Workout Wednesday: The PB Pregnancy Diary - Pure Barre Pre and Postnatal

As a Pure Barre teacher one of the biggest questions I get is 

"Can I do Pure Barre while being pregnant?" 

"Will Pure Barre help me shed the baby weight?"

The answer to both questions is yes! Pure Barre is perfect for those who are pregnant because the technique is safe, low impact, prevents pressure in the lower back, and there is tons of modifications! I've wanted to write this post for a long time, but couldn't speak from experience because the only baby I have on board is furry and has four legs ;)

Let me introduce you to one of my friends/ co-teacher Shayla. This girl is absolutely amazing, and is the perfect person to tell you her experience with being pregnant while getting her shake on at the barre.  (PS Shayla has two kids, and she looks ah-mazing!). While Pure Barre is an amazing workout during your pregnancy please note to listen to your body, and consult with your doctor. 

1. How long did you take class through your pregnancy?

Call me crazy, but I took class the day I went into labor.

2. How many classes a week would you take during and after your pregnancy?

The amount of classes I took a week while being pregnant varied, but on average I took 5x a week. After having my little babies, it too varied, depending on how much sleep I got the night before, but around 4-5 times a week.

3. After giving birth how long was it before you came back to Pure Barre?

Like I said before, I'm sure some would call me crazy and I don't recommend this unless cleared by your doctor, but I took my first class back after giving birth 8 days later. 

4. How did Pure Barre help you bounce back from pregnancy?

Oh man where do I start! Pure Barre not only helped my physical body bounce back after having my children, but it helped with my mental state just as much, or I would venture to say, even more! Pure Barre is so motivating and gives you little mantras that you easily convert into daily life. I clung to "You are so much stronger than you think" a lot during before and after my labor.

5. Do you think that doing Pure Barre during your pregnancy helped you bounce back faster after giving birth?

Without one single doubt! Pure Barre kept me physically in check, and also cardiovascularly (I don't think that is an actual word, but I just made it one ;) ) in shape! I'm not sure how many of you had a baby, but holy cow- it can take your breath away!

6. Was there enough pregnancy modifications that you could still get the same workout pre pregnancy?

Absolutely, there was a modification for everything we did. I'm so thankful for that!

7. Was there anything else that helped you lose the pregnancy weight?

I take my vitamins on the daily, and I completely contribute my energy to them! Without those little vitamins, I don't know how I would make it through the day, let alone work up enough energy to workout. 

8. What advice would you give to those who are pregnant and want to do Pure Barre?

My advice to those who are wanting to do Pure Barre while being pregnant is simple, absolutely try it! Also, listen to your body. I had an outstanding doctor that helped me understand that our bodies are meant to have babies. If it feels okay, it's usually ok. If it feels wrong, it's usually wrong. Trust yourself over anyone else. If there is another last in class that is pregnant, and isn't modifying something you feel the need to modify, then listen to yourself and modify it. 

9. Anything else you want to add?

I am a lover of pictures, and I would have t say -  take pictures! Sometimes we don't realize the amount of changes we are creating on ourselves until we see a little snippet of then and now. I can't tell you how many times I would start getting frustrated with myself, and then I would pull out a "before" photo and actually see my progress. To me, they kept me motivated. Find what motivates you, and hold onto that!

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