorporated quite a few different poses and flowed really nicely.  All the stretches and exercises had the added bonus of being able to do them with a baby in tow–I loved that I was encouraged to bring my little one. 

My son really enjoyed the “baby salutations” and often giggled throughout the class.  It was really a fun, bonding experience for us to share. 

I also really appreciated meeting the other moms.  I found it much easier and more comfortable to work out with other people who were sharing some of the same challenges as myself.  Additionally, with the birth of my second son I left my job to stay home with my toddler and new baby.  Staying at home with my kids is something I treasure, but it can be really lonely. The socialization and solidarity I received from the other mothers was invaluable.

If you’re a new mom or a mom-to-be I highly recommend checking out SMAP’s Perinatal and Prenatal Classes.  You won’t regret it!

For More Information on the next SMAP CoreMama class please click here!

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